Lit 12 Compare/Contrast or Theme Essay

Work with up to one other student to write this essay. Choose one of the three options. 2+ pages.

1.       Compare and contrast The Things They Carried to Breaking Away. You should use examples from the texts to show how they are similar and different, but your ultimate goal is to show one as being more (relevant, entertaining, accurate, etc) than the other.

Ideas for similarities and differences: Coming of age or getting older, friendship, survival of the fittest / physical prowess, fear, individuals within groups, disappointment, sacrificing for others, human nature, character development, death, revenge, greatness, jealousy/envy, duty

Thesis outlining what, how, and why you will argue

Similar (2+)

Different (2+)

Conclusion

2.       Use at least two of the texts (The Things They Carried, Breaking Away, A Secret for Two, Hamlet, Rifles of the Regiment) to show the importance of relationships and why they matter

3.       Use at least two of the texts to show the importance of physical ability or bravery and how it is seen by others.

4.       Video option: Make a video mash up (music video) demonstrating the close friendship between characters in Breaking Away—use the Pride and Prejudice videos as a guide. The song should say something about the characters/theme and the video chosen should be appropriate to the song’s lyrics.

OR Make a modern / five-minute version of Hamlet: The abridged version.

OR Video about The Things They Carried (ask if you have an idea)