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 play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. We first learned about the Sea of Flames and the legend behind it at the beginning of the novel.

• How does this legend come true throughout the book? (topic sentence)
• What happens to the characters who seek or hold onto the Sea of Flames?
• In your concluding sentence, discuss how this connects to the theme of Lost and Redeemed Humanity.

2. Radios appear consistently throughout the novel.

• What does the radio symbolize? (topic sentence)
• How is it used for good or for evil by Etienne and Werner? Choose three examples from the text to support your claim.
• Finally, in your concluding sentence, connect this motif to the theme of Light Versus Darkness.

3. Consider Frederick’s friendship with Werner in school and his appearances throughout the book.

• What impact did Frederick have on Werner’s life? (topic sentence)
• What are three times Frederick influenced Werner’s decisions?
• Finally, in your concluding sentence, describe how their friendship connects to the theme of Lost and Redeemed Humanity.