Trash

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

1. Explain why family is important in Trash.

• How does family play in important role in Trash? (topic sentence)
• Describe three incidents from the novel in which family is important to the story’s plot.
• In your concluding sentences, describe what major theme about family emerges from the events in the story, especially its resolution.

2. Describe the character you most identify with in the novel.

• Which character did you relate to in Trash? (topic sentence)
• Give three details from the novel that caused you to identify with the character.
• In your concluding sentences, explain why this character is the best representation of who you are.

3. Explain whether a revolution is needed for reform in the country in which Trash takes place.

• Do you think revolution is what Gardo’s country needs to function properly? (topic sentence)
• Give three reasons why the country does or does not need a revolution.
• In your concluding sentences, describe the kinds of changes that would benefit Behala the most.

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. What purpose does Gabriel Olondriz serve in Trash? What does Gabriel tell Gardo that is important to the development of the story? How is what Gabriel Olondriz did important to the characters in the story? What is Gabriel’s contribution to the people of Behala?

2. Explain the development of Rat’s character throughout the novel Trash. What is his situation at the beginning of the novel, and what secret plan does he reveal to the boys? How is Rat described by his friends? What is the significance of Rat’s name change at the novel’s close?

3. What are some possible reasons Raphael does not tell the police that he found the bag? What information does he keep from the police during his interrogation, and what is his motivation for doing so? What is the significance of his belief that José Angelico strengthens him?