A Child Called It: One Child’s Courage to Survive

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

1. Think about how often abuse is discussed in the public in the present time. Using Pelzer’s account of his abuse, as well as the previous short answer questions on The Ideal Family, compare the public acknowledgment of abuse in contemporary times versus during the 1960s/1970s.

• How has society’s perception and attitudes towards child abuse changed from the 1960s/1970s to the present? (topic sentence)
• Find three instances in Pelzer’s account that you believe would have been handled differently in the present time.
• What resources for victims of abuse are available today that were not available then?

2. Pelzer uses vivid imagery and detailed descriptions in his account of his abuse. Analyze why you believe Pelzer took this approach in his writing.

• Why would Pelzer choose to vividly describe his different experiences of abuse? (topic sentence)
• Identify three descriptions of his abuse in the text and analyze his use of imagery in these examples.
• What effect do these descriptions have on the audience?

3. Throughout Pelzer’s account, he uses his Imagination to escape his present situation. One of the imaginary characters he fantasizes about protecting him is Superman.

• What character traits does Superman possess, and how does Superman protect Dave in violent, abusive situations? (topic sentence)
• Identify three moments in the text where Dave mentions Superman.
• What does the presence of Superman say about the importance of Imagination in Dave’s coping strategies?

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. Pelzer’s account of his abuse shows the transformation of his mother from a caring, attentive mother in his early childhood to a violent, abusive authority figure. Additionally, Pelzer describes how his perspective towards, as well as his relationship with, his father changed during his childhood. While both of his parents changed in their relationships with Dave, they also experienced a change in their relationship with each other. Analyze how the relationship between Pelzer’s father and mother transformed throughout the account. How was the violence from Pelzer’s mother linked to her relationship with her husband? What were some of the external factors that caused strain on his parents’ marriage? What was the conclusion? When answering this question, consider the themes of Control and The Ideal Family, as well as the outside resources discussed previously in relation to Pelzer’s account.

2. In the section “Perspectives on Child Abuse,” Pelzer states that his story is “more than a story of survival, it is a story of victory and celebration.” He states that the “heart is unconquerable.” Pelzer wanted to break the cycle of abuse. How did he do that? What, specifically, can abuse victims do today to lead productive lives and break the cycle of abuse?

3. In Pelzer’s account, a poem by Cindy M. Adams is enclosed as one of the “Perspectives on Child Abuse.” Notice the repetition of the phrase, “I never knew.” In the sections that begin with “I never knew,” how is the problem of abuse addressed from the victim’s point of view as well as the outsider’s point of view? Should people who do not experience abuse be involved with ending abuse, and if so, how?

I Never Knew

I never knew how bad it was;

I heard it did exist.

I was appalled at this crime

That robbed youth

Of their “special” time.

I never knew how bad it hurt;

The bruises and scars aren’t seen.

And why somewhere along life’s

way,

The brutality of abuse Has made

you pay.

I never knew how you felt;

Your self-esteem so low.

I only knew you crept away,

And never let your feelings show.

I never knew what I could do;

That I could help somehow.

That all you needed was a friend;

Just someone to be your pal.

But now I know that I can help;

I can make a difference, too.

I’ll stand with you;

I’ll shout with you,

And the rest can’t say,

“I never knew.”