Similarities and Differences

Similarities and Differences

Authors Note: This is an assigned piece for comparing and contrasting. I decided to compare the main characters from two books, Adam Cooper from April Morning by Howard Fast and Jack Ryan Jr. from the novel Dead or Alive  by Tom Clancy.

            Differences make people who they are. Nobody is the same but similarities are often shared between people.  Jack Ryan Jr. from the novel Dead or Alive and Adam Cooper from April Morning have many similarities and differences.

            One thing these two characters have in common is that many of their decisions are influenced by their fathers.  They both still somewhat live under the command of their fathers.  Jack and Adam (the main characters) do not have complete control over their lives.  For example, when war arose in Lexington it was not Adam’s decision to contribute by enlisting in the military, it was his father who made the final decision.  While Jack keeps his job in the secret services hidden from his father because he is afraid that his dad will force him to quit.  Both characters’ fathers still influence the decisions that they make.

            Another similarity these two characters share is the constant effort to get approval and respect from their dads, both wish to be treated like men.  Jack goes into government related business hoping to impress his father with his success, while Adam tries to achieve this by going to war to fight alongside the other men in Lexington.  A constant seeking for approval is another thing these two characters have in common.

            While both characters are seeking approval from their fathers, they are approaching it in different ways.   Adam goes straight to his father to earn his respect and approval, his approach is very direct.  He went straight to his father and confronted him about being part of the war, and insisted on joining the militia.   While Jack keeps what he is doing a secret, thinking  that his father will eventually find out on his own that he is working for the secret services  Another difference between these two characters is the relationship between them and their fathers.   Adam and his father do not have a good relationship.   Adams father manages to see negative in everything that Adam does and he scolds him for it.  Jack on the other hand has a good relationship with his father. They have little contact with one another but they get along well unlike Adam and his father.  These are some of the things that set these two characters apart.

            These two characters share many similarities and differences. Both are not under complete control of themselves but they attempt to gain this control in very different way.  They are both alike and different in several ways.