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 throughout your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Charlie exchanges many gifts with his friends and family over the course of the novel. Think about the role that gifts play in how each character expresses their feelings.

• What is the significance of gift exchanges for Charlie? (topic sentence)
• How do these exchanges show Charlie’s feelings, both when he gives and receives a gift? Name at least three gifts and use details from the text to support your ideas.
• Finally, discuss in your concluding sentence or sentences how these gift exchanges connect to the theme of family, friends, and identity.

2. Think about Patrick’s statement that Charlie is a “wallflower,” telling him, “You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand” (36).

• Is Charlie a wallflower throughout the whole novel? Why or why not? (topic sentence)
• What are two instances in which Charlie acts like a “wallflower” and one in which he doesn’t?
• Finally, describe in your concluding sentence or sentences how the idea of Charlie as a wallflower connects to the theme of the secrecy of abuse and molestation.