Sample Comparison and Contrast Outline

Thesis: Both William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” and Louise Erdrich’s “American Horse” posit loyalty to family and/or culture as both destructive and affirmative through their depictions of difficult parental relationships, use of symbolism, and characterization of people and groups outside of familial relationships.

Body Section 1:

Overarching Critical Topic Sentence: In both stories, the young male protagonists both love their parents and are disappointed in their behavior.

Smaller Topic Sentence 1: In Faulkner’s text, Sarty is embarrassed by Abner and in awe of

him.

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· Discussion of always having a home to go to

· Proud of his military service

· Sees his father’s enemies as his

· Father explains his behavior

Paragraph 2

· Wants to tell the truth

· Tries to work hard to make up for father

· Embarrassed about the rug

· Wishes he could see the majesty of De Spain

Smaller Topic Sentence 2 While Buddy clearly loves his mother, he also does not seem happy about the example that she sets.

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· Wishes she would die

· Feels overwhelmed because he is the only thing that makes her happier

· Dreads what is to come, when she seems less anxious.

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· Loves her as much as he would if he were inside of her.

· Wishes to be her husband

· Cries at the end

Body section 2:

Overarching Critical Topic Sentence 2: While symbolism is important in “Barn Burning” and “American Horse,” they use different symbols to emphasize the problematic and beneficial qualities of family.

Smaller Topic Sentence 1 Faulkner uses blood and fire as important symbols in his texts

· Blood binds and becomes something that he has to protect

· Blood causes him pain at the end

· Blood puts him at odds with society

Fire is also a symbol for the Snopes family (Second small topic sentence about BB in the same body section)

· Abner’s attraction to fire

· Fire is his only mode of expression

· Fire solidifies the significance of blood

· It ultimately destroys their family.

Smaller Topic Sentence 2 Within Erdrich’s text, both butterflies and dreams are important symbols.

· Butterflies are a connection to the family legacy

· The power that the butterfly bestows is destroyed by the outside world (suggesting that the outside world makes it difficult for familial relationships to survive)

Dreams symbolizes the danger of the outside world. (Second small topic sentence about AH in the same body section)

· Dream of the metal claws coming to get him.

Body Section 3

Critical Topic Sentence 2 While Sarty seems more sympathetic to the outside world, Buddy sees the outside world as destructive.

Smaller Topic Sentence 1 Although he sees some members of the outside world as enemies, he seems to privilege outsiders above his family.

· Sees the de Spain as possible control of over his father

· Wants to leave his family

· Tells on his family

· Does not return at the end

Smaller Topic Sentence 2 Within “American Horse,” the other non-familial characters are destructive forces.

· The other cop is disrespectful during a serious situation

· Looks down on their way of life (Ms. Koob)

· Mistreatment of Uncle Lawrence

· The dreams

· The candy