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Compare and Contrast Essay

Both “And of Clay Are We Created” by Isabel Allende and “The Man in the Water” by

Roger Rosenblatt center around a courageous person who endangers his life to help another.

However, since these two literary pieces have different genres, the two authors portray this

theme in two different manners.

The author’s choice of genre affects the author’s purpose for writing. Allende’s purpose

in her historical fiction short story is to share a particular insight with the reader. Although this

story centers on a real event, the eruption of a volcano in South America, the author personalizes

the story to draw more emotional appeal. Thus, the reader is able to sympathize with the main

character, unlike what occurs in nonfictional pieces. In “The Man in the Water,” Roseblatt chose

a nonfictional genre to share his purpose with the reader: to examine an issue and to make a

point. This persuasive essay allows the author to utilize facts and real-world examples to support

his claims.

Genre also affects how the author presents his or her theme in the literary work. In “And

of Clay Are We Created,” the theme is implied. By showing the relationship between Rolf Carle

and Azucena, the reader learns that forces of man are more powerful than those of nature, as man

has the ability to provide comfort even in the face of disaster. During the time Carle and Azucena

spent together, both are able to share their grief with each other, a way of consolation. Carle

gives Azucena protection, encouragement, and companionship while she is stuck in the mud pit;

after talking about her fears, the girl gives Carle a chance to confront his own frightening past,

remembering his punishments by his father and his little retarded sister Katharina.

Looking at “The Man in the Water,” we see Rosenblatt states his main idea at the end of

his essay. Using the story of the plane crash, the author shows, with facts, that the forces of

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nature can overcome the forces of human nature, but it is our job to do “the best we can do” by

acting on our “distinctions, principles, and faith” (pp. 276-77). The man in the water exemplies

the best man one can be. An ordinary person, this anonymous man serves as a universal model

that we also have the potential to be brave and unselfish. The man willingly handed life over to

strangers, even though he was aware of the consequences. He shows us that the best way to

battle an “implacable, impersonal enemy” is to fight it with altruism (p. 277).

Elements of the genre support the author’s theme or main idea. Allende’s historical

fiction genre allows her to use human characterization to portray the power of nature in contrast

to power of human nature. The characters, Azucena and Carle, helped to develop the theme

concerning nature and man. We recognize the importance and simplicity of man’s power,

consolation and compassion. These human characteristics are present in each character’s action,

symbolizing the power of man versus that of nature. On the other hand, Rosenblatt relies on facts

and examples to support his main idea. By providing background on the tragic plane crash, the

author analyzes the man in the water’s actions to illustrate his point. He shows why this man is

exemplary and makes us proud of the power of human nature.

In conclusion, the author’s choice of genre affects how the theme is presented and how it

is supported. Fictional works weave the theme into the story of the characters, using literary

elements to illustrate theme. Nonfictional works boldly state main idea with supporting facts and

examples. However, although these two authors used different genres, they brought out the same

theme: the forces of nature can overcome the forces of human nature.