The Great Gilly Hopkins | Topics for Discussion & Projects

The Great Gilly Hopkins Suggested Essay Topics

After reading this story, how would you define the concepts of 'family' and 'home'?

Why is Nonnie nervous about seeing Courtney again?

Discuss your reaction to Courtney's treatment of Gilly, when they finally reunite.

Discuss the significance of Miss Harris's character to the story.

Why does Gilly bully those around her?

How does Gilly change by the end of the story? William Ernest? Trotter?

Imagine you are Trotter. Years after leaving, Gilly comes to pay you a visit. How has she changed? What do you talk about? Is W.E. still living with you? What is he like?

Imagine you are Miss Ellis, and it is up to you to decide whether Gilly lives with her grandmother or with Trotter. Who would you pick and why?