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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

Body Paragraphs

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: