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All 10 Flashcards — Comparing themes
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Question
Theme vs argument?
Answer
Theme = the topic; argument = what the work says about it.
Question
Why is ‘both are about love’ weak?
Answer
A shared topic with no argument — almost every work qualifies.
Question
What do you compare?
Answer
Each work's argument/claim about the theme.
Question
Where should each argument be rooted?
Answer
In specific textual moments and choices.
Question
Best kind of thematic comparison?
Answer
Two works reaching different or opposed verdicts on the same theme.
Question
Which criteria does this serve?
Answer
A (interpretation) and B2 (comparison).
Question
A theme is a…
Answer
Topic (love, power, memory) — the starting point, not the whole point.
Question
An argument is a…
Answer
Claim the work makes about the theme.
Question
Common weak move?
Answer
Naming a shared theme without comparing the arguments.
Question
Thematic comparison in one line?
Answer
‘A argues X about the theme; B argues Y’ — rooted in the text.
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Topic 4.7 hub
Comparing themes
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