Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Mrs. Elm is present throughout Nora’s lives in many different ways.

• What is Mrs. Elm’s role in Nora’s life? What does she symbolize to Nora? (topic sentence)
• How do Mrs. Elm’s many appearances and conversations with Nora affect Nora’s realizations about herself and her life? Discuss 3 instances in which Mrs. Elm influences and/or inspires Nora and use details from the text to support your ideas.
• Finally, discuss in your concluding sentence or sentences how Mrs. Elm’s character connects to the theme of Small Acts of Kindness.

1. Nora explores many different lives but ultimately decides to stay in her root life.

• Why does Nora ultimately decide to return to her root life? (topic sentence)
• What are 3 ways Nora’s perception of herself changes over the course of the novel? Use details from 3 different lives to support your argument.
• Finally, in your concluding sentence or sentences, connect Nora’s character development to the theme of The Power of Perception.