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.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

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

1. Moon possesses few material items and, throughout his misadventures, loses everything by the time he goes home with Hal.

• What is the symbolism of Moon’s possessions in relation to his character? (topic sentence)
• Describe when Moon shows care for his possessions. Which of Moon’s possessions represents his upbringing, and which demonstrates his will and stubbornness?
• In your concluding sentences, explain how Moon’s perspective on his possessions changes after he acquires his new-found empathy.

2. Constable Sanders is a notable shadow archetype to Moon; he is cruel, bitter, unsympathetic, and vengeful.

• Which characters or entities, other than Constable Sanders, serve as antagonistic forces in the story? (topic sentence)
• Describe the characters that serve as opposing forces to Moon. Then describe the entities and organizations that work against what is best for Moon.