The Seventh Most Important Thing

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 outlines below. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Hidden meanings are an important motif in The Seventh Most Important Thing

• What hidden meanings are contained in James Hampton’s sculpture and the seven important things? (Topic Sentence)
• Describe 2-3 hidden meanings and where they were hidden in the sculpture/important things.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain the impact these hidden meanings have on Arthur and how each starts to help him grow.

2. Compare and contrast how the judge and James Hampton view Arthur’s dad.

• How does each character view Arthur’s dad based on how he died? (Topic Sentence)
• Contrast the judge’s opinions in Chapter 5 with James Hampton’s in Chapter 39.
• Conclude by illustrating how each man’s opinion influences and effects Arthur throughout the book.

3. It takes seven years for James Hampton’s sculpture to be displayed at the museum.

• How does this seven-year delay relate to the role of seven throughout the book? (Topic Sentence)
• Highlight changes in the characters from the main part of the story to “Seven Years Later.”
• In conclusion, describe how and why these changes made the delay the best choice for the story.

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. In Chapter 50, one of the people from the museum speculates that Mr. Hampton’s sculpture uses reflective surfaces to symbolize how heaven is reflected in the viewer. Do you agree or disagree with this assessment? Why or why not? If not, what do you think the sculpture’s meaning is? Support your stance with evidence from the text.

2. Mr. Hampton says all angels are different, and their differences depend on their wings. Choose three characters from The Seven Most Important Things. Based on their personality and character arc, describe their wings. Why do you think their wings would look this way? Support your descriptions with quotations from the book.

3. Chapter 32 is written entirely as a nightmare where Arthur has to collect beer bottles to keep his dad from dying. Why do you think the author included this chapter in the story? What does the dream tell the reader about Arthur?