Life Lessons
To Kill a Mockingbird – Literary Analysis Assignment Overview of Format You will be required to construct a four paragraph essay that follows the following format. (This is the same type of essay that you wrote for The Crucible.) Paragraph #1: Introduction Hook, link, and thesis statement Paragraph #2: Body #1 to support thesis statement Topic sentence 3 supporting details with citations from the book Commentary to discuss how each supporting detail proves the topic sentence Concluding sentence Paragraph #3: Body #2 to support thesis statement Topic sentence 3 supporting details with citations from the book Commentary to discuss how each supporting detail proves the topic sentence Concluding Sentence Paragraph #4: Concluding paragraph Restatement of the thesis Summary of both concluding sentences (from body paragraphs) Clincher Select ONE of the following essay prompts as the focus for your essay. #1 What important life lessons can we learn from the novel? Consider Lees emphasis on values (what is important), morals (what is good or bad) and ethics (what is right or wrong). Give examples of qualities in characters and situations to support your position. Think about the lessons Scout and Jem learned throughout the novel. What can we learn from Atticus? Possible Thesis: Brainstorm: #2 Why is the book titled To Kill a Mockingbird? Provide examples from the book (Tom, Dill, Boo, etc.) to explain the meaning of the title and the reasons for its use. Think about what Scout meant when she said would be kind of like killing a mockingbird. Possible Thesis: Brainstorm: #3 Atticus said that, You never really understand a man until you consider things from his point of view until you climb into his skin and walk around in it-Ch.3, and you never really know a man until you step in his shoes and walk around in them-Ch. 31. Explain the truth of these statements in the novel. Possible Thesis: Brainstorm: #4 What is courage, and why is it an important character trait? Discuss the different examples of courage (physical, emotional, moral) that are shown in the novel. Or discuss how different characters show courage. Possible Thesis: Brainstorm: #5 Analyze Harper Lees portrayal of education in To Kill a Mockingbird. Possible Thesis: Brainstorm: SCROLL DOWN FOR THE OUTLINE TEMPLATE/ ASSIGNMENT Outline Assignment Directions: Select one of the prompts above. Formulate a thesis statement and then begin brainstorming and organizing the details from the novel that will help to prove your thesis statement. Each of the highlighted portions must be filled in to receive credit for the outline. DUE DATE: No later than 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 21st Introduction: Thesis Body #1 to Prove Thesis: Topic Sentence Two of these details must be a direct quote. This means that you must go to the book and find the exact line that supports the topic sentence. The third detail can be a paraphrase from the book, but you will still need to provide a page number. Supporting Detail #1 Page #: Supporting Detail #2: Page #: Supporting Detail #3: Page #: *We will add commentary to explain each supporting detail at a later date. Concluding Sentence: Body #2 to Prove Thesis: Topic Sentence: Two of these details must be a direct quote. This means that you must go to the book and find the exact line that supports the topic sentence. The third detail can be a paraphrase from the book, but you will still need to provide a page number. Supporting Detail #1: Page #: Supporting Detail #2: Page #: Supporting Detail #3: Page #: *We will add commentary to explain each supporting detail at a later date. Concluding Sentence: Concluding Paragraph: Restatement of Thesis: Restatement of points from each concluding sentence: SKIP FOR NOW Clincher: SKIP FOR NOW
