1. From Brainstorm to Thesis To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

2. Atticus: Traits Smart Respectful of others, even if they disagree Stand in someone else’s shoes Peaceful; non-violent Stands up for what he believes in (integrity) – Even at risk of own reputation Caring parent; protects his children Community leader

3. Atticus & Non-violence Tells Scout not to fight, even about him Instructs Jem & Scout not to kill mockingbirds Tells Jem to avoid conflict; makes him read to Mrs. Dubose Tells kids “courage is more than a man with a gun in his hand” Chooses to defend Tom Robinson Protects Tom from lynch mob by sitting outside the jail Doesn’t care what names others call him Polite to everyone, especially during trial Doesn’t react when Bob Ewell spits in his face

4. But wait… Atticus kills Tim Johnson (rabid dog): “Ol’ One-Shot” So. What do I notice?

5. What can I look for among my evidence? Patterns Comparisons / contrasts Impact

6. What can I say? There is a pattern of x. Character X is a symbol of y. Going further: – The pattern of x shows… – Character X is a symbol of y due to … – Character X’s [behavior or pattern or trait]  what impact does it have on a theme, on other characters, on the events of the novel?

7. My Claim: Despite his reputation as “Ol’ One-Shot” Finch, Atticus embraces nonviolence as a way to promote social change. – Contrasting different aspects of his trait – Purpose for noticing this trait

8. Thesis / Introduction Organization of intro paragraph: – Hook statement (please, no questions!) – Background info on novel that “sets the stage” for your topic – Thesis as last sentence Need to include: title and author Need to avoid: “I” statements

9. Body Paragraphs Topic sentence (claim) Evidence – Specific details – Must include relevant quotes (1 or 2 per paragraph minimum) Analysis – How evidence proves main idea / thesis No “I” statements Feel free to break up paragraphs if they get too long

10. Organization: Paragraph 1: Killing Tim Johnson Paragraph 2: – Transition: Despite this… – Telling Jem and Scout to avoid fights over him Paragraph 3: defending Tom Robinson, including jail scene Paragraph 4: politeness to everyone, including witnesses and Bob Ewell

11. Conclusion Answers the “so what?” Reminds reader of thesis – Does NOT restate thesis Strategies: – Establish an image or metaphor or significant language in the introduction that you can return to in the conclusion – Use a quote to bring your ideas together – Consider the wider implications for your argument