Compare and Contrast

Assignment Overview

Both Tuesdays with Morrie and Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—" offer profound wisdom about how to live a meaningful life. In this assignment, you will write a well-developed comparison essay that examines the similarities and differences between the speaker in "If—" and Morrie Schwartz's perspective on life.

Writing Task

Compare and contrast the speaker in Rudyard Kipling's "If—" to Morrie Schwartz's perspective in Tuesdays with Morrie**.**

Consider the following areas of comparison:

• Attitudes toward adversity and challenges
• Views on success and failure
• Perspectives on character and integrity
• Ideas about relationships and human connection
• Approaches to self-control and emotional regulation
• Definitions of what makes a meaningful life
• Beliefs about wisdom and maturity

Requirements

Length and Format

• Minimum 300 words (no maximum)
• Typed, double-spaced
• 12-point font, Times New Roman or Arial
• Standard 1-inch margins
• MLA heading (Name, Teacher, Course, Date)

Content Requirements

• Clear thesis statement that establishes your main comparison/contrast argument
• At least two pieces of textual evidence to support each major claim:
  • At least one example from Tuesdays with Morrie
  • At least one example from "If—"
• Logical organization that shows clear connections between the two texts
• Proper citations for all textual evidence (MLA format)
• Thoughtful analysis that goes beyond plot summary to examine deeper meanings

Textual Evidence GuidelinesFor "If—":

• Quote specific lines or stanzas
• Example citation: Kipling writes, "If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs" (lines 1-2).
• (Kipling 12-18)

For Tuesdays with Morrie**:**

• Use direct quotes or specific references to Morrie's aphorisms
• Include page numbers when available
• Example citation: Morrie states, "The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in" (Albom 52)