Compare/contrast the theme loss of innocence in To Kill a Mockingbird and Romeo and Juliet.I have to write an essay and and I am having trouble...

Probably the best way to approach this essay is to make a
brainstormed list comparing and contrasting one protagonist of each novel.  From
To Kill a Mockingbird it would be easiest to choose either Scout or
Jem, and from "Romeo and Juliet" the most obvious choice is between Romeo and Juliet. 
In fact, if I were writing the essay, I'd probably even go so far as to either look at
the two female protagonists or the two male protagonists, as that is going to be a more
"equal" comparison.

When you look at how each character
"loses" his or her innocence in each story, you will find that the circumstances are
very different.  Scout and Jem are exposed to prejudice, racism, and lessons in
injustice and hypocrisy at very young ages.  On the whole, these two children remain
very close to their father and can credit much of what they learn directly to Atticus. 
On the other hand, Romeo and Juliet lose their innocence by rebelling against their
parents and families, and making all choices on their own.  However, prejudice and
injustice is also involved. They learn lessons in love and loss, and of course,
ultimately lose their own lives.  The "contrast" part of your essay could easily be
focused on the difference in the circumstances for each
character.

When it comes to finding similarities between
the stories in this theme, you should look at the outcome of "loss of innocence" for
each character.  Though arguably none end in a similar place, it could also be argued
that they gain or develop similar attributes. 
For example, it could be said that both Scout and Juliet eventually come to a place of
confidence in themselves, where others opinions no longer seem to
matter.

In order to get started, I encourage you to
brainstorm several answers to the following questions for your selected (2)
characters:

1. What circumstances, choices, and
   attitudes affect this character's loss of innocence?


2. What
   happens to this character as a result of losing his/her innocence?  Consider again, the
   change in circumstances, choices, and
   attitudes.

I think you will find that between
these two questions, you'll have more than enough material from which to create a thesis
and well organized outline.