For each quiz you need to make up, write an expository essay of at least 500 words on one of the
topics given below. It must be typed. I would prefer you to submit it electronically. Proof read it
before handing it in. You can run it through Utah Write to help edit out the typos. Be sure to
include at least one quote in every body paragraph. For every line of quoting, you should have at
least 4 lines of analysis relating to the quote (this is your warrant that explains how your quote
supports your claim). Be sure to cite your quotations using the MLA style, which can be found
here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
1) “Empathy” is the ability to share in or understand another person’s emotions or feelings.
How does Harper Lee demonstrate characters who are empathetic in the novel?
2) One aspect of To Kill a Mockingbird that makes it so effective is the point of view. What
does the point of view do to make the novel work so well? Give different aspects of the
point of view, support them with examples, and explain the effectiveness for the reader.
3) Although criticized openly, Atticus is respected throughout the town of Maycomb.
Explain this seeming paradox.
4) Maudie Atkinson says, “Atticus Finch was the deadest shot in Maycomb County in his
time.” What lessons do the Finch children learn from the incident with the mad dog?
Explain in detail, indicating how they change their understanding of their father. Is the
mad dog a symbol?
5) What are the different views of reading portrayed by Scout, Jem, and Atticus? How is
reading linked to morality for each of these characters? Which view does the author
advocate?
6) Explore the similarities and differences between Boo Radley and Tom Robinson. What
purpose do their stories serve with respect to a theme of the novel?
7) What makes Atticus a good father? Be very specific in explaining his philosophies and
actions.
8) Racism- “I’m simply defending a Negro—his name’s Tom Robinson” (75). With these
words Atticus informs Scout of his life-altering task of standing up to the prejudice and
racism that pervades the sleepy southern town that was Maycomb, Alabama in the
1930’s. Discuss the effects of racism on Maycomb citizens such as Tom and Helen
Robinson, Calpurnia, Scout, Jem, Dill, Mayella Ewell, or Dolphus Raymond.
9) Empathy- According to Atticus, “You never really understand a person until you
consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in
it” (30). How is empathy toward others demonstrated or learned by characters such as
Atticus, Scout, Jem, Dill, or Miss Maudie?
10) The Great Depression- “There was no hurry for there was nowhere to go, nothing to
buy and no money to buy it with,” (5). To Kill a Mockingbird is set during the Great
Depression of the 1930’s. How does this economic catastrophe affect the actions of
characters such as Walter Cunningham Sr., Tom Robinson or Atticus Finch? Why does
the author state that the economy has no bearing on the actions of people like Bob Ewell?
11) Courage- Atticus says to Jem that he wants his son “to see what real courage is, instead
of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand” (112). How is courage
defined in this novel? What character(s) best exemplify courage? Why? What point
does Harper Lee want to make about courage through her use of these characters?
12) Compassion- While at the trial, Scout states “it came to me that Mayella Ewell must
have been the loneliest person in the world” (191). Is Mayella Ewell a character worthy
of compassion? Answer this question using specific evidence from the novel and
providing thoughtful commentary.
13) Loss of Innocence- With age and experience come knowledge, the realization of harsh
realities, and finally wisdom and understanding. Trace the narrator’s journey from
innocence to understanding in a thoughtful essay.