Compare and contrast the summary of two stories An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce

Outline Format for Writing Comparison and Contrast

“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oates

A. Introduction: Two stories (author and title), common theme, protagonist and major conflict. Your thesis should state how each main character through conflict(s) and events (plot) portrays the theme of each story. (Use 4 to 8 sentences)

B. Body paragraph (1) Introduce through plot summary the protagonist and major conflict of the first story selected (Make sure you include the author and title) – limit your plot summary to one paragraph of no less than 10 sentences and no more than 14 sentences. Do not retell the story, just highlight the points you would like to emphasize.

C. Body paragraph (2) Introduce through plot summary the protagonist and major conflict of the second story selected (Make sure you include the author and title correctly) – limit your plot summary to one paragraph of no less than 10 sentences and no more than 14 sentences. Do not retell the story, just highlight the important points you would like to emphasize.

D. Body paragraph (3) Select from the first story the first conflict and event that highlights the theme to closely examine the author’s message. Limit yourself to just one quotation from the story followed by an explanation of what you mean. Summarize the event that exhibits the conflict. Your paragraph should be between 8 to 14 sentences.

E. Body paragraph (4) Select from the second story the first conflict and event that highlights the theme to closely examine the author’s message. Limit yourself to just one quotation from the story followed by an explanation of what you mean. Summarize the event that exhibits the conflict. Your paragraph should be between 8 to 14 sentences.

F. Body paragraph (5) Select from the first story the second conflict and event that highlights the theme to closely examine the author’s message. Limit yourself to just one quotation from the story followed by an explanation of what you mean. Summarize the event that exhibits the conflict. Your paragraph should be between 8 to 14 sentences.

G. Body paragraph (6) Select from the second story the second conflict and event that highlights the theme to closely examine the author’s message. Limit yourself to just one quotation from the story followed by an explanation of what you mean. Summarize the event that exhibits the conflict. Your paragraph should be between 8 to 14 sentences.

H. Body paragraphs (7, 8) follow the pattern used in paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6.

I. Body paragraph (9) Reflect on how the common theme of both stories appears in real life situations. Provide an example or two.

J. Your conclusion should restate in different words your introductory paragraph.