CLEP English Literature

CLEP English Literature covers the analysis and interpretation of literary texts from various periods and genres.

Advanced Topics

Comparative Literary Analysis

Comparing and Contrasting Texts

Comparative analysis means looking at two or more texts to see how they are similar or different. This approach reveals new insights about themes, style, and historical context.

Steps to Compare

  1. Choose a Basis: Theme, character, style, or historical period.
  2. Find Similarities: What do the works share?
  3. Spot Differences: Where do they diverge?
  4. Draw Conclusions: What does this comparison reveal about each text?

Example Comparison

Comparing the treatment of love in Shakespeare’s sonnets and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s sonnets shows both shared passion and unique perspectives.

Why Try This?

This skill helps you make connections, think critically, and write stronger essays.

Examples

  • Comparing the portrayal of ambition in 'Macbeth' and 'Frankenstein.'

  • Contrasting dystopian themes in George Orwell’s '1984' and Aldous Huxley’s 'Brave New World.'

In a Nutshell

Discover deeper meanings by comparing two or more works of literature.