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. What is the purpose of writing a book about a figure who is already so widely known and reviled? Discuss what Sheinkin’s book adds to our understanding of Benedict Arnold.

• Write a topic sentence that makes a claim about what Sheinkin’s book adds to our understanding of Benedict Arnold.
• Give at least three examples of valuable ideas that the book introduces.
• Write a concluding sentence or sentences relating these ideas 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).

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. On page 5, Sheinkin writes, “The sixth Benedict Arnold surprised everyone by surviving.” What does this mean, in a literal sense? How does this quote foreshadow significant features of Arnold’s later life? How does it relate to Arnold’s Class Ambition and reaction to the Rivalries that marked his adult life? As you compose your essay, discuss at least three different parts of Arnold’s life that illustrate his ability to survive hardships and adverse circumstances to reach his goals, offering textual evidence for your claims.

2. Sheinkin chooses to open the book with the execution of John André. How does this choice create tension and motivate the reader in a way that opening with Benedict Arnold’s birth would not? How does this choice stress the impact that Arnold’s choices have on others? What does this choice help the reader understand about the historic context of the novel’s events? What relationship does this have to the book’s focus on The Devastation of Treason? As you compose your essay, discuss at least three separate purposes that this opening serves, offering textual evidence for your claims.