How to Compare Texts

Understanding the Texts

First, read the texts thoroughly. Understand the overall meaning and the smaller, nuanced details.
Identify the genre of the text. Knowing whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc, can help set a basis for comparison.
Pay attention to and analyse the language, style, and tone of the texts.

Consider the historical and cultural context in which the texts are written. Contextual understanding can help explain the attitudes and values in the text.
Examine how the author’s background could have influenced their writing.

Identify the main themes in each of the texts. These could include topics like love, death, freedom, etc.
Discuss how these themes are explored differently or similarly in the two texts.
Consider whether the texts share any common messages or values, or if they present conflicting ideas.

Identify the main characters in each text and compare their personalities, behaviours, and roles in the story.
Discuss how the authors have chosen to portray these characters- are they sympathetic, pitiful, admirable?

Discuss the authors’ use of narrative techniques such as the point of view (first person, third person), use of dialogue, or use of imagery.
Compare the structure of the texts. Look out for things like the arrangement of ideas, use of paragraphs, and overall flow of the piece.

Structure your ideas thoughtfully. One method is to discuss one text fully and then move onto the next. Another method is the alternate method, where you discuss one aspect of a text and then the corresponding aspect in the second text.
Use comparison linking words such as ‘similarly’, ‘on the other hand’, ‘whereas’, to clearly indicate when you are making comparisons.
Make sure your comparison is balanced. Devote equal attention to both texts in your analysis.
Include direct quotes from the texts to support your points.
Formulate a conclusion that summarises the similarities and differences between the texts.