EXAMPLE OUTLINE
Thesis:
(state opinion and establish criteria)
Because of its thematic value, universal appeal, and beautifully crafted writing, To Kill a Mockingbird
rightfully deserves to be labeled a “classic” novel.
Body 1 topic sentence (criterion #1)
The conflicts and themes of To Kill a Mockingbird had enormous value to the book’s first readers.
Specific support (you, the book, the critics):
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The book, published in the South during the Civil Rights Movement, brought to light the unfairness of the racism of
that time.
“Harper Lee’s novel, an instant best seller, was ground shaking in its first publication. She, a southerner herself, was
pointing out to her neighbors the injustice that was endemic to their way of life. In a way, she is to the reading public
of the ‘60s what Atticus Finch was to Maycomb in the ‘30s” (Griffon).
“The truth is some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral…but this is a truth that applies to the human race and to
no particular race of men” (Lee 234).
Scout’s struggle to become a “lady” also has value. It shows how women were/are stereotyped and how emphasis is
placed on superficial standards (dress, sweetness) rather than character.
Miss Maudie is an example of what a real woman should be: refined and kind, as well as honest and brave.
Body 2 topic sentence (transition plus criterion #2)
Although times have, thankfully, changed our country’s sense of fairness has improved, today’s
readers still benefit from the book’s timeless and universal lessons about prejudice.
Specific support (you, the book, the critics):
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We still have racial prejudice and gender stereotyping today, though not it the same form or extent of TKM’s setting.
“Maycomb is not far from us. The contemporary reader will find the fictional town’s struggle with black and white
similar to the post-911 stereotyping of Muslims and contemporary views on illegal immigrants” (Hinkle).
The characters are snobbish and look down on those “below” them in Maycomb’s social ladder; our country is still
guilty of holding elitist beliefs.
“He’s just a Cunningham, Cal” (Lee 32).
“Because…because…[Walter’s] trash. That’s why I won’t have you around him” (Lee 297).
*Body 3 topic sentence: (transition plus criterion #3-if using a third)
The lessons of the book are especially powerful because Harper Lee presents them from the
perspective of a child, and balances the seriousness of the book’s themes with moments of comedy
and beautiful language.
Specific support (you, the book, the critics) :
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Because Scout, an innocent child, tells the story, we are able to see just how wrong the common beliefs of adults
were. If an adult told the story, he’d make it seem as just a way of life. Scout’s confusion shows us that what others
thought of as natural was not really natural at all.
“It occurred to me that the only thing that separated [Tom Robinson] from the man on the witness stand, was the color
of his skin” (Lee 197). "As I made my way home, I thought Jem and I would get grown but there wasn't much else left
for us to learn, except possibly algebra” (Lee 314).
“If the novel were told from the omniscient point of view, the tone might sound preachy, or worse condemning.
Because the narrator is a six-year-old, the reader experiences the accusations of wrong-doing indirectly, tempering
the tone of the novel and making its themes more palatable” (Griffon).
The humor of the novel, including Scout’s Halloween costume and pageant disaster, Dill’s exaggerations, Mr. Avery’s
antics, and the bickering between Miss Maudie and Miss Stephanie provide relief from the drama.
“What d’ya do Stephanie? Move over and make room for [Boo}?” (Lee 37).
The book has vivid imagery and beautifully structured sentences: “Men's stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning. Ladies
bathed before noon after their three o'clock naps. And by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frosting from sweating and sweet
talcum” (Lee 6). “I willed myself to stay awake, but the rain was so soft and the room was so warm and his voice was so deep
and his knee was so snug that I slept” (Lee 316).
Name:_________________________
Classic Novel Essay Prewriting
Step one: Which classic criterion does your novel meet? For which does it fall short? Brainstorm your
thoughts below. Look back at your reflections and reading notes to help you.
truthful and valuable—the book says something
universal and timeless—people can apply the
of value, drawing attention to human problems, rather than
simply telling an amusing story
book’s characters, conflicts, or themes to themselves despite
the setting; classics integrate themes that are understood by
readers from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of
experience
well-written--creatively or beautifully written with
influential—the book’s characters, themes, conflicts,
effective language; sometimes the language is poetic,
sometimes it is very unique, sometimes it is a sharp
imitation of a character’s voice, sometimes is captures the
age that it was written in very well
or writing style has inspired or influenced other works; it is
a model that other writers and artists aspire to replicate
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BONUS: feel free to add and describe
own criterion
your
and comment on that criterion here: