What comparisons are made in the opening paragraphs?

In the opening paragraphs, Albom describes "the last class of my old professor's life." The last class includes oral exams, and he receives extra credit for kissing Morrie goodbye. He receives no grades, will not have a graduation, and in the end, there will only be a funeral. The class has one student, and at the end of his class, he is required to produce one long paper. Tuesday's with Morrie is the paper, and Mitch Albom is the student.