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. Writers have a lot to do in the exposition of the novel: Introduce characters, get the story started, and set the stage for dramatic turns of events, all while keeping the reader engaged. McCall’s story format pulls from many storytelling traditions and cultural references that are either serious or often tragic, with not a lot of room for levity.

• How does McCall keep comedy and tragedy in balance in Part 1: “The Departure?” (topic sentence)
• Select details from the first six chapters that balance serious, tragic moments with funny, comic ones.
• In your final sentences, explain whether you think McCall’s writing is effective. Did the balance between dark and light-hearted events work for you as a reader? Did it make you want to read more? Why or why not?

2. Each chapter in Summer of the Mariposas opens with an image and a quote that relates to Lotería, a popular Mexican board game.