"Below are some possible essay topics suitable for O Level questions on 'To Kill A Mockingbird'. Use these topics for revision by writing or planning the essays and comparing your work with that of a friend."
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"1. Trace the appearances of the mockingbird symbol in the novel, and discuss its importance."
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"2. Atticus defines courage as 'When you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway...' Discuss the theme of courage in the novel."
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"3. Compare the lessons Scout learns in the classroom with those she learns outside it?"
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"4. Describe in detail the relationship between Scout and Jem throughout the book."
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"5. Although Tom Robinson is convicted, Miss Maudie describes his trial as 'a baby-step' forward. Describe those aspects of the trial and the events surrounding it that lead her to make this positive assessment"
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"6. Describe and discuss examples of prejudice found throughout the book."
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"7. What is the importance of the character of Miss Maudie Atkinson?"
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"8. Trace the steps by which we come to realise that Boo Radley is not the monster the children first believe him to be."
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"9. 'Miss Jean Louise, you don't know your pa's not a run-of-the-mill man...' Discuss in what ways Atticus is not an ordinary man, as Dolphus Raymond says in this quotation."
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"10. What is the effect of having a child as the narrator of the novel? Discuss both positive and negative effects."
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"*Question 3 is discussed in the Notes on How To Write Essays, and there is a full Model Answer."
