Format for Compare/Contrast Essay:Shakespeare writes about and explores throughout Romeo and Juliet
Task: For this assignment, you will be required to compare and contrast (discuss the similarities AND differences) any two (2) types of love Shakespeare writes about and explores throughout Romeo and Juliet. As this is a
formal essay, you should avoid using language like “I think…” or “I believe…”
Your essay should be double-spaced and approximately 2 ½ – 3 pages in length. Be sure to include quotations
from the play to support your opinion/thesis statement.
- When you are quoting Shakespeare within an essay, you should format it like this:
“Upon this hint I spake: / She lov’d me for the dangers I had pass’d, / And I lov’d her that she did pity
them” (I.iii.166-168).
(Act, Scene, line #s) - Introduction
Background information regarding the two types of love you chose to explore in your essay.
Purpose / Focus of essay / Thesis (the last sentence of your introductory paragraph that states your opinion/
belief of the topic). This should be approximately ¼ page in length.
Sample thesis statement: The nurse and Friar Laurence exhibit stronger parental love/mentorship relationships with Romeo and Juliet than their biological parents do throughout the play. - First Body Paragraph
First type of love description and quote(s) from play. * You should include at least three (3) quotes from the play
to support EACH of your body paragraph. * Remember to include important character information with your
quotes from the text. This should be approximately ½ page in length. - Second Body Paragraph
Second type of love description and quote(s) from play. This should be approximately ½ page in length.
Third Body Paragraph
Similarities between the two. This should be approximately ½ page in length.
Fourth Body Paragraph
Differences between the two. This should be approximately ½ page in length. - Conclusion
Summarize main points. Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement but reword it. This is challenging and takes a lot of revision to get it right! The summarize your essay. This should be approximately ¼
page in length.
