Graphic Essay (Critical) – To Kill a Mockingbird

http://www.essayacademia.com/
This graphic essay will include the same components of a
formal, critical essay, but will use a more creative and visual
format to present your thesis and ideas.
Requirements for the Graphic Essay:

Thesis: Your thesis statement will be based on one of the topics

below, and will be what you prove with your evidence
(quotes/ analysis). It should include a CONSEQUENCE (so-
what factor).
Quotes: Choose five - six quotes that can be used to prove your
thesis. Quotes should be short, powerful, and cited with a
page number.
Analysis: Provide an insightful analysis for each quote that clearly
connects it to your thesis. Each analysis should be 3 - 4
sentences in length.
Symbol: Choose a graphic for each quote. This graphic should
represent the concept(s) of the quote. In other words, it
should be figurative, not literal.
For example, if discussing Dolphus Raymond’s drinking,
choosing a bottle for the symbol is literal. It represents the
drinking, but not the significance of the quote.
Explanation: Provide an explanation for why you chose that
particular symbol.
Conclusion: Write a concluding statement that sums up your essay. It
should refer back to your thesis. Include a final
thought/generalization.

Guidelines for Creating the Graphic Essay:

Once you have found all of the evidence and visuals, choose a format.
Consider the following guidelines:
• You may want to decide on an overall look that represents
the novel (time period, mood, overall symbol). The entire
visual should ‘fit’ this overall look.
• The thesis should in some way STAND OUT from the other
written material. For example, if you are doing a poster,

http://www.essayacademia.com/
 you may want to centre it, or use a larger font than the
quotes/analysis.
• The organization of all of your material, much like a written
essay, should follow a logical order (not pasted together
haphazardly).
• Use color/font/proper spacing to help organize and make
reading easier.
• The conclusion/generalization statement should also stand
out in some way.
• BE CREATIVE!! A graphic is not always a poster.

Graphic Essay Topics:

1. Learning, or growth, is a prominent theme in the novel To Kill a
Mockingbird, especially for the younger characters. Choose
three characters from the list below and discuss each one’s
effect on Scout’s and/or Jem’s learning/growth:
a) Alexandra b) Boo Radley
c) Calpurnia d) Dolphus Raymond
e) Miss Maudie f) Mrs. Dubose

2. Discuss what Harper Lee is trying to reveal about prejudice

throughout the novel. You may want to discuss the varying types
of prejudice, or explore the topic through such things as
character development, plot, symbolism, etc.

3. The theme of courage is significant in this novel. Relate what the

children in the novel learn about courage from the following
people:
a) Atticus b) Mrs. Dubose c) Dolphus Raymond

4. There are many components of this novel that, in reality, are

very different than they appear. Using specific situations and/or
characters from the novel, discuss WHY these discrepancies
occur.

5. Throughout the novel, readers are exposed to the beliefs of

varying individuals. Discuss what Harper Lee is trying to say
about the impact of individual beliefs. You may want to consider
the impact these beliefs have on the characters, their
relationships with others, and/or society.

http://www.essayacademia.com/
 Evaluation
Thought and Understanding: (Quality of Thesis, Analysis/ Connection of Quotes) /5 (x2)
Supporting Evidence: (Quality/relevance of Quotes, Symbol, Explanation) /5 (x2)
Matters of Choice & Correctness: (Vocabulary, Mechanics, Style Fits Purpose) /5
Visual Appeal (Unified Look, Pleasing to Eye, Effectively Communicates) /5
TOTAL: /30

http://www.essayacademia.com/