Theme Analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird Students
Theme Analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird Students will compose five paragraph essay using a thesis statement and three topic sentences provided by the teacher. The students’ focus is to develop a wellorganized essay using evidence from the text to support the claim of each body paragraph. Standards: • W. 9 -10. 9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. • W. 9 -10. 1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
Introduction Notes: Stay in 3 rd person! 1. Hook/Grabber/Lead- 1 sentence – Grabs reader’s attention/on topic (quotation, interesting fact, unusual detail, exaggerated statement, compelling question) 2. Background Info/Context – 3+ sentences – Introduce/Explain To Kill a Mockingbird – Provide some information about Scout, Maycomb, the 1930 s etc. 3. Thesis Statement- 1 sentence - Sets up the claim or argument of the entire paper Teacher has given you this sentence word-for-word– just copy it over.
Thesis Statement: • This will be the last sentence of the first paragraph. • Example: Through the eyes of Scout, we explore three distinctive themes in To Kill a Mockingbird: the existence of social inequality, the importance of morality, and the loss of innocence.
Student Sample Intro: • What would you do if the justice system failed you? To Kill a Mockingbird is a fictional account of real life issues faced by the people of the United States. Set in the 1930 s in Alabama, this novel gives a first-hand account of what life was like during this time period based on Harper Lee’s real-life experiences. There is much talk about perspectives in this story, but none are important that our protagonist Scout Finch. Through the eyes of Scout, we explore three distinctive themes in To Kill a Mockingbird: the existence of social inequality, the importance of morality, and the loss of innocence.
Body Paragraphs: • Begin with given topic sentences. • Add your analysis integrated with supportive details (snippets) from the text. • Each paragraph needs to be at least 5 -7 sentences. • Pay attention to grammar, capitalization, organization, word choice and spelling.
Topic Sentences: • Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1: Scout’s experiences in the novel shows her the existence of social inequality. • Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 2: Through the teachings of Atticus Finch, the reader, as well as Scout understand the importance of morality. • Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 3: Because of the actions of others, the loss of childlike innocence is evident.
Where do I find the quotes? Paragraph 1 Social Inequality Paragraph 2 Morality Paragraph 3 Loss of Innocence 26 -27, 36, 110, 158 -159, 263 -267, 282, 299 -301, 315 39, 119, 138 -139, 147 -149 135, 266 -267, 303304, 350 -357 TO LEAVE OUT WORDS: use ellipses … TO ADD/CHANGE WORDS: use [brackets]
Teacher Sample Body Paragraph: The Jewish people maintained optimism prior to being taken prisoner. Despite warnings from people like Moishe the Beadle, the Jewish people in Elie’s hometown clung to the hope that “Germany would be defeated” (8). Even when confined to the Jewish ghettos, some said, “this was not a bad thing” (11). They continued to hope for the best and believe in the good of humanity. Partially, this hope came from the belief that “in the middle of the twentieth century” (8) such crimes would never be permitted. This delusion, combined with optimism, enabled them to “walk [away from their homes] without another glance” (16) and be taken as prisoners to the concentration camps where the violence and brutality finally forced them to let go of their “illusions” (29). Until it was too late, the people of Sighet hoped for a good outcome.
Conclusion Notes: Stay in 3 rd person! • Recap: 1 sentence – Don’t repeat yourself. Restate or recap your thesis (from Paragraph 1) in NEW WORDS. • Greater Significance: 4+ sentences – Take your claims deeper. Make the issue seem highly important (earth shattering / world changing!) Explain the lasting importance of these themes. How do they impact the overall tone? What’s the deeper message of the book?
- Slides: 9