Gupta 1

Compare and Contrast Essay Both And of Clay Are We Created by Isabel Allende and The Man in the Water by Roger Rosenblatt center around a courageous person who endangers his life to help another. However, since these two literary pieces have different genres, the two authors portray this theme in two different manners. The authors choice of genre affects the authors purpose for writing. Allendes purpose in her historical fiction short story is to share a particular insight with the reader. Although this story centers on a real event, the eruption of a volcano in South America, the author personalizes the story to draw more emotional appeal. Thus, the reader is able to sympathize with the main character, unlike what occurs in nonfictional pieces. In The Man in the Water, Roseblatt chose a nonfictional genre to share his purpose with the reader: to examine an issue and to make a point. This persuasive essay allows the author to utilize facts and real-world examples to support his claims. Genre also affects how the author presents his or her theme in the literary work. In And of Clay Are We Created, the theme is implied. By showing the relationship between Rolf Carle and Azucena, the reader learns that forces of man are more powerful than those of nature, as man has the ability to provide comfort even in the face of disaster. During the time Carle and Azucena spent together, both are able to share their grief with each other, a way of consolation. Carle gives Azucena protection, encouragement, and companionship while she is stuck in the mud pit; after talking about her fears, the girl gives Carle a chance to confront his own frightening past, remembering his punishments by his father and his little retarded sister Katharina. Looking at The Man in the Water, we see Rosenblatt states his main idea at the end of his essay. Using the story of the plane crash, the author shows, with facts, that the forces of

Gupta 2

nature can overcome the forces of human nature, but it is our job to do the best we can do by acting on our distinctions, principles, and faith (pp. 276-77). The man in the water exemplies the best man one can be. An ordinary person, this anonymous man serves as a universal model that we also have the potential to be brave and unselfish. The man willingly handed life over to strangers, even though he was aware of the consequences. He shows us that the best way to battle an implacable, impersonal enemy is to fight it with altruism (p. 277). Elements of the genre support the authors theme or main idea. Allendes historical fiction genre allows her to use human characterization to portray the power of nature in contrast to power of human nature. The characters, Azucena and Carle, helped to develop the theme concerning nature and man. We recognize the importance and simplicity of mans power, consolation and compassion. These human characteristics are present in each characters action, symbolizing the power of man versus that of nature. On the other hand, Rosenblatt relies on facts and examples to support his main idea. By providing background on the tragic plane crash, the author analyzes the man in the waters actions to illustrate his point. He shows why this man is exemplary and makes us proud of the power of human nature. In conclusion, the authors choice of genre affects how the theme is presented and how it is supported. Fictional works weave the theme into the story of the characters, using literary elements to illustrate theme. Nonfictional works boldly state main idea with supporting facts and examples. However, although these two authors used different genres, they brought out the same theme: the forces of nature can overcome the forces of human nature.