Write two paragraphs (eight sentences each) in response to your reading of To Kill a Mockingbird. See the journal entry topic ideas in the Journal Expectations post. As a reminder, your posts should illustrate the qualities that make you an honors student: your ability and willingness to think analytically, to read carefully (to infer, question, predict, and connect), and to thoroughly explain your thoughts in writing.
In my opinion the last few chapters haven’t been that interesting. However, the plot has really changed from being about Scout, Jem, and Dill trying to get Boo out of the house. Now it’s beginning to be more about Atticus and the Tom Robinson case. In chapter 15 Atticus is surrounded by strangers but Scout, Jem, and Dill save the day. If Jem hadn’t been persistent on staying with Atticus, I really wonder how Atticus would’ve reacted to potentially being beat up. Atticus being surrounded reminded me a lot of Julius Caesar when he was surrounded and murdered. If Jem hadn’t been present things could’ve took a wrong turn and ended up being a very bad blood bath as we read about in Julius Caesar. In the same chapter Dill talks to Scout about trying to make Boo come out of his house once again so I believe Boo still has a big part in this story. Although, I’m still very curious on why Harper Lee completely switched subjects and what they have to do with each other.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that interested me was the symbolism with it being a sin to kill a mockingbird. Once Jem and Scout got their air rifles Atticus made sure to remind them not to shoot a mockingbird because killing a mockingbird is a sin. With the title being "To Kill a Mockingbird", I wonder what the significance is to that. What is Harper Lee trying to tell us? Miss Maudie states that, “Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, don't do one thing but sing their hearts out of us.” From what I can gather the title might be trying to tell us the story about killing or ruining peace. This would make sense because the Tom Robinson case is practically tearing apart the town and destroying its peace. One last thing is the Finch’s last name. Why is their last name also named after a bird and what does that have to do with the story?
I never thought about the last name being a bird name! Great thought! I wonder if it will tie into the story some how. What do you think?
DeleteSam, at this point I'm thinking a finch bird might have some type of thing it represents and then whatever it represents is like what their family stands for or the morals that they have.
DeleteEmily, that is an interesting point about the mockingbird part that Miss Maudie says. Is she trying to use symbolism so that the mockingbird is like a black person, since that is who is on trial? If so she's saying that the black population doesn't do anything wrong and that they shouldn't be shot at because killing a mockingbird is a sin.
DeleteJackson, that would make a lot of sense! The black people don't really do anything wrong,they serve others, just like the mockingbirds.
DeleteSo far in “To Kill a Mockingbird” not much has happened. Mostly we have learned about some of the lessons that Jem and Scout are going through. Some of the main lessons we have learned are to treat others the way you want to be treated, no matter how they really treat you. I wonder what the main theme of the entire book will be. Does anyone have any ideas of what it might be? I hope it's leading up to something interested instead of just the lessons that the characters are learning. I want them to focus back on Boo Radley because that seemed to interest me!
ReplyDelete“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a coming of age story which shows the transition of a young person going into adulthood. At this point in the story we have read through chapter 13 and Jem is going into his adulthood. Some signs that this is true are he is ignoring Scout and spending more time alone he also told Scout she should start acting like a girl. Does anyone have any ideas why the author would be showing us this? Do you think there is a reason for it?
I think the main theme of this book is either discrimination or equality. Everything seems to tie back into different races and how they are treated so different. Along with you, I also want them to focus back on Boo Radley because I find that way more intriguing. After all the talk about getting him to come out of the house, do you think he will?
DeleteIf Boo Radley is brought back into the show, how do think Harper Lee brought him back in? For example, does he come out of the house?
DeleteHow do you think they would bring him back into the book at this point?
DeleteI think the author wants to show us the coming of age because it can connect with us since we all have to at some point.
