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. How does the symbol of the balloon change throughout the novel to demonstrate Matilda’s growth as a person?

• How does the balloon symbolism show that Matilda grows and changes during this novel? (topic sentence)
• What does the balloon symbolize, and what does it demonstrate about Matilda, when it first appears in Chapter 1? What language, historical context, and details in the chapter itself show that you are correct?
• What does it mean, in the Epilogue, when Matilda sees the rising sun as being like a balloon? What does the balloon symbolize now, and what details and language show that you are correct?
• Finally, discuss in your concluding sentence or sentences how the balloon symbolism supports the novel’s concern with Coming of Age in a Time of Tragedy.

2. Choose two characters and compare and contrast their ideas about love.

• What is similar and different about how these two characters view love? (topic sentence)
• What are three examples of details and language that support your claims about how the characters’ views of love are similar?
• What are three examples of details and language that support your claims about how the characters’ view of love differ?
• Finally, explain in your concluding sentence or sentences how these similarities and differences reveal something important about these characters’ personalities.