Compare and contrast...

'Compare and contrast' is the opening to a great many literature questions, from GCSE right through to degree. At A level you'll be expected to not only discern the difference but demonstrate you have grasped this clearly. 

The trick here is to decide before you start whether you will group the comparisons altogether (the ways in which the pieces are similar) then write on all the contrasts, or whether you will do one compare and contrast per paragraph. 

Either way you must remember not to make your points of contrast into an overly critical value judgement - you are being asked in what way they differ, not which one is better.

Finally you must conclude the essay. Since you are avoiding making value judgements (unless you have actively decided some are particularly relevant) it is best to approach this as a chance to say to what extent the two pieces are similar or different. If you wish to boost your marks you can briefly discuss why they might be more or less similar/dissimilar with reference to their historical, cultural and literary contexts.