Comparison/Contrast - From Topic Subjects to Essay Organization

Suppose you had the following essay topic (which is simply an exercise in comparison/contrast):
Compare the two sculptures, one by August Rodin and the other by Robert Indiana.

Step One: find the common features:

Both sculptures: 

• deal with the same theme (LOVE)
• are meant to be viewed by the public
• suggest "something" about humanity

Step Two: find the differences within each common feature, keeping the same order as you have established:

• theme: love
• Rodin's statue titled "The Kiss" deals with physical love/sensual love; it's very definite, involving two people who are lovers, perhaps husband & wife; the emphasis is personal
• Indiana's sculpture of "LOVE" suggests a broader, more idealistic view of love, in an abstract form, a generalized ideal of love
• viewed by the public
• Rodin's sculpture is most at home in a museum, where art is appreciated and where people seek the beauty/inspiration found in art
• Robert Indiana's sculpture is easily found in a park and could be re-located to another public arena; it is intended to be viewed by all people, whether they have a background in art or not; in fact, this sculpture is seen by the masses--again reinforcing a love between all people
• what it suggests to or about people
• Rodin's sculpture is both romantic and provocative; it appeals to people in the same way as a love poem might and suggests to the viewer the importance of connecting with another person in an intimate embrace and relationship
• Indiana's sculpture, on the other hand, suggests that love is universal; it stands as a reminder to all people of the importance of community compassion, understanding; it reminds the public that not only do individuals need love, but the world, the nation, the community needs it as well

All of the above are notes that you might (or might not) make before writing a rough draft. NOW--one must decide upon organization, and because it is a C/C essay, it must be tight and logical.

For subject to subject organization, take one sculpture and discuss the relevant points that have been chose; then do the next one:

Rodin                                                                        Indiana
theme                                                                        theme
viewers                                                                     viewers
suggestions                                                                suggestions

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THERE SHOULD ONLY BE TWO BODY PARAGRAPHS.

The key is organization!!!  THE ORDER NEEDS TO REMAIN THE SAME IN EACH EXAMPLE.

ALSO: all that has been done here is a straight-forward comparison/contrast, for the sake of comparison/contrast. However, comparison/contrast is MOST effective when it is completed for a specific purpose, especially if it is for argument or evaluation.