Question

Check your writing to confirm that you composed a literary analysis compare-and-contrast essay.

Check all of the boxes that apply to your writing.

My thesis is clear and establishes the common theme around which I compare and contrast the two works.

My ideas are clear and supported with evidence from the poem and the short story.

I have analyzed and referred to literary devices where appropriate.

My essay is organized with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

I include transitions where appropriate.

My writing has a good flow.

Answer 1

I don’t yet have your essay text, so I can’t check the boxes for you. Below is a quick, practical checklist you can use to self-assess whether your piece meets each requirement. For each item, answer the short diagnostic question; if you answer Yes, you can check that box. If you answer No or Not sure, I include a brief fix.

1) My thesis is clear and establishes the common theme around which I compare and contrast the two works.
- Diagnostic question: Does your opening paragraph contain one sentence that names both works (and authors) and states a specific, arguable claim about a shared theme you will analyze?
- If not: Rewrite the thesis so it names both works and asserts how they treat the same theme (not just “they’re similar” or “they’re different”).

2) My ideas are clear and supported with evidence from the poem and the short story.
- Diagnostic question: Does each body paragraph include at least one specific textual reference (short quotation or precise paraphrase) from each work when making a point, followed by explanation?
- If not: Add brief quotations or precise references, then explain how each supports your point—don’t leave quotes unexamined.

3) I have analyzed and referred to literary devices where appropriate.
- Diagnostic question: Do you identify devices (imagery, symbolism, tone, diction, form, metaphor, rhyme, point of view, etc.) and explain how each device contributes to theme or meaning?
- If not: For each major claim, name one device used by the author and explain its effect on the reader or theme.

4) My essay is organized with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Diagnostic question: Does the paper open with an introduction that contains the thesis, include multiple body paragraphs each focused on a single comparative point, and end with a conclusion that synthesizes rather than merely repeats?
- If not: Rearrange into that structure; give each paragraph a clear topic sentence.

5) I include transitions where appropriate.
- Diagnostic question: Do you use transitional phrases or sentences to show relationships between paragraphs and between ideas within paragraphs (e.g., however, similarly, in contrast, consequently, furthermore, on the other hand)?
- If not: Add transitions at the start of paragraphs and between sentences where the logic jumps.

6) My writing has a good flow.
- Diagnostic question: Do sentences vary in length/structure, avoid awkward repetition, and lead logically from claim → evidence → analysis; do paragraphs connect so the paper reads as a unified argument?
- If not: Read aloud to find choppy spots; combine or split sentences, add topic sentences and linking sentences, and remove redundant phrases.

If you want, paste your essay (or a paragraph) and I’ll mark which boxes apply and give specific edits.