Suggestions for Writing

1. Prose is highly critical of the quality of both I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and To Kill a Mockingbird. If you have read either, write an evaluation of her criticism of the book. Pay particular attention to the quotations she selects; is she setting up a straw man—that is, an argument that can be easily refuted?

   Chapter 5 - I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read - Suggestions for Writing: Prose is highly critical of the quality of both I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and To Kill a Mockingbird. If you have read either, write an evaluation of her criticism of the book. Pay particular attention to the quotations she selects; is she setting up a straw man—that is, an argument that can be easily refuted?
2. Prose is skeptical of the practice of using literary works to teach values. Write an essay in which you support or challenge her position. Be specific in your references to novels, plays, or poems.

   Chapter 5 - I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read - Suggestions for Writing: Prose is skeptical of the practice of using literary works to teach values. Write an essay in which you support or challenge her position. Be specific in your references to novels, plays, or poems.
3. Prose writes, “Great novels can help us master the all-too-rare skill of tolerating—of being able to hold in mind—ambiguity and contradiction” (para. 37). Select a novel you know well, and explain the “ambiguity and contradiction” at its heart.

   Chapter 5 - I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read - Suggestions for Writing: Prose writes, “Great novels can help us master the all-too-rare skill of tolerating—of being able to hold in mind—ambiguity and contradiction” (para. 37). Select a novel you know well, and explain the “ambiguity and contradiction” at its heart.
4. Collect the required reading lists from several schools (or classes) in different geographical regions, and compare and contrast them. Are there differences in quality as well as quantity? Are any of the books Prose discusses included on them? Do the books appeal to boys as well as girls? Is there opportunity for choice? Write an essay analyzing these lists from Prose’s point of view.

   Chapter 5 - I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read - Suggestions for Writing: Collect the required reading lists from several schools (or classes) in different geographical regions, and compare and contrast them. Are there differences in quality as well as quantity? Are any of the books Prose discusses included on them? Do the books appeal to boys as well as girls? Is there opportunity for choice? Write an essay analyzing these lists from Prose’s point of view.