OCDaniel

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. To what extent is writing a form of therapy or form of escapism in OCDaniel?

• In what specific ways does Daniel’s writing demonstrate the way he processes his reality?
• How does Daniel’s writing reflect his daily life while incorporating elements of escapism such as science fiction and fantasy?
• How does Daniel’s writing help his relationships in real life and encourage his emotional growth?

2. How does King emphasize the role of fathers in OCDaniel?

•  How does Daniel view his father throughout the narrative?
• What does Daniel realize about his father in comparison to Max’s and Sara’s fathers?
• How does Daniel’s relationship with his father develop over the course of the novel and what does this evolution indicate about their future?

3. What is the role of sports in OCDaniel?

• How does Daniel view football and its role in his life?
• In what ways does football affect Daniel’s relationships as he becomes the kicker?
• How do others see football in comparison to Daniel and how does this influence his experience overall?

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. How does Daniel struggle with the desire to be seen by his peers? How is his fear of truly being noticed established in his interactions with his family and his friends? Why doesn’t Sara’s attention intimidate Daniel like the attention of others? In what ways does Daniel overcome this fear of being seen? What are some methods he uses to cope with his anxieties over his OCD? Utilize specific passages within the text to support your response.

2. Analyze Sara’s role in the narrative, examining how she treats others and how others treat Sara in return. How is Sara perceived by others and what do they call her? How does Sara’s relationship with Daniel evolve throughout the novel? What role does she play in relation to Daniel’s OCD? Provide quotations to support your answers.

3. What roles do self-deception and self-expression play in OCDaniel? How does Daniel deceive himself and what are the consequences of this deception? In contrast, how does Daniel express himself? In what ways do his expressions of self reveal what he’s hoping to deceive himself about? Illustrate your answer with passages from the novel that Daniel is writing.