TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

ESSAY QUESTIONS AND

ESSAY PLANS

Topic / Theme: Growing up (Bildungsroman)Student Suggested Essay questions:

Possible Plan / Structure• Views on poverty• Understanding other peoples viewpoints• Justice is not always served• What courage means• How to be true to ones own conscience

Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird what does she learn about being an adult and how did she grow up?

In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Scout learns that the world sucks.

Possible Plan / StructureLynch MobTom Robinson trial / deathRacial and Socioeconomic divisions

Evidence that could be used in a Growing up (Bildungsroman) essay:Courage comes in many formsPeople do not think for themselvesThe concept of ‘Mob Mentality’Racist beliefs are a double-edged sword that cuts both waysConsidering the viewpoints of others (Empathy)What poverty means How Maycomb is divided by many rules and societal expectationsHow to ‘turn the other cheek’, ignore or rise above insults

Possible Quotes to use

(Jem says) “Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!” Page 109(Atticus Says) “It’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name.” (Page 120)(Miss Maudie says) “People in their right minds never take pride in their own talents.” (Page 109) (Aunt Alexandra says) “Don’t talk like that Dill… it’s not becoming of a child, it’s cynical.” (Page 236)

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (Page 33)“Atticus says cheatin‘ a colored man is ten times worse than cheatin’ a white man,” I muttered. “Says it’s the worst thing you can do.” (Page 222)“Every mob in every little southern town is always made up of people you know – doesn’t say much for them, does it?” (Page 173)(Jem advises) “Don’t pay any attention to her, just hold your head high and be a gentleman.” (Page 112)

Topic / Theme: Growing up (Bildungsroman)