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. Morality, Survival, and Freedom are related themes in the novel. Survival is of the utmost importance to Sage, considering his difficult childhood at Mrs. Turbeldy’s orphanage. His drive to survive, even under the most difficult circumstances, defines everything about him.

• What other codes do characters in The False Prince live by? (topic sentence)
• Who are 3 characters that live by moral codes other than survivalism? Discuss ways in which each character demonstrates their moral code with evidence from the story.
• Finally, in your concluding sentence or sentences,  summarize how Sage’s survivalist attitude will help him—as opposed to another moral code—now that he has been restored to the throne as Prince Jaron.

2. Carthyan lore and history create a rich, textured word in The False Prince. They also set the stage for intense patriots.

• Which character shows the strongest Carthyan Patriotism and Pride, grounded in its lore and history? (topic sentence)
• Discuss 3 story details, events, or scenes in which this character’s intense love of their country is evident.