Outsider Essay Assignment

In our discussions of To Kill a Mockingbird, we’ve focused a great deal on the idea of outsiders versus insiders in the world of the novel. Some characters straddle the line between outsider and insider. Others in Maycomb, however, are largely members of one group or the other. One of the clearest examples of an outsider in the book comes in the character of Boo Radley.

For your first analytical essay, you will explore the concept of being an outsider or insider in To Kill a Mockingbird. Choosing one major character in the book, a character straddling the insider/outsider line, you must argue that this character is either an insider or an outsider. Characters you can choose for this assignment include Atticus, Scout, Jem, Miss Maudie and Calpurnia.

Some questions to consider in preparing to write this essay:

• What does it means to be an outsider and an insider in Maycomb?
• How does the character you’ve chosen fit into the insider model? The outsider model?
• What examples from the novel best show your chosen character as either an insider or outsider?
• What makes your character either primarily an outsider or an insider?

Your work on this essay will be broken down into a number of steps. They are as follows:

Step 1

Choose your character. Brainstorm to decide whether your chosen character is predominantly an insider or an outsider. Look through the novel for specific examples that support your argument.

Step 2

Create your paper proposal. Your paper proposal must include the following:

• Your thesis statement, in the form of an argument, written in one sentence. So for example, if you were writing about Boo Radley you might say: “Boo Radley is a clear outsider in the community because, by staying inside and never addressing the many rumors the town spreads about him, he actively turns himself into a ghost.”
• Include 3 direct quotes from the novel that support your thesis along with a 1-2 sentence explanation as to why you’ve chosen each quote.
• Paper Proposal Due Wednesday, 11/3

Step 3

Complete the First Draft. Your first draft should include:

• A strong introduction that gives basic information about the book and the character you’ve chosen, with a clearly articulated and identifiable thesis statement.
• 3-4 body paragraphs. These paragraphs will each present a particular piece of information connected to your thesis. Each body paragraph should include a direct quote, clearly set up and written in MLA format as well as analysis linking this example to your thesis.
• A conclusion that restates your thesis as well as the main supporting points you included in your argument.
• First drafts should be 3 pages long.
• First Draft Due Friday, 11/12
• Final Draft Due Tuesday, 11/30

Tips for Writing

Remember that formal essays require a particular kind of language. Your first draft and revision should include the following:

• Strong, specific language. Focus on using a wide vocabulary. Avoid informal language, slang or vague words like stuff, thing and random.
• A variety of sentence structures. Include simple, compound and complex sentences on your essay. Vary your sentence starters and the length of your sentences. Incorporate transitional words and phrases.
• Provide significant background information. While I have, of course, read the book, formal essays are written as if the reader hasn’t. Include necessary plot points and character names in your essay.
• Avoid personal pronouns. I and me in particular should be avoided as this essay is about analysis rather than your personal opinion.
• Analysis. For each quote you include, accompany it with 2-4 sentences of your own analysis. How does the quote connect to your thesis? How does each example deepen your argument?
• More is More. The more detail and analysis you incorporate in your first draft, the more you have to work with as you revise.

Bring this handout, along with all other handouts related to this assignment, to every class until the final draft is handed in! Let me know if you’ve got questions.