How to Steal a Dog

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. Luanne Godfrey is described as Georgina’s best friend early in the novel.

• What kind of character is Luanne, and how does she influence Georgina’s actions? (topic sentence)
• Describe Luanne’s character based on the author’s use of direct and indirect characterization. Choose and analyze at least two examples that demonstrate how Luanne’s friendship influences Georgina’s actions.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, evaluate the likelihood of a continuing friendship between Georgina and Luanne now that Georgina has a place to live.

2. Many of the characters, including Georgina, are prejudiced toward individuals.  

• What is the overall role of prejudice in O’Connor’s novel? (topic sentence)
• Describe three instances in which prejudice affects Georgina, then explain how each example supports the role of prejudice in the novel.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how Georgina’s willingness to let go of prejudices impacts her character development.

3. Consider Georgina’s relationship with teachers and parents in the novel.

• How does Georgina’s relationship with authority figures influence her thoughts and behaviors? (topic sentence)
• Provide three specific examples of Georgina interacting with an authority figure, and explain how each interaction affects her.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, discuss the significance of authority figures and how they impact young individuals.

Full Essay Assignments

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

1. After her father leaves, Georgina and her family struggle: Her mother is now the sole provider for the family, but she cannot afford to pay for their apartment on her own. Reflect on Georgina’s situation and her choices, then consider the statement Carmella makes in Chapter 20: “I guess bad times can make a person do bad things, huh?” Does O’Conner’s novel support Carmella’s statement? How do the characters respond to “bad times,” and what impact do these choices have on the story and the characters within it? Include specific evidence from the text to support your claim.  

2. Georgina takes Willy from Carmella to live in an abandoned building. Describe Willy as a character. Why did Georgina choose him? How does the author characterize Willy? In what ways does his personality affect those around him? Analyze three significant moments in the text, then explain how each moment demonstrates how Willy impacts others. Support your answer with quotes from the text and include citations.

3. Mookie tells Georgina that “the trail you leave behind you is more important than the path ahead of you.” In what ways do Georgina’s life experiences conflict with Mookie’s statement? How does she adopt the motto toward the conclusion? Strengthen your response by including specific details from the beginning and end of the novel.