Kate Tierney’s Language Arts Classes

Part A:
Choose ONE of the following topics about which to write a fully developed essay that explains the theme as illuminated by the story. In order to receive full credit for the essay, you must underline your thesis statement and use examples from the book that support your point.

1. Masculinity and War
2. The Nature of Competition, Envy and Friendship
3. Redemption and Reconciliation
4. Loss of Innocence
5. The Journey from Boyhood to Manhood

Part B:
Choose ONE of the following questions (or group of questions) to answer in a fully developed essay that supports your answer using the text.

1. Does Gene make peace with himself by the end of the novel? Explain why he is conflicted, and then what parts of the story show his conflict and its resolution (or lack thereof).

2. Was jouncing the limb a planned, conscious decision on Gene’s part or was it an impulsive act? Why might Gene have wanted to see Finny fall? How did the “accident” change both boys’ identity from the beginning of the novel?

Parable of the Sower
Part Three: Essay
Choose ONE topic to answer in a fully developed response.

A. Trust is a major issue in the novel. How is trust established and maintained by the characters?
B. Lauren says, “That’s the ultimate Earthseed aim, and the ultimate human change short of death. It’s a destiny we’d better pursue if we hope to be anything other than smooth skinned dinosaurs—here today, gone tomorrow, our bones mixed with the bones and ashes of our cities.” What does Lauren mean by this? How does Earthseed address this statement?
C. How does poverty contribute to the decline of American society in the novel? Provide specific examples to illustrate your point.
D. Discuss how gender either limits or frees characters to achieve their goals. How do the boys’/men’s responsibilities and limitations differ from the girls’/women’s? How does this compare the society in which we currently live?