1. How does Character Reveal Theme?
Prompt Analysis & Prewriting
How does Character Reveal Theme?

2. How does CHARACTER reveal THEME?
1. Information to “get you thinking” about the topic.
Prompt Analysis:
2. Your writing task. 1
Through words and actions, a character can “come to life” for the reader. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the author draws a vivid picture of the character of Atticus Finch as he responds to conflict. In a well-developed, multi-paragraph essay, discuss how the character of Atticus reveals Lee’s ideas about social justice. Support your claim with evidence from the text. 2
Characterization
Theme
How does CHARACTER reveal THEME?

3. Establishing Theme Through Characterization
Atticus is (adjective form)
Thematic idea (noun form)
Brave
Bravery

4. Establishing Theme Through Characterization
Now we will write THEMATIC STATEMENTS based on the claims about Atticus.
Teacher Model:
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee presents the idea that .
Your Turn: Pick two more thematic ideas and write out a full thematic statement for each.
bravery
Thematic Idea
is demonstrated by standing up for what is right
Write a claim about the thematic idea.
even though others may condemn one for it
Add a qualifying clause [when, because, unless, even, so that, if] to explain what the novel teaches about the thematic idea.

5. Locating Textual Evidence
Thematic Idea:
Textual Evidence:
Commentary:
Context of the Evidence:

6. Thesis vs. Thematic Statement
Thesis Statement
Thematic Statement
A sentence in an essay that provides a claim that must be proven in the essay.
When you have a prompt, your thesis MUST respond to that prompt!
A statement about a universal truth revealed in a work of literature.
You might include a thematic statement in the thesis IF the prompt calls for it.
Thesis Statements
Thematic Statements

7. Thesis Statement
Through words and actions, a character can “come to life” for the reader. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the author draws a vivid picture of the character of Atticus Finch as he responds to conflict. In a well-developed, multi-paragraph essay, discuss how the character of Atticus reveals Lee’s ideas about social justice. Support your claim with specific evidence from the text.
The big question:
The character of Atticus reveals WHAT about social justice?
The answer:
Your thesis statement.

8. Thesis Statement To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee
Title of Novel, Italicized or Underlined
Harper Lee
The Name of the Author
In , uses to that .
the character of Atticus
The Subject/Abstract Element from the Prompt
reveal
Marker Verb—reveal, explore, portray, convey, suggest
The Abstract—tone, theme, purpose—the writer’s opinion about the subject that must be proven
FOR THIS PROMPT: What does Harper Lee REVEAL ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE?

9. Body Paragraphs

10. Preparing for a Timed Essay
Complete your PREWRITING PACKET:
Thesis statement written.
Textual evidence gathered (including context for embedding)
Commentary (this may not be completely written, but you should have some abstract ideas prepared)
A full understanding of the structure for your essay.
You should not have a complete essay written.
What to do before you walk into my room on Tuesday:
What you should NOT do: