To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Outline

I. Introduction

• Question: Can you truly know a person simply by looking at them?
• Hook Options:
  • Question (avoid yes-or-no questions)
  • Definition
  • Startling statistic (with citation)
  • Quote
  • Imagery (e.g., "Imagine…")
• Background Information:
  • Author and Title: Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird
  • Connection to Hook: Use key words to connect
  • Author and Title Reference: Mention John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (Published in 1937) as a comparative reference
  • Strong Statement Ideas:
    • Discuss major themes and conflicts
    • Depiction of the time period
    • Characters and setting
• Introduce Specific Topic: Connect key words to prompt
• Thesis Statement: Jem, Scout, and the reader learn that everyone is not always who they seem to be when you meet them.

II. Body Paragraph One

• Topic Sentence: Atticus seems calm and reserved, but uses his inner strength to help through his actions during the trial.
• Introduce Quote:
  • Context: Judge Taylor and Atticus questioning Sheriff Tate
• Quote:
  • “Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband? / Ah, poor my lord, what tongue shall smooth thy name” (3.2.106-107)
  • “Did you call a doctor, Sheriff? Did anybody call a doctor?”
• Analysis:
  • Explores why Heck Tate didn’t call a doctor, highlighting what is expected in such situations
  • Shows the importance of questioning and understanding actions
  • Connects to the theme by questioning appearances and initial judgments

III. Body Paragraph Two

• Topic Sentence: Atticus is calm and uses his inner strength to hide his true self to get through the trial, especially with his kids watching.
• Introduce Quote: Provide context on the situation relating to the quote
• Quote:
  • “...movin' him to the county jail tomorrow,” (165)
• Analysis:
  • Discusses the significance of the ongoing conflict and potential danger
  • Emphasizes the theme of hidden intentions and the necessity of protecting those involved

IV. Body Paragraph Three

• Topic Sentence: The news about moving Tom Robinson to the county jail connects to the scene of Heck Tate and other men at Atticus’s door, showcasing mob mentality and justice breakdown.
• Introduce Quote: Contextualize the quote with Scout's fear for Atticus’s safety
• Quote:
  • “They wanted to get you, didn’t they?” (166)
• Analysis:
  • Further explores the societal tensions and fears
  • Highlights the theme of misunderstood intentions and societal pressures

V. Conclusion

• Connection to Hook: Revisit the question of knowing a person truly by appearance
• Connection to Introduction/Thesis: Reinforce the idea that understanding someone requires deeper knowledge
• Final Thoughts:
  • Contemplate why the book ends as it does, especially regarding Boo Radley's quiet nature
  • Reflect on the revelation of true character and its impact

Overall Objective: The essay aims to discuss how appearances can be deceiving and the importance of looking beyond them to understand true intentions and character, as illustrated by Atticus Finch and the various events in To Kill a Mockingbird.