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 bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. For Edmond to escape from Chateau d’If, he is sewn into a shroud from which he must cut himself free to prevent himself from drowning.

• What layers of symbolism are contained in the sequence involving the shroud and Edmond’s escape from it? (topic sentence)
• Using both quoted and paraphrased evidence, offer at least three examples of diction, figurative language, imagery, or detail that support your interpretation. Be sure to cite any quoted material.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, show how your interpretation supports the novel’s larger thematic concern with Rebirth and Reinvention.

2. Both M. Morrel and Edmond use the red silk bag to deliver money to aid other characters.