Informative Essay
By: Kieran Darko and Mustafa Abdulkareem
In the articles “Thanksgiving Feast” by Mark Smith and “The Pilgrims” by Leslie May, both tell about the first Thanksgiving. Both have similarities and differences. In our essay, we will explain how both passages are the same and different.
Both articles are similar. In both, the Indians and English Protestants worked together to make peace and thanks. They are also similar because they both include a great feast. Though different things are eaten, they still have the same idea of a feast of thanks. Also in both passages, the English Protestants faced many hardships. In “Thanksgiving Feast”, there were many dangers, and in “The Pilgrims”, the English Protestants began to die. Both of these stories are similar, but they are also different.
Though they have similarities, both articles are also quite different. For example, their feasts were different. In “The Pilgrims” by Leslie May, their meal consists of deer, corn, shellfish, and roasted meat. However, in “Thanksgiving Feast” by Mark Smith, the meal is made up of turkey, pumpkin pie, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and ham. Another way that these two passages are different is “The Pilgrims” by Leslie May is more serious. For example, the passage states, “The Wampanoag Indians heard gunshots and thought the English might be preparing for war.” It is darker because they are not all as trusting of each other and happy. Leslie May also stated, “46 out of the original 102 passed away during the spring.”, whereas “Thanksgiving Feast” states only that they became ill. A last reason that both stories are different is their clothing. “The Pilgrims” by Leslie May states, “The settlers didn’t have silver buckles, nor did they wear black clothing. Their clothes were bright and cheerful. The Native Americans usually only wore one feather on their head wraps.” However, in “Thanksgiving Feast”, by Mark Smith, the text states, “The Pilgrims were dressed in their black suits with gold buckles on their hats, belts, and shoes. The Indians wore their traditional large feather headdresses.” In conclusion, both of these passages are very different.
In conclusion, the articles “Thanksgiving Feast” by Mark Smith and “The Pilgrims” by Leslie May are very similar and different. Their stories also had contrasting meals, levels of seriousness, and clothing and visualities. But no matter what, both stories tell the great and important story of Thanksgiving. 
