Iam very confused write a compare-and-contrast essay comparing ovid’s myth “pyramus and thisbe” with the play “pyramus and thisbe” enacted in shakespeare’s a midsummer night’s dream, act v, scene 1. examine and discuss the similarities and differences between the two versions. your goal is to explain how shakespeare transformed the original source

Because your goal for this essay is to discuss how Shakespeare transformed the original source, you’ll want to focus, first, on what they both have in common (comparing similar attributes).  Then, you’ll want to focus on how elements of similarities were changed or how new things entirely were added or how things may have even been omitted (contrast).   This can be done in one of two ways—block or point by point. 

If you format the essay in block format, you’ll first discuss in a paragraph or two elements selected for discussion in “Pyramus and Thisbe.”  Then, after you finish discussing Ovid’s myth, you’ll discuss, also in a paragraph or two, the elements being compared/contrasted in Shakespeare’s work.  Be sure to discuss the same points in the same order in block method.  A compare/contrast essay in this method might resemble the following:

INTRO PARAGRAPH

BODY PARAGRAPH – Ovid

Attribute 1

Attribute 2

Attribute 3

BODY PARAGRAPH – Shakespeare

Attribute 1

Attribute 2

Attribute 3

CONCLUSION

Another method used when constructing a compare/contrast essay is called point by point.  In this format, you will discuss elements of both works within the same paragraph and do so point by point.  An essay constructed in this manner might resemble the following: 

INTRODUCTION

PARAGRAPH

Attribute from Ovid

Same attribute from Shakespeare

PARAGRAPH

Attribute from Ovid

Same attribute from Shakespeare

PARAGRAPH

Attribute from Ovid

Same attribute from Shakespeare

CONCLUSION

In this type for format, be sure to always discuss the same work first.  Thus, Ovid should always be mentioned first, then you’ll follow that up with a discussion of Shakespeare because, after all, you are supposed to be discussing how Shakespeare changed things, and this would make the most sense.   Point by point would probably be the most efficient manner in which to highlight the transformations made by Shakespeare since it would keep both elements fresh within the mind/eye of the reader.