I was given a homework assignment over the summer, and I do not understand the task of an essay. Help?

Question

The assignment was to read two books and then write and essay about them.

The teacher who gave me the assignment said to

"stick to literary elements, and avoid thematic commonalities"

I do not understand what she meant by that, and was hoping if someone could say what she said, but with more understanding words.

Answer 1

Here is a website that lists all literary elements, give it a look and it will probably help you out: http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/lit...

And I think she means to avoid similar subjects with the books that you read (i.e; like don't read Twilight and then read Breaking Dawn for your essays), but I could be wrong since I just looked up thematic and commonalities online.

Hope I helped, good luck with your essays. (:

Answer 2

She wants you to discuss the literary elements in each book individually, not to say, "both books are about horses," or "both books are about revenge."  For each book, discuss the plot, characterization, mood, tone.....

Answer 3

The best way for you to understand what she wants is to get a dictionary and define the words you don't understand.  That way, you will know exactly what it was you were supposed to do over the summer.