Description A comparative analysis compares and contrasts two or more things: nonfiction texts, literature, art, historical events, philosophical theories etc. The themes or ideas that run through these comparisons hold meaningful contrasts that are used to construct an argument.
For example, Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is similar to Looking for Alaska by John Green; however, their differences are important to the reader's understanding of theme. In Catcher, Holden Caulfield, expelled from his fourth private school, disengages himself from meaningful relationships while trying to avoid and come to terms with growing up. On the other hand, Miles willing attends private school in hopes of developing friendships that will help him understand the Great Perhaps. The journeys these two characters take are extraordinarily different, but they both ultimately come to a greater understanding about life, growing up, and losing those you love.
The elements of the comparative analysis are similar to those of the Literary Analysis Essay.