1. Plainfield Vs. Maycomb: Reflective Essay Guidelines
Objective: The goal of this assignment is for students to thoroughly explore and analyze connections
between To Kill a Mockingbird and their own lives. Students will examine the text and identify specific
characters, scenes, and themes that relate to experiences that have had.
Directions: First, students will need to reflect on the culture of the town of Maycomb. We
have been exploring this topic throughout our work on the novel. Reviewing your completed
journal entries, town map project, interview worksheets, and study guides will provide you
with most of the information you will need. Using this info, identify 3-6 characters, themes,
or events in the novel that relate to characters, themes, and experiences in your life. Below
is a list of topics you may want to explore in your essay. However, if you would like to explore
topic that are not on the list below, feel free to do so.
How is Maycomb similar to Plainfield? How is it different?
How is America’s current economic recession similar to the Great Depression? How is it different?
How are your parents/guardians similar to Atticus? How are they different?
How does the history of Plainfield compare to the history of Maycomb? What was Plainfield
like during the Great Depression?
Compare and contrast people in your neighborhood to characters in the novel (do not include
your neighbor’s names)
What to people do for fun in Maycomb? What do people to for fun in Painfield?
Compare and contrast issues of racism in the novel with issues of racism in modern society
After identifying the topics you would like to focus on, you will write a 3-5 page essay which compares
and contrasts events/themes/characters from the text to events/themes/characters your own lives.
Your final essay should contain at least three direct quotes from the novel, and must be written in MLA
format. It must include a Works Cited page that which cites he novel and any other sources you may
choose to use. should contain at least three direct quotes from the novel.
Project Due Dates
Proposal Letter: Due Monday, 5/16
First Draft Due Friday, 5/20
Final Draft Due Tuesday, 5/24