to Write a Mockingbird (Essay)

Topic Sentence Simply state what the body paragraph is about. Atticus Finch is symbolized by the mockingbird. or The mockingbird is a metaphor for Atticus Finch. or One character symbolized by the mockingbird is Atticus Finch.

The character Scout is symbolized by the mockingbird. Where the mockingbird protects its home from predators, Scout protects her family’s name from those wanting to destroy it. The topic sentence does not state the reason why. Show the specific way they are compared in the next sentence.

Both the mockingbird and Scout are very territorial. Where the mockingbird protects its home from predators, Scout protects her family’s name from those wanting to destroy it. You could incorporate the quality into your topic sentence if you keep it simple. The next sentence is further explanation.

Francis, Scout’s cousin, taunted her and called Atticus offensive names. Scout fought back the only way she knew how. “This time, I split my knuckle … Make sure you have a “lead” into the quote. In other words, what was going on in the story when the quote occurred?

Do NOT use the word “because” in your topic sentence. 3 rd person only! (except the conclusion) Do NOT end a paragraph with a quote. –Explain how the quote supports your topic sentence.

Embed Quotes Correctly Double quotation marks go around the entire piece taken from the text. Single quotation marks go around any dialogue that takes place within the piece. At the end of the piece, the page number goes in parenthesis.

“ This time, I split my knuckle to the bone on his front teeth. My left impaired, I sailed in with my right, but not for long. Uncle Jack pinned my arms to my sides and said, ‘ Stand still! ’” (89)

Intro Paragraph Title & Author of book 1-3 sentence summary / setting of novel What is symbolism? Mockingbird as a Symbol Thesis Statement

a sentence expressing your opinion about a particular topic. It is the focus of your entire paper. For this essay, the thesis will end your introduction paragraph.

A simple thesis statement… A mockingbird is a symbol for the characters Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley.

A more complex thesis statement… The key symbol throughout the novel is the mockingbird, and it is through the mockingbird that the author characterizes Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley.

Conclusion Restate main ideas –Summarize your thesis Make a personal connection to the book –Talk about the theme –Personal understanding of the novel –What you will take away from the novel Can be in 1 st person