Clack Of Tiny Sparks: Remembrances Of A Gay Boyhood By Bernard Cooper

Comparative Literature Paper
Comparing and contrasting literature is an important way to show the similarities and differences between the two works. There are several types of literature one can compare and contrast; however, in this paper we will be discussing a form of literature known as essays. An essay is an exceptional way for an author to convey an opinion, emotion, or personal experience. In this paper we will look at two essays that demand comparison; American History written by Judith Ortiz Cofer (1993), and A Clack of Tiny Sparks: Remembrances of a Gay Boyhood written by Bernard Cooper (1991). The two works of literature seem so different on the outside, yet upon further analysis one can begin to notice many similarities making
Both essays also made very good use of literary devices. American History used literary devices like plot, conflict, climax, protagonist and antagonist, and irony to help tell the story. A Clack of Tiny Sparks: Remembrances of a Gay Boyhood also made very good use of most of the same literary devices but rather then the obvious use of irony like in American History, this essay used symbolism. Both essays used literary devices to keep their readers engaged and feeling as though they can relate to the characters of the essays.
The most obvious literary device used in American History was irony. The irony in this story pertained more to the title rather then the actual story. Because of the essay being titled American History, the reader would think that the story would have had more to do with the assassination of President Kennedy; however, the essay actually had quite little to do with this event. Ironically enough, what should seem like such a major event in an essay title American History seemed to just blend more into the background of the story while the major conflicts and climax focused more on the event between Elena and
Both essays were also easily relatable to by their audience. While both essays are so much alike in their portrayal of two young teenagers living in a society that is not very accepting of them as individuals; which is something we can all relate to, I am sure everyone has at one point in their lives felt different or like they did not belong. They both had their obvious differences as well in their themes, writing styles, and use of literary devices; making these two essays important candidates for comparing and contrasting. The way I felt about these two essays is best summed up in a quote by Bernard Cooper himself, “a good piece of literature causes you to have a sense of identification, even if the experience is remote from your own. When suddenly you feel that you’ve taken on a completely foreign experience and you’re living it to its fullest, it’s absolutely transporting. It’s one of the greatest pleasures literature can offer” (Abcarian & Klotz, 2007, p. 1148). Now that we have discussed the similarities and differences between the essays, American History and A Clack of Tiny Sparks: Remembrances of a Gay Boyhood, I highly recommend taking the time to read them yourselves using your critical reading skills. Both essays are certain to leave an impact in your