A good topic sentence for a compare and contrast essay should clearly state the main points of comparison or contrast being made in the essay. It should be specific and focus on a single idea, rather than being too broad or vague. The topic sentence should also be placed at the beginning of the paragraph, typically as the first sentence, to clearly introduce the topic and set the stage for the rest of the paragraph.
One example of a good topic sentence for a compare and contrast essay might be: "While both apples and oranges are commonly consumed as fresh fruit, they differ significantly in their nutritional content and taste." This sentence immediately establishes the two subjects being compared (apples and oranges) and provides a clear indication of the main points of comparison (nutritional content and taste).
It's also important to ensure that the topic sentence is relevant to the overall thesis of the essay. For example, if the essay is focused on comparing the nutritional value of apples and oranges, the topic sentence should reflect this focus and not stray into other areas of comparison such as the cost or availability of the two fruits.
Overall, a good topic sentence for a compare and contrast essay should be specific, clearly state the main points of comparison or contrast, and be relevant to the overall thesis of the essay.
In "The Destructors," a short story by Graham Greene, the main conflict is between the destructive impulses of a group of teenage boys and the societal norms that try to control and channel those impulses.
The story takes place in a post-war England that is struggling to rebuild and restore order after the chaos of World War II. Against this context, the boys' desire to destroy an old man's house can be seen as a way of rebelling against the constraints of society and asserting their own power and agency. However, their actions are also deeply transgressive, as they violate the social norms of respect and property ownership.
The conflict is further exacerbated by the fact that the boys come from disadvantaged backgrounds and feel marginalized and overlooked by the wider society. This sense of exclusion and resentment drives them to take out their frustration on the old man's house, which they see as a symbol of the wealthy and privileged class.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the boys' desire to destroy the house is not simply an act of vandalism, but a way of trying to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to offer them few opportunities. They are searching for a way to assert their identity and make their mark on the world, even if it means going against the expectations of those around them.
Ultimately, the conflict in "The Destructors" is a microcosm of the larger societal struggles that are taking place in post-war England. It highlights the tension between conformity and rebellion, and the ways in which individuals seek to find their place in a rapidly changing world.