The Devil’s Arithmetic – Writing Assignment
Choose ONE of the following prompts and write an essay. You do not need to cite
anything or create a Works Cited page. Please include an appropriate title, introduction,
body paragraphs and a conclusion. There are helpful guides on writing intros,
conclusions and titles on my website – use them. Please turn in your handwritten rough
draft that has been edited in red and typed final copy on the due date. I will not accept a
typewritten copy without a handwritten final draft that has been edited in red – you will
have to turn it in with late points deducted.
Prompt #1
The author of The Devil’s Arithmetic and the director of the movie adaptation use various
literary and cinematography techniques in order to get their message across to the viewer.
Discuss in detail the techniques they use and how these techniques contribute to the
meaning and themes they are trying to convey. You may include a critique of the
movie’s style and discuss techniques you would have used had you directed the movie.
Prompt #2
Hannah is a dynamic character in The Devil’s Arithmetic. Describe in detail how she
changes from the beginning to the end of the story. How does the experience affect her?
How do her values change? What does she learn? Be sure to give plenty of specific
examples. You will not make above a 70 if you simply make generalizations.