mockingbird_essay

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Am. Studies, Unit 4 Lit Essay To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

Literature Essay: Choose one of the following topics and write an essay on it. For any topic, the primary focus needs to be on analyzing the author’s viewpoint on that topic, using specific details and examples from the novel as support for your claims.

1. Some characters are represented by the symbol of a mockingbird in this story.

2. Many forms of discrimination are evident in To Kill a Mockingbird.

3. Gender roles and behavior, as assigned by culture and society, play a major role in this novel.

4. Prejudice extends beyond races in this novel. Prejudice also is demonstrated in the class structure and/or caste system within Maycomb.

5. Scout and Jem learn that one must have respect for all individuals specifically from …

Choose a few of the following characters, explain how Scout and Jem learned about respect for the individual from Boo Radley, Mrs. Dubose, Atticus, Dolphus Raymond, Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandra, Walter Cunningham, or Tom Robinson.

6. Jem and Scout grow throughout the course of the novel.

7. This novel demonstrates _____ vs. _____ in many ways.

Choose one of the major themes of the novel, such as courage vs. cowardice, justice vs. injustice, kindness vs. cruelty, or innocence vs. experience. Explain each aspect of the theme as it relates to the novel, giving numerous examples. Be sure to discuss it in relation to at least one of the characters and how they represent that theme. Draw a conclusion about what the reader learns regarding the theme.

I. Introduction:

1. lead statement:________________________________________________

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2. explain the lead:_______________________________________________

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3. overview/summary of the story:__________________________________

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4. explain the thesis fully__________________________________________

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5. thesis statement:_______________________________________________

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II. First reason supporting the thesis

1. statement of reason:____________________________________________

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2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

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3. elaboration / quote from the book, explain what the quote means, how does this quote support your point: ____________________________________________________________________

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4. commentary:_________________________________________________

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III. Second reason supporting the thesis