?To Kill A Mockingbird?, by Harper Lee
This paper should be between 5 typed pages long and include the following:
These are the four parts of the paper; not including the intro paragraph and the
conclusion. Also need a works cited page for the three sources used.
Introduction
First Paragraph:
1. Brief biography, concentrating on what shaped the person as a writer, such as:
Geography
Religion
Race, gender
Education
Friends, associates, family
Second Paragraph:
2. Overview of life’s works, such as major works, critical reception, and major shifts in theme, tone, etc. during the writer’s lifetime.
Third Paragraph:
3. Historical information focused on what was going on in the United States during the novel’s setting. What issues does the writer tackle either directly or indirectly?
If the author lived during a different period, do you see a relationship between the setting and his/her own lifetime?
Fourth Paragraph:
4. Critical analysis of the novel – What is the historical issue of the novel and the author’s stand on this issue. You must refer specifically to the events in the novel and use quotes from the novel to support the points that you are making.
Conclusion:
1. Use MLA format.
2. Consult 3-5 sources. Use MLA documentation inside the paper.
What I’m Not Looking For
1. A report on the author’s life. The biographical section should be the shortest part of the
paper and should focus on the literary aspects of his/her life.
2. Biographical material based solely on your textbook.
3. Copied passages. I prefer that your quote sparingly. Paraphrase and cite sources.
4. A summary of the book.
5. A paper consisting of facts that are neither discussed nor analyzed.
6. The paper that discusses the events of a historical period that does not tie these events
to the novel.
