The Notorious Benedict Arnold

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 play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. In Chapter 3, Sheinkin highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the young Benedict Arnold’s character. Explain the role that these strengths and weaknesses play in his decision to switch to the British side.

• Write a topic sentence that claims that the strengths and weaknesses of Arnold’s character as a young man predict what he will choose to do when faced with the decision to support the British.
• Give examples of how specific youthful strengths show up in the adult Arnold’s decision.
• Give examples of how specific youthful weaknesses show up in the adult Arnold’s decision.
• Write a concluding sentence or sentences relating Arnold’s character and choice to one or more of the book’s thematic motifs (Ambition as a Class Impetus, Rivalry in Early American Conflict, Revenge as a Blinding Motivator, The Devastation of Treason).

2. Benedict Arnold is America’s most famous traitor.