If I Stay

In the novel, music is both a dividing force and a unifying force. Write a multi-paragraph essay that uses specific passages from the novel to analyze the role of music as both a unifying and a dividing force. In your opinion, what is the author attempting to illustrate, by depicting music as both a dividing and a unifying force in the novel?

Yo-Yo Ma is not only Mia’s musical idol but his music appears at two crucial moments in the novel. Review the scenes where Yo-Yo Ma’s music plays an important role and write an essay that explains the significance of the music to those scenes. 

While Mia’s parents, her boyfriend, and her best friend all prefer rock music, Mia prefers classical. Write a multi-paragraph essay in which you compare and contrast the role of rock and classical music in If I Stay. 

After Mia’s dad discusses his decision to quit his band and his musical career with her, he explains that “sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you” (192). Write a multi-paragraph personal essay in which you relate Mia’s dad’s quote to memorable decisions in your own life. Choose a time when you made a choice or decision, and another time where a choice you made helped shape you into the person you are today. What did you ultimately learn about choices from these personal experiences?

The novel’s action hinges on Mia’s decision to stay or to go. If you were Mia’s friend, how would you convince her that life is worth living in spite of her enormous loss? Develop a thoughtful, persuasive multi-paragraph essay that effectively convinces Mia to stay and live. Your essay should include supporting passages from the text.

“It’s okay if you want to leave us. It’s okay of you want to stop fighting” (181). Gramps’ words to Mia are perhaps some of the most controversial of the entire novel. On one hand, they could be interpreted as an expression of profound empathy in which Gramps pushes aside his own desire for Mia to survive and lends his complete support and understanding to whatever decision she makes. On the other hand, his words could be interpreted as giving her permission to stop fighting and let go. How do you interpret Gramps’ words to Mia? Write a multi-paragraph essay in which you either agree or disagree with Gramps’ words.

Gayle Forman uses a unique plot device in this novel, whereby Mia’s consciousness is separated from her physical body, allowing her to observe the aftermath of the accident without feeling the pain of her physical injuries.  Why do you think Gayle Forman chose to use this device? How does this device relate to Mia’s choice between life and death? Write a multi-paragraph essay that explores the significance of Forman’s plot device. 

Specific songs appear at significant moments throughout If I Stay, reminding us of the important role that music plays in our lives and memories. Write a personal multi-paragraph essay in which you explore two specific pieces of music and how they relate to memories or events in your own life. What do these events or memories ultimately reveal about music’s role in your life?