Expository Literary Essay: Character Fails to See Truths


DIRECTIONS: Write a well-organized composition on the topic below.

In many works of literature, a character may have a false sense of reality or a lack of insight into what is actually happening around him or her. Swayed by false beliefs, strong emotions, or irrational fear this character may fail to realize truths that seem obvious to the reader. The moment at which a character gains insight into the reality of his or her situation often marks the climax, or high point, of the literary work.

Using specific references from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, explain how the character is unaware of reality, what the possible causes of this lack of insight are, and why this shortcoming is important to the overall work.

As you write your composition, remember to:

  • Give the title and the author of the work.
  • Focus on a character with a false sense of reality.
  • Give specific examples, reasons, and details from the work to explain the nature and causes of this character’s lack of insight.
  • Explain the importance of this weakness to the overall work.
  • Give any necessary plot information but avoid giving a plot summary.
  • Write in complete sentences.
  • Write coherent and well-developed paragraphs.
  • Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
Expository Literary Essay Plan
Expository Literary Essay Plan
Holistic Expository Essay Rubric
Holistic Expository Essay Rubric
Critical Response Rubric
Critical Response Rubric