To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Prompts



To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Prompts

Writing Goal: To construct a sophisticated, well supported argument in a polished literary analysis essay.

Writing Focus: Organization, Focus, Conventions

Essay Prompts:

Parenting. What kind of parent is Atticus Finch? Describe the values he seeks to instill in his children through the lessons he teaches Jem and Scout directly and those he teaches by his example.

Mockingbird Metaphor. Explain why “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”. How does this idea evident in our society today? Can you think of someone who is a “mockingbird”? Explain why they are a mockingbird.

Character and Moral Development. Choose either Jem or Scout. In what ways does Jem or Scout change and grow throughout the novel? Additionally, how do Jem’s or Scout’s morals develop throughout the novel?

Jim Crow and Race in the South. Not only does race divide the town of Maycomb, it also dictates the ways in which characters conduct themselves in relationships. Using the recent events in Ferguson Missouri, compare the results of racism in the story to that of the opinions and attitudes in Ferguson Missouri.

Ethical Dilemmas. What are the major ethical dilemmas of To Kill a Mockingbird? How do different characters resolve these dilemmas? What ethical systems inform their resolutions? Please discuss why these ethical dilemmas are indeed dilemmas (i.e. complex situations that have multiple solutions yielding varying results) and the strengths and weaknesses of characters’ resolutions and outcomes.

Essay Requirements

• Formatting: Typed, double spaced, 12 pt font, 1” margins

• Structure

▪ Introductory paragraph including attention getter, context for argument, and complex thesis statement (“Although/Because”)

▪ 3 or more fully developed body paragraphs

▪ Concluding paragraph

• Rough Draft

• Peer review

• electronic submission

• Final Draft and Self-Scored Rubric

Essay Deadlines

Wednesday, September 10 Topic selected

Thursday, September 11 Introduction paragraph complete (10 HW)

Friday, September 12 Rough Draft (30 CW)

Monday, September 15 Peer Review (in class) (5 CW)

Thursday, September 18 Final Draft + Submission by 12 pm (40 E)

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