It has often been said that what we value can be determined only by what we sacrifice. Either from your own reading or
from the list below, choose a work of fiction in which a character deliberately sacrifices, surrenders, or forfeits something
in a way that highlights that character’s values. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how the particular sacrifice
illuminates the character’s values and contributes to an interpretation of the work as a whole.
In your response you should do the following:
- Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation.
- Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
- Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
- Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
The Age of Innocence
Antigone
The Awakening
Beloved
The Crucible
Death of a Salesman
Ethan Frome
King Lear
Linden Hills
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter
Much Ado About Nothing
Noah’s Compass
Oryx and Crake
Othello
The Poisonwood Bible
The Portrait of a Lady
A Prayer for Owen Meany
A Raisin in the Sun
AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Test Booklet
FRQ- Their Eyes Were Watching God
AP English Literature and Composition Page 1 of 2
The Scarlet Letter
A Streetcar Named Desire
A Tale of Two Cities
Tess of the d’Urbervilles
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Things Fall Apart
A Thousand Acres
The Women of Brewster Place
- In your response you should do the following:
- Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation.
- Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
- Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
- Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
Full Answer Section
Atticus's willingness to sacrifice his own reputation and popularity in order to defend an innocent man is a powerful reflection of his unwavering belief in justice and equality. He teaches his children, Scout and Jem, that true courage lies not in physical strength or bravado, but in the moral conviction to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Atticus's sacrifice also highlights the importance of empathy and compassion. He is able to see the world through the eyes of others, particularly those who are marginalized and discriminated against. This ability to empathize allows him to connect with Tom Robinson and understand the injustice that is being perpetrated against him.
Atticus's values are further illuminated by his interactions with his children throughout the novel. He encourages them to question the status quo and to think critically about the world around them. He teaches them that it is important to be fair and just, and to treat others with respect, regardless of their race or social standing.
Atticus's sacrifice is not without its consequences. He faces constant criticism and ridicule from his community, and his children are subjected to taunts and insults. However, Atticus remains steadfast in his commitment to his values, and he ultimately succeeds in winning Tom Robinson's acquittal.
The novel's conclusion, in which Scout witnesses the courage and humanity of Boo Radley, a reclusive neighbor who protects her and her brother from a mob, reinforces the themes of empathy and understanding that are central to Atticus's character. Scout's realization that Boo Radley is not the monster that he has been made out to be is a reminder that we should not judge others based on appearances or prejudice.
In conclusion, Atticus Finch's decision to defend Tom Robinson is a powerful example of how sacrifice can illuminate a character's values and contribute to a broader interpretation of a work of literature. Atticus's unwavering commitment to justice, empathy, and compassion serves as a beacon of hope in a world marred by prejudice and injustice. His willingness to stand up for what he believes in, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome fear and prejudice.
Sample Answer
In Harper Lee's classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer in the racially prejudiced South of the 1930s, defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. Atticus's unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of overwhelming hostility and personal risk, stands as a testament to his deeply held values of empathy, compassion, and moral integrity.
Atticus's decision to defend Tom Robinson is a deliberate sacrifice, a conscious choice to stand for what he believes in despite the potential consequences. He understands that defending Tom will make him and his children targets of prejudice and hatred, but he is unwilling to compromise his principles for the sake of personal comfort or social acceptance.