Smile: A Graphic Novel

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

1. Throughout the text, Raina experiences different emotions related to her teeth.

• How do Raina’s teeth affect her self-esteem? (topic sentence)
• Outline how Raina reacts to the different stages of her treatment and how they influence her daily life.
• Does the condition of her teeth ultimately determine her happiness?

2. Raina develops feelings for Sammy and then Sean over the course of the story. Using examples from the text, explain what qualities Raina wants in a relationship and how each crush appeals to her.

• What initially sparks her interest in her crushes? (topic sentence)
• How do her crushes reflect her own anxieties?
• How are her crushes resolved?

3. Certain incidents throughout the text cause Raina to leave her friend group.

• How does Raina’s relationship with her friends deteriorate throughout the text? (topic sentence)
• What role, if any, did Raina’s dental issues have in determining her social status?
• What does she learn about her friendships over the course of the story?

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. Examine how Telgemeier uses graphic storytelling to depict Raina’s dental operations. What techniques does she use to describe the procedures and Raina’s experiences? How do the operations affect Raina’s family socially and financially? How do her parents respond to the procedures? In what ways does the graphic storytelling approach provide a more compelling story for a younger audience than a traditional novel?

2. Explain how Raina’s mentality about her art changes throughout the story and how her relationships with both her old friends and Theresa influence her growth as an artist. How does her art evolve alongside her friendships?

3. Describe the social pressures that the girls in the group face as they grow from children to teenagers. Is Raina mature or immature for her age? What beauty standards do the girls measure themselves by, and are they realistic? How does Raina change her appearance voluntarily and involuntarily? What sparks these changes, and how do they represent Raina’s level of maturity?