Comparative TextNotes for Essay

Work 5th Year English

Pointers for Comparative Writing

• Comparison means both similarities and differences

• The comparative questions are mode-based, not text-based.

• Be guided by the modes and avoid writing potted summaries.

Basic Know-How for The Comparative

Study• The Comparative Modes for Examination in 2011 are:

• Higher Level • (i) Theme or Issue• (ii) The Cultural Context• (iii) Vision/Viewpoint

• You do not need to make close studies of the Comparative texts – this is a waste of time. After you have read the text go back and select KEY MOMENTS.

• Use your Lies of Silence Summary

SINGLE TEXT      COMPARATIVERead text closely Read for story☺

Trace Character development

Search for key moments

Know Themes Know the modes ☺

Plot and subplotStudy the key moments

Language and Imagery

Put the similarities and differences together

Role of minor characters

Find links

Task and Tips

• Write paragraphs analysing the following in relation to the cultural background of lies of silence

• Use your PEE chain method of answering

• Use the summary to find key moments that back up your points

• Explore

.

POI NT

LI NK PHRASE 1

EXAMPLE /EVI DENCE

LI NK PHRASE 2

EXPLAI N /EXPLORE

For example … I know this because he says … This is apparent in the line … This is shown by …

This quotation shows … This example highlights … The writer says this to suggest … I chose this quotation because …

An example: Michael Dillon can be considered a hero due to his actions in the book. A key moment that shows this is the one where he rings in to tell the police that there is a bomb in his car. This shows us

that Dillon is able and willing to make a moral choice which may result in his wife’s death. Although we may baulk at his decision to seemingly execute a loved one, we can understand his actions are for

the greater good of the public.

You should use the PEE Chain to help you structure your responses to texts. Try to picture the chain in your head as you answer.

What is the cultural context of a text?

• Write paragraphs analysing the following in relation to the cultural background of ‘lies of silence’

• The makeup of the society• Social customs and traditions • Race/class differences • The value system in that society • The position of men and women

respectively • Power structures

• Use the summary to help

you find examples of

these• Use a dictionary

to look up difficult words

• Use these as POINTS • Give

examples • Explore the

text

Position of men in society

IRAKev

ViolentSilent intimidationMen have power

Father ConollyReligious yet

politicisedPassive male

pressure

PottingerBigot

DislikedPolitical

Ordinary workers going about their

businessObedient to

Dillon in hotel

DillonHaving affair

Brave/ CowardInner conflict

Is he a good man?Do you respect him?

American owner

Disinterested in Belfast

Example Mind Map for points

Power

American hotels owner

power to move Dillon

Father ConollyCatholic

pressure IRA sympahiser

PottingerBigot

DislikedPolitical

Ordinary people have no power

All innocent Yet threatened

by violence

DillonPower to

wreck marriage

Power of Moira’s stand

against violence

IRAPower of violence

IntimidationSilent intimidation

Power of police

Influence

Example Mind Map for POWER

• Use these as POINTS • Give

examples • Explore the

text

Makeup of

society

Modern values Breakdown of

marriageAffair

Catholic vs

protestant

Conflict in Belfast vs

ordinary life in belfast

Ordinary peoplePolice

Role of women

IRAPolitics

Power of police

Influence

Parents of Moire,

+Dillon,

Example Mind Map for Society

• Use these as POINTS • Give

examples • Explore the

text

Theme or Issue

• YOUR TASK IS TO• Examine the main idea/ideas

or central concerns in the text.

• Compare central themes from different texts.

THE OUTSIDER

Each bubble is a paragraph

Each bubble is a paragraph within which you compare the 3 texts under the topic.

The Curious Incident of the dog in the nighttime

The Truman Show

C

5th year English

• Comparative Studies Module - Assignment

• ‘Discuss how a particular theme is treated in the two texts on your comparative course.

• Write an essay comparing the treatment of a single theme that is common to the texts you have studied on your comparative course

• Leaving Certificate question • Paper 2 2004

Example

One of the strongest relationships in the three texts is that between mother and son. In both TCD and W, there is a vital and strong loving bond between Rachel and Samuel and Christopher and his mother. In contrast in S, the relationship between Keith and his mother is strained. Keith is a fiercely disciplined and a faintly sinister boy who has a cool relationship with his mother.

Add Evidence to support your pointsExpand ideas vis Paragraphs

• THE WORLD OF CHRISTOPHER BOONE IS TWOFOLD.

• THERE IS THE WORLD HE LIVES IN, THAT OF SWINDON A SMALL TOWN IN SOUTH CENTRAL ENGLAND.

• ADDED TO THIS THERE IS THE WORLD HE INHABITS THAT OF HIS OWN PARTICULAR VIEW OF THE WORLD

Police ASBOSWarn ChristopherSeem to be under pressure

Does Christopher

obey the rules of the

Police?

Yes He says that he feels safe when they say things like on T,V

School Christopher goes to a special needs school

Christopher’s house

Semi detached , quiet neighbourhood, Drug users next door

NeighbourhoodStreetShopsPark

Shop run by Indian lady –MULTICULTURAL MODERN BRITAINChristopher is afraid of the park Stranger DangerDrug users

Swindon (circle answer)

Urban or Suburban

Is it a safe town? Yes RelativelyIs there a sense of community?

No one talks to each otherSense of isolationMrs Alexander has seen Christopher but not talked to him.

How does Mrs Alexander treat Christopher?Well. She offers him Lemonade, cake and biscuits FAMILYFather’s Name John BooneOccupation Boiler repair manIs he ambitious? No. although he does own his own businessHow does he spend his spare time He watches T.V and drinks beer How rich is the family? Not very poor or very rich – Middle class> working classHow does Rhodri treat Christopher? He asks him to perform mental arithmetic for his amusement

What is Christopher

’s world like?

Assignment

• Write a character sketch on Christopher

• Due on Monday