Analyzing a Passage from To Kill A Mockingbird
Directions: Your assignment is to write a passage analysis of a key coming-of-age scene form TKMB. After
annotating the text to analyze Harper Lee’s use of literary elements in your selected passage, write an essay
explaining how the literary elements in the passage help develop a theme of the novel. Refer to pages 249-250
in Springboard for further directions and rubric.
Requirements:
1. Choose a passage from the novel that depicts a key scene relating to the theme of Coming of Age
2. Mark/annotate the passage for key phrases and elements supporting your thesis about the theme
3. Create a topic outline (below)
Topic Outline
I. Introduction
Lead/Hook
Background information about the passage you are using
Thesis ---Example: Harper Lee’s use of _______________, ________________, and ______________ contribute
to the theme of______________________________________________________________ in the passage
about ______________________________________________________________________________.
II. Major Support #1 (How does the element in your chosen scene support the Theme?)
a) Introduce a quote that supports your topic
b) Use the quote
c) Explain the quote
d) Personal commentary (Connect it back to your thesis statement)
III. Major Support #2 (How does the element in your chosen scene actively support the Theme?)
a) Introduce a second quote that supports your topic
b) Use the quote
c) Explain the quote
d) Personal commentary (Connect it back to your thesis statement)
IV. Major Support #3 (How does element in your chosen scene support the Theme?)
a) Introduce a third quote that supports your topic
b) Use the quote
c) Explain the quote
d) Personal commentary (Connect it back to your thesis statement)
V. Conclusion (Restate your thesis using new words) and
Create a reflective statement about the importance of your thesis: Why does it matter? How does it
connect to the world? How does it connect to you?
5. Write your rough draft (Use transitions between paragraphs)
6. Revise and edit your draft
7. Create your final draft in ink or typed
Due May 12
 15 points for Outline
 100 points for Final Draft
 10 extra credit points for Essays turned in on time
Friday May 6th- Outline
Monday May 9th – Draft
Tuesday May 10th Self and peer edit
Wednesday 11th- revise and fix up final drafts
Possible literary elements: character, setting, conflict, motif, irony, imagery, syntax, plot/subplot, point of
view, voice, foreshadowing, tone, internal/external conflict, symbol
Possible themes:
Maturity involves staying calm in the face of crisis and controversy.
Coming of age involves recognizing the presence of injustice in society’s injustice system.
Racism is a disease that infects a person’s mind and soul.
One single personal voice can remind a group of its individuality and disarm it.
Bravery is standing up for what you believe to be right.
Coming of age involves recognizing different perspectives.
It is better to rise above conflict than to get dragged into it.
Racism is a dangerous threat to any peaceful community.
Stereotypes and prejudice limit our expectations in serious ways.
Rumors are based on fear and prejudice rather than reality.