Carrie, you make very intelligent comments. I like that. And you're right here.
Start broadly. For example, I am composing an essay for a college teacher friend of mine who wants a creative nonfiction natural essay. She knows I'm interested in the southern Applachians, so my essay begins with how the Appalachian Mountains were formed. Gradually, I end up focusing on one mountain, and how it is endangered.
It can be the same with you. Start with a broad subject, like evil, and how it isn't confined to just one kind of human, but that we are all capable of it. Give some examples like the Salem witch trials, or Lizzie Borden. Gradually, move into a discussion of the kinds of evil in the two books, comparing them and discussing how they are different, but that the effect is the same.
Stephen, EssayForum.com