Compare and contrast - AP® English Definition

Compare and contrast is a method of examining two or more things to show how they are similar (compare) and how they are different (contrast). In AP English, students use compare and contrast to analyse texts, characters, themes, or writing styles.

Writers and students use this technique to highlight key features, make connections, or show how something has changed. It helps develop deeper understanding and is often used in essay prompts or literary analysis questions on the AP English exam.

Example of compare and contrast in an AP English text

In comparing The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Awakening by Kate Chopin, students might look at how both main characters — Gatsby and Edna — pursue dreams that lead to personal loss.

While Gatsby seeks love and status through wealth, Edna seeks freedom through independence. Comparing and contrasting their goals and outcomes helps readers understand the themes of identity, society, and failure in each novel.