Because of Winn-Dixie

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.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Opal frequently refers to Winn-Dixie’s smile in the novel.

• What is the symbolic significance of Winn-Dixie’s smile? (topic sentence)
• Explain what Winn-Dixie’s smile represent in the novel and how his smile change the circumstances of Opal’s life.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain why you believe the author chose a dog as a catalyst to change Opal’s circumstances.

2. Opal struggles to come to terms with the loss of her mother.

• How does Opal’s absent mother shape her perception of mothers and herself? (topic sentence)
• Describe the roles Opal believes mothers play in the novel and explain why she might have these beliefs.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how Opal’s understanding of her mother shapes her perception of herself.

3. Miss Franny describes what inspired her father to create the litmus lozenge and provides Opal with a sample.

• What is the symbolic significance of the litmus lozenge? (topic sentence)
• Explain what the lozenge represents to different people in the novel, then explain why the mystery ingredient tastes different for different people.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, speculate as to why the litmus candy factory is no longer in business.

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. Each of the characters has experienced loss or pain in one way or another in the novel. In a paragraph with at least three main points, describe the losses of the characters and how they overcome them. Consider forgiveness, friendship, and acceptance in your response. Provide supporting details from the novel in your answer.

2. Many characters have dueling reputations in this book—Otis is a musician and a criminal while Gloria is a witch and a kind gardener. In an essay with at least three main points, explain how Opal comes to terms with these dualities and what impact it has on her understanding of the world. Support your response using quotes from the novel.

3. Gloria Dump and Opal’s mother have both suffered from alcoholism. Consider the negative impact of alcoholism on Gloria and Opal’s family. In two to three paragraphs, discuss the way alcoholism is portrayed in the novel and the unique insights Gloria Dump provides on the disease. Validate your answer using quotes from the novel in your response.