Name__________________________

Period_____

Date_________

Romeo and Juliet Final Essay- Painting Analysis

Directions:
As a concluding project to our study of Romeo and Juliet, you will draft an essay in which you compare
(and therefore analyze) the two paintings of the tomb scene that we have studied in class: Tomb Scene
by Joseph Wright of Derby and A Monument Belonging to the Capulets by James Northcote.
Remember, a comparative essay implies the presence of both similarities and differences; as you
compare, feel free to note both in your analysis of the two paintings.
Your paper must use all MLA guidelines (12 point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, proper
headers, title, heading, parenthetical citations) and will be written using either the BLOCK or POINT
BY POINT method of organization (see the back of the handout). You must write a 4 paragraph, 2-3 page
essay.
This essay will be worth 100 points: 75 points for content and 10 points for writing mechanics and clarity
of ideas. There will be a separate 10 point assignment for bringing in a completed rough draft to class
for editing on Tuesday, December 1st.
**Essays are due at 11:59 PM on Thursday, December 3rd. Your essay will be submitted electronically on
Turnitin.com. Essays submitted after this deadline will be subject to a penalty of 10% per day.
Essay Topic Guidelines
Using either the point by point OR block format, develop an essay of comparison using the thesis
statement below. You must not deviate from this thesis statement or change it in any way; it is here to
help you and guide your writing. You must use specific examples from the text and details from the
paintings as support for your ideas. Remember that your topic sentences should follow the outline from
your paragraph packet. You must have at least one quote from the play per body paragraph.
Your thesis statement:
In the paintings A Monument Belonging to the Capulets by James Northcote and Tomb Scene
by Joseph Wright of Derby, the artists use elements such as lighting, color, and _______________ to
focus on key moments in Act V, Scene III from Romeo and Juliet.

Essay of Comparison: Organizational Structure

Name__________________________

Period_____

Date_________

Organization assumes great importance in comparison and contrast writing. Whether focusing on
similarities or differences, most writers tend to employ several ways of organizing their material. The
TWO primary formats used to structure a comparison essay. The BLOCK and POINT BY POINT
formats may be used for any essay of comparison (not just literary analysis).
Block Format
Illustrate all the details of one subject first. Then, using a transition, you repeat comparable details
for the second subject. Realize the importance of parallel structure!
For example, if you choose to compare two hockey teams, the Devils and the Rangers, you would
set up your comparison in the following manner:
Introductory Paragraph- Including thesis that mentions comparison of two teams
Body Paragraph #1- Devils history, Devils championships, Devils players
Body Paragraph #2- Rangers history, Rangers championships, Rangers players
Concluding Paragraph- Push readers to observe which of the two is better (the Devils)
Point by Point Format
A sharper contrast can be established using this method. Establish a three point comparison
between the two subjects and create an alternating pattern of organization. Use transitions
between paragraphs and continue to use parallel structure.
For example, if you choose to compare two hockey teams, the Devils and the Rangers, you would
set up your comparison in the following manner:
Introductory Paragraph- Including thesis that mentions comparison of two teams AND
three points of comparison
Body Paragraph #1- Devils history compared to Rangers history
Body Paragraph #2- Devils championships compared to Rangers championships
Body Paragraph #3- Devils players compared to Rangers players
Concluding Paragraph- Push readers to observe which of the two is better (the Devils)