Essay discussing a theme in three novels - organizing?

[Flower]

I am writing an essay discussing the role of war in three novels. I need help with organization. Which format is seemingly more organized:

FORMAT #1:
I. Introduction paragraph
II. First Body Paragraph: Write solely about Book 1
III. Second Body Paragraph: Write solely about Book 2
IV. Third Body Paragraph: Write solely about Book 3
V. Conclusion
-----
FORMAT #2
I. Introduction
II. First Body Paragraph: Discussing a theme or element that is common in all three novels, referencing all three novels with quotations and specific examples
III. Second Body Paragraph: Discussing a second theme or element that is common in all three novels, referencing all three novels with quotations and specific examples
IV. Third Body Paragraph: Discussing a third theme or element that is common in all three novels, referencing all three novels with quotations and specific examples
V. Conclusion

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[petitefoxl]

if you are discussing solely one theme among the three, go with format #1. But definitely still give three supporting points of the theme in each body paragraph.
I say that because with the other one it will get too confusing jumping back and forth, it's more suitable if you are trying to relate three different ideas to the three novels.

hope that helps