Miss Strueby
English Language Arts 20
Essay Choices
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Choose one (1) of the following essay topics:
1. What is the thematic significance of the title To Kill a Mockingbird?
2. Almost every character in the novel is a victim of some type of injustice. Choose
three (3) characters and describe the ways in which each one experiences a form
of injustice; the ways in which each one attempt to deal with it; and the relative
success of each.
3. Discuss the maturation process of Scout throughout the novel. (i.e, How does her
world [physical, intellectual, and empathetic] widen as she grows older?
4. Discuss the three different views of Tom Robinson’s trial and its outcome as seen
by Atticus, the children, and the townspeople.
5. Choose one topic and discuss what Scout learns and how she learned it. The
“learning” experience” selected should be one that is important to her maturation.
 Evil in the World
 Children’s World
 Tolerance versus Intolerance
 Importance of Family
6. Explain why Atticus’ defense failed.
7. Explain the criminal justice system in the South during the 1930’s and its
historical significance in connection to the novel.