DeleteRecently, "To Kill a Mockingbird" has gotten intense. I just finished chapter 21. The court case was very interesting to read. I wonder why Scout, Jem, and Dill decided to sit up on the balcony with the African Americans instead of finding someone down in the crowd? I also wonder why people on the balcony gave up their front row seats for the children. The stubbornness Jem and Scout displayed about not wanting to leave, fits right into their usual character. I felt for Dill when he cried about how mean the prosecutor was being to Tom Robinson. I also felt for Jem when he burst into tears after hearing the guilty verdict. Does anyone else think it's kind of ironic that Scout was the one not to cry?
ReplyDeleteAtticus Finch is indeed a good lawyer. He never yelled at a witness, nor did he do anything menacing towards them. He wants justice for all. Instead of just letting Tom Robinson out on his own, Atticus actually did his best to defend him. Most other white people in that community wouldn't have helped an African American. Atticus knew what he was doing, even when Scout couldn't quite follow what he was up to. Near the end of the trial, everything he had said started to come together and painted a different story than that portrayed by the Ewell family. What do you think is going to happen? If the book follows history, then Tom Robinson might go have to undergo another trial. Maybe Judge Taylor will overturn the verdict like he did in real life.
Do you think Jem and Scout have sat with the African Americans because they have made a big jump to coming to age?
DeleteI think they sat with the African Americans because the Reverend offered and they knew him. Another reason could be because of their ages and family, they aren't racist like the majority of Maycomb.
DeleteAfter reading twenty one chapters of To Kill A Mockingbird, it has me very intrigued in what will happen next in the courtroom setting. I have been very impressed with both the defense, and the prosecution. The defense has intrigued me because, Atticus has been going off of Mayella Ewell's story and picking out each part that can not be correct. The most interesting thing that I thought was when Mayella said she got hit on the left side of her face, but it couldn't have been Thomas Robinson because he had a crippled left arm and hand.
ReplyDeleteWhat intrigued me about the prosecution was that he never really put up much of a fight. He never gave good points, or ways to pick apart Thomas Robinson's story. I thought it was very weird, because when both sides gave their closing arguments, the prosecution gave a very weak closing statement. Mr. Gilmer was a little unsure of his side of the trial. Jem said that he thought he was leaning over to Atticus' side, and that he thought the defense would win. I am very excited to keep reading and see what will happen next, will the court show racism, or will they do the right thing and make Thomas Robinson innocent?
I also found the left arm interesting! I think the court will overall show racism towards Tom Robinson because most people in Maycomb are racist.
DeleteThe court will no doubt claim Tom to be guilty. The racial discrimination seen in this book is a great lesson on how hard it was to grow up like Scout was doing. There were so many conflicts of interest that it was always hard to get along.
DeleteDO you think he will ever get justice, since it is obvious he didn't do it?
DeleteI have been surprised by how "To Kill a Mockingbird" went from a bunch of kids wanted to get Boo Radley to come out, to never speaking about the Radley house within a few chapters. I understand that it might have to do with Dill leaving, because he seems to be the mastermind behind all of the Boo Radley shenanigans. So far all of the major lessons, or themes, that we have learned have been handed to us. A character actually comes out and says the exact message they are trying to get across, instead of having the readers interpret the writing. It's a different way of writing because these days writing seems to be more about finding your own meaning behind the words, they aren't as straight forward. Why do you think the themes are like this? Do you think that it's because the narrator is a young child so we are learning them the same way a child would?
ReplyDeleteThe way Jem has changed within a few chapters is interesting. It makes me wonder that if Dill comes back will he want to be around him anymore or will he feel like he's too grown up for him. Scout seems to be annoyed with Jem for growing up so suddenly. She is probably confused by it, I know I would be if one of my brothers did that. Another thing is the way Scout handles it. Although she seems confused and slightly annoyed I think she handles it well. She decides to spend time with Calpurnia because that's what girls do and Jem told her to learn to be a girl. You can tell Scout cares about what Jem thinks.
I agree with your thought that the plot has changed a lot! I like your thought about Dill and Jem's relationship, and how it could change. i wonder if Dill will show maturity like Jem has, or if he will continue to be more of a little kid with Scout.
DeleteThe fact that the Radley house hasn't been mentioned in a few chapters surprises me. It seemed to me like the house was going to have something to do with the climax of the story. Harper Lee will for sure bring the house back into the story but how, I don't know.
DeleteIt is kind of interesting the Radley house was a huge concept in the first half, though it is not a concept in the second half so far. Are there any other reasons you think the concept might have been avoided besides dill leaving?
DeleteI agree, the change in the plot was drastic and a little sad. I liked the beginning of the book when all the kids worried about was Boo Radley.
DeleteI agree, the change in the plot was drastic and a little sad. I liked the beginning of the book when all the kids worried about was Boo Radley.
DeleteI agree, the situation on Boo is fairly inconsistent
DeleteAs of now To Kill a Mockingbird does not interest me. Not much has happened in the first part of the book. Most of the first chapters have been childish actions and learning from mistakes. Atticus tries to teach the kid's many lessons. Scout with looking at life from a different point of view, and Jem with having to read to Mrs. Dubose and learning what real courage is. I feel that now Dill has disappeared from the story line that Boo Radley will also. I feel this because Dill was always the one who was making dares to mess with Boo. Also that the kids, without the childish one there, will behave better than they already are. I wonder if Dill will come back to the story line?
ReplyDeleteIn part two you can already see coming to age. Jem is coming to age the fastest. Our first hint is that Calpurnia calls him, Mister Jem. Aunt Alexandra is turning the world upside down for the two kids, probably more for Scout. Aunt wants Scout to be a proper lady and even has Atticus tell them they need to change their ways. In ways She is good for Scout because she needs a good, positive, role model in her life to help her. Calpurnia is also helping with the kids by taking them to church and showing them a different culture. This also teaches the kids that prejudice even happens in black culture.
I feel you at the first part because they keep giving back story and I thought that the trial would come up before I got 150 pages into the book. I feel like Dill will come back into the story line since he comes back every summer, but we haven't gotten to the following summer yet. Will he have anything to say or will Dill do anything when he gets back this summer when the trial is taking place?
DeleteI would have to agree with you on the fact of it staring slow. I also think that maybe Dill leaving had something to do with representing their childish ways leaving
DeleteI agree that Jem and Scout are coming to age. The book gives some subtle and some obvious clues. You used good examples to support your statement.
DeleteI think the book is more boring at this point. As much as I like to read about all the characters, there lives are relatively boring. although as I read I can see the plot thicken. The only thing so far that has been interesting is the parts with "boo". I think that he might have a bigger part in the book then previously predicted. I think that not just "boo" is cool but the details of the case that attics is working on. I cant wait until the case takes over being a part of the book.
ReplyDeleteBy far the most interesting character is Atticus. I like his morals and how he handles taking the case. It is the traits of a great faithful man. It is in the book where he is persecuted for taking the case and that in its self says that he is willing to do whats right. In the beginning of the book he says a quote about treating everyone the same on how they treat you, that is in my opinion the best quote in the book.
I agree with you, that so far I have lost interest also. I also agree that Atticus has good morals and how he handles the case.
DeleteI strongly agree with you on the fact that Atticus has good morals and I believe that he is a Gentlemen. Although I would have to say that I am Gaining interest and that I am beginning to get hooked.
DeleteI agree with you. The more I read, the more the book becomes clearer and the plot gets better. I am interested about this Boo Radley character as well. Is he just a small character or will he play a big part in this story's plot?
DeleteTo some extent I agree that the characters have become a little plain. We will have to wait and see what's in store
DeleteThe book is really starting to get interesting. Since Tom was ruled guilty, I wonder if he'll die or go to jail. There's also the chance that there's a second trial like the Scottsboro case. I fell that that might be what happens since a lot of this book relates to the Scottsboro case. First and foremost they are both set in the south. Next, the accuser tries to get out of trouble by saying a black man raped them. Then in the trial, the defense makes a great case for the defendant to be innocent, but the jury rules otherwise. Now I feel that a lot of the town will come to defend Tom Robinson and Atticus, just like what happened with the Scottsboro case. I predict that there will be a second trial, but I think Robinson will be found guilty again.
ReplyDeleteI also feel that it will cause a lot of conflict in Maycomb. In an earlier chapter, Jem and Scout made a snowman which turned into a big ugly mess of dirt and snow. This infers that that the blacks and whites will get into a big scuffle. I believe the fighting will begin immediately after the trial. I also think Boo Radley will have something to do with the conflict as well. He's been pretty unimportant so far, but I think he will have a big role in the climax of the story. The author wouldn't have mentioned him if he didn't.
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ReplyDeleteI think that, so far, To Kill a Mockingbird is a great novel. I expected a stuffy old book with complicated phrasing and long complicated word. My expectations have certainly been crushed. One of my favorite things about the book so far is how Atticus warns the children about shooting Mockingbirds. “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (90) Scout was confused by this statement but she asked Miss Maudie about it and Maudie said; “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing, but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their heart out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the mockingbird has a very heavy symbolism in the book. I believe that perhaps the mockingbird is a symbol for the African American that Atticus will protect in court. I think that the man will be innocent and has been falsely accused of his crime. I think that people will want him to be killed, at that time African American lives didn’t have much value to most people. So he will be like a mockingbird! Innocent and non-destructive but still people will want to kill him which would be just like killing a mockingbird, and would be a sin. I also believe that is why Atticus took the case with the African American. He knew that he would be ridiculed and even hated by his peers but he couldn’t let a mockingbird be killed.
I've never thought of the mockingbird symbolizing the man that Atticus is defending in court. I think that is a great connection and I absolutely agree.
DeleteI have never put any thought into the idea of the mockingbird until now. I can definitely see how the mockingbird can be connected to the defendant. This is an amazing idea and I completely agree to what you have said.
DeleteIt's great how the book captures and holds your attention. I like a lot of parts of the writing-it's hard for me to pinpoint exactly why this book holds interest so well when you think it wouldn't, judging by the cover and date.
DeleteAs we have continued to read To Kill a Mockingbird I have become increasingly interested. The most recent chapters we have read, the ones about the case, have intrigued me the most. It is very easy to connect this book with the video we watched about the nine African Americans. The jury was pretty much the same, both judges were fair, both defending lawyers made very good cases that should've won. I am very curious to see if Tom Robinson gets released like the Scottsboro boys. I think that prejudice shown in both trials is pretty clear, both juries were made up of strictly white people. I find it interesting that Jem keeps acting as if Scout has no clue what is really happening and being said, as if she was merely a baby. Jem continues to push Scout farther and farther away, while Scout and Dill grow closer and closer.
ReplyDeleteA good question to ask would be why Harper Lee had Scout and Dill meet Mr. Raymond? I believe it was to give Scout a better understanding of a world she is foreign to. Atticus has given her bland responses to some of her questions about people's behavior, adults specifically. I believe he has tried to shadow her from the real world. However, now that the case has opened up and took place, I think Scout is about to be welcomed into the real world. Mr. Raymond simply gave the two children an example of the real world. By explaining how he isn't really who people think he is, but pretending he is just to satisfy them, he is giving her an inside scope of what is to come.
I had the same question, on why did she have Scout and Dill meet Raymond? But you explaining it in the second paragraph really made me think more about it.
DeleteRecently, "To Kill a Mockingbird" has actually gotten a lot better to me personally and a lot more intriguing. I just finished chapter 21 because of extra time being able to read and I was surprised by the chapters I read. The court case was what really had me interested and completely into the book. One thing that really stuck out odd to me was when Scout, Jem, and Dill decided to sit up on the balcony with the African Americans instead