Another Essay Prompt on a Literary Element:    Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.

Catch 22    Essay Prompt on a Literary Element:    Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    

Another Essay Prompt on a Literary Element:    Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.   

Another Essay Prompt on a Literary Element:    In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.  

Another Essay Prompt on a Literary Element:   In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

Another Essay Prompt on a Literary Element:    In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well- organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.