<span>Because your
goal for this essay is to discuss how Shakespeare transformed the original
source, you’ll want to focus, first, on what they both have in common (comparing
similar attributes). Then, you’ll want
to focus on how elements of similarities were changed or how new things
entirely were added or how things may have even been omitted (contrast). This can be done in one of two ways—block or
point by point.
</span>
<span />
<span>If you
format the essay in block format, you’ll first discuss in a paragraph or two
elements selected for discussion in “Pyramus and Thisbe.” Then, after you finish discussing Ovid’s myth,
you’ll discuss, also in a paragraph or two, the elements being
compared/contrasted in Shakespeare’s work.
Be sure to discuss the same points in the same order in block
method. A compare/contrast essay in this
method might resemble the following:</span>
INTRO
PARAGRAPH
BODY PARAGRAPH
– Ovid
Attribute 1
Attribute 2
Attribute 3
BODY
PARAGRAPH – Shakespeare
Attribute 1
Attribute 2
Attribute 3
CONCLUSION
<span>Another
method used when constructing a compare/contrast essay is called point by
point. In this format, you will discuss
elements of both works within the same paragraph and do so point by point. An essay constructed in this manner might
resemble the following: </span>
INTRODUCTION
PARAGRAPH
Attribute
from Ovid
Same attribute
from Shakespeare
PARAGRAPH
Attribute
from Ovid
Same attribute
from Shakespeare
PARAGRAPH
Attribute
from Ovid
Same attribute
from Shakespeare
CONCLUSION
<span>In this type
for format, be sure to always discuss the same work first. Thus, Ovid should always be mentioned first,
then you’ll follow that up with a discussion of Shakespeare because, after all,
you are supposed to be discussing how Shakespeare changed things, and this
would make the most sense. Point by
point would probably be the most efficient manner in which to highlight the
transformations made by Shakespeare since it would keep both elements fresh
within the mind/eye of the reader.</span>
