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

1. Consider Jackson’s statement that he “believe[s] in magic” (Part 15, Paragraph 81).

• What role does magic or the supernatural play in the story? (topic sentence)
• Identify three moments in which a character either references magic/the supernatural or in which something ambiguously supernatural occurs. Discuss the significance of these passages in light of your topic sentence.
• Finally, use your concluding sentence or sentences to state how the idea of magic or the supernatural relates to or supports the theme of redemption and rebirth.

2. Consider the various stereotypes of Indigenous Americans that the story invokes.

• How and why does Jackson reference these stereotypes? (topic sentence)
• Identify three passages referencing stereotypes of Indigenous Americans or depicting characters in a stereotyped manner. Analyze these passages in light of your topic sentence.
• Finally, use your concluding sentence or sentences to discuss what the story’s invocation of stereotypes suggests about vanishing Indigenous peoples and cultures.