How should I approach a comparative essay between Things Fall Apart and Heart of Darkness?

There are a variety of ways of approaching the structure of a comparative essay. I find the most effective method in achieving a high-grade essay is to run a comparison throughout the essay, rather than focusing on one book, and then the other. A thematic approach is best advised, as it enables you to engage with the key themes present in both novels. You can then appreciate how the two authors approach these themes differently. I would suggest using perhaps three or four themes to structure your essay. For example, a key theme in both Heart of Darkness and Things fall Apart would be the theme of Personal Dislocation. On the one hand, both Marlow and Okonkwo are characters who share a feeling of dislocation amongst their community. Yet on the other hand, their feelings of dislocation differ due to their contrasting perspectives in light of Colonialisation: one plays the role of colonizer, and the other of the colonized. It is interesting in this way not just to highlight what is different about the novels, but also what is similar. This is where context may be used, especially when considering the authors and their contemporary environment. Context should be considered in each of your thematic sections, as should a consideration of the language, structure and forms of the novels. Here you could use quotes, and draw a comparison between Conrad’s colonial, matter-of-fact voice with the lyrical, proverbial Igbo language used by Achebe. It is also a good idea to consider the two authors intentions in writing the novels. In this case, Achebe hoped to “give voice to the voiceless”, and to exploit the racism found in Conrads Heart of Darkness. The ultimate way to improve your comparisons is by practice. Doing practice questions is a great way to revise as it prepares you for writing under time conditions, whilst also exercising your knowledge of various themes. It is thus highly recommended that you do these practice papers timed, as time management is very important in the exam.