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. People who read the Iliad, (the epic poem upon which Black Ships Before Troy is based)) often argue about who is the real hero of the story. According to the heroic code of Ancient Greece, who do you think is the hero of Black Ships Before Troy? What evidence supports your idea?

• Who is the real hero of Black Ships Before Troy? (topic sentence)
• What is the heroic code of Ancient Greece and why should it be used to judge the heroes in Black Ships Before Troy?
• Give at least three examples from the story of how your chosen hero meets the standards of the heroic code.
• Finally, discuss in your concluding sentence or sentences how this hero contributes to one of the story’s themes of hubris or honor.

2. What is a “no-win” situation? Choose a character in Black Ships Before Troy who faces such a situation.