If I Ever Get Out of Here

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. George does not initially take seriously Lewis’s assertions that he is being targeted for being Native American.

• How does this change throughout the novel? (topic sentence)
• What are 3 moments from the text in which George and Lewis discuss this? How do these examples relate to George’s development as a character?
• In your concluding sentences, summarize George’s growth throughout the novel, connecting your ideas to the theme of Racism Toward Native Americans.

2. We learn from the start that Mr. Haddonfield has a connection to reservations in his past. 

• How does this affect his treatment of Lewis? (topic sentence)
• What are 3 examples in which Mr. Haddonfield’s connection comes up, and how does Lewis respond?
• In your concluding sentences, discuss how this conflict is resolved as Mr. Haddonfield explains his connection to Lewis’s mother.

3. The snowstorm forces Lewis to confront both Evan and his fear of the Haddonfields seeing his home.

• What does the storm symbolize? (topic sentence)
• What are 3 examples from the text that support your argument?
• Inn your concluding sentences, explain how this symbol supports the theme of True Friendship.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Choose 1 of the novel’s recurring motifs (e.g., Venus and Mars, The Beatles/Paul McCartney/Wings, bullying,) and trace its appearance throughout the novel. How does this motif help to move the plot along? What does it suggest or reveal about associated characters’ development? Use supporting details from the novel in your response.  

2. Music is embedded in both the structure and plot of this novel as part of the theme of The Unifying Nature and Healing Power of Music. What role does music play in Lewis’s life? In his friendships? Why is it significant that not only does Lewis listen to music but also learns guitar? As you compose your essay, incorporate 3 examples that connect this theme to Lewis’s development as a character.

3. One of the themes of this novel is True Friendship. Consider the impact that George has on Lewis’s life and how Lewis appears to be more accepted by other students even after George leaves. What happens that changes Lewis’s school and Lewis himself? How does True Friendship play a role in his life after George leaves? Include 3 examples from the text to support your ideas.