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

1. How do you see naming used as a recurring theme in Homegoing? (topic sentence)

• How does naming initially define one of the characters in the novel?
• In what ways does naming change a power dynamic, redefine that character, or limit their potential?
• How does this experience contrast with that of another character?

2. Choose a character in the text and examine how they are limited or held back by dominant gender roles of their time. (topic sentence)

• When does the intersection of gender and race make this more difficult for a character?
• How does the character seek to resolve or escape the limitations of these roles? Are they successful?

3. What makes family and parenthood central themes in Homegoing? (topic sentence)

• How do slavery and segregation impact the ability of parents in the novel to care and provide for their children?
• Who is able to resolve this trauma in later generations?
• What impact does this have on Marjorie and Marcus?