The Soloist Integrative Essay

After reading Steve Lopez’ The Soloist, and the chapters “Homelessness” and “Schizophrenia”
from your textbook, your understanding of the issues Nathaniel Ayers faced is probably more
robust than it was a few months ago. This essay will give you the chance to reflect on these
topics and share some of your opinions. Please be sure to use your own words. Plagiarized
papers will receive a zero and disciplinary action. This could result in failing the course. Please
respond to the following prompt:
How does Steve Lopez highlight ideas about homelessness
and schizophrenia in The Soloist?
Please structure your essay as follows:
1. Paragraph One – Begin with a short summary of The Soloist. Your first sentence should
follow this format: Title of Book, by Author’s Name, + strong action verb, + main idea
of the book. Next, include one sentence for each major detail about the text. End the
paragraph with this exact thesis: “Steve Lopez’ The Soloist highlights several ideas
about homelessness and mental health by telling Nathaniel Ayers’ story.”
2. Paragraph Two – Begin with this topic sentence: First, Nathaniel Ayers’ story shows the
reader why some people struggle with homelessness. Give specific paraphrased
evidence from The Soloist about why Nathaniel is homeless. Next, connect Nathaniel’s
story with information from the textbook chapter “Homelessness.” What group(s) does
Nathaniel fall into?
3. Paragraph Three – Begin with this topic sentence: Second, although Nathaniel’s
situation is typical of some homeless people, the book also highlights issues facing
other groups of homeless people. Give one or two examples of homeless people in The
Soloist who are homeless for reasons that are different than Nathaniel’s. Next, connect
those examples with some facts from the “Homelessness” chapter.
4. Paragraph Four – Begin with this topic sentence: Third, Nathaniel’s diagnosis is
schizophrenia, a condition that can make it difficult to function in society, and in some
cases, difficult to maintain housing. Describe Nathaniel’s symptoms. How do they fit
with the definition of schizophrenia from the “Schizophrenia” chapter? Why do these
symptoms make it difficult for Nathaniel to function normally?
5. Paragraph Five – Begin with this topic sentence: Fourth, Nathaniel developed
schizophrenia while he was a student at Julliard Music Conservatory – a situation
perfect for this mental illness. Based on the “Schizophrenia” chapter, why do you think

Nathaniel developed schizophrenia in that time and place? Give specifics from each
text to support your answer.
6. Paragraph Six – Begin with this restatement of the thesis: The Soloist highlights several
key ideas about mental illness and homelessness. Briefly highlight some of the key
ideas from your essay. You may end with a personal opinion or tie in an idea from your
first paragraph.