Scythe

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. Choose two scythes and compare and contrast their views on compassion. 

• What is similar and different about how the two scythes show compassion or lack of compassion for their gleaning victims? (topic sentence)
• What specific examples of gleanings support your claim about their views on compassion?
• What specific examples of how the scythes treat the families of the victims support your claim about their views of compassion? 
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how the similarities and differences between these two scythes reveal important ideas on the thematic motif of The Value of Compassion.  

2. Do you think the world in Scythe is better off being governed by the Thunderhead as opposed to humans? Why or why not? 

• In your topic sentence or thesis statement, state your claim about if the world of Scythe is better off being run by artificial intelligence and why.
• What examples from the novel support your claim about the benefits or drawbacks of the Thunderhead? 
• What examples of insights from Citra, Rowan, or the scythes’ journals support your ideas about human nature? 
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how the Thunderhead’s control and the scythes’ insights provide important ideas about Human Fallibility and Weakness. 

3. Explain how either Citra or Rowan change throughout their apprenticeship. 

• In your topic sentence, state your claim about how either Citra or Rowan changes throughout their time as a scythe’s apprentice.
• Cite at least three examples of the character’s thoughts, actions, or dialogue throughout the course of the novel to support your claim.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how the character’s development throughout the story reveals an important idea about one of the following thematic motifs: The Necessity of Sacrifice, The Value of Compassion, or Human Fallibility and Weakness.

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. The first World Supreme Blade Prometheus writes in his journal, “Human nature is both predictable and mysterious; prone to great and sudden advances, yet still mired in despicable self-interest” (Chapter 25). To begin, research a real-world example that you believe reflects this sentiment from Scythe Prometheus. Write an essay in which you connect this important quote to both the novel and the real-world example. Consider the following questions: In what ways are the examples from the novel and from your research similar? In what ways are they different? Support your ideas with specific textual examples from Scythe and from your research. Please remember to cite all direct quotes and paraphrased examples. 

2. While parts of the world in Scythe seem perfect, there are certainly many dystopian elements. In an essay, identify at least three dystopian elements and explain what they reveal about one of the thematic motifs: Morality and Stagnation, The Necessity of Sacrifice, The Value of Compassion, or Human Fallibility and Weakness. If necessary, review dystopian characteristics. Please remember to cite all direct quotes and paraphrased examples. 

3. Faraday emphasizes compassion to Citra and Rowan during their apprenticeships. This emphasis on compassion, while training in various methods of killing, seems paradoxical. In a well-developed essay, discuss the thematic motif of The Value of Compassion through the lens of the Scythedom. Consider the scythes’ journals, the scythes’ methods of gleanings, and the scythes’ work with the families of their victims. Consider the following questions: What does the author want his reader to believe about The Value of Compassion? What is the role of compassion in the life of a scythe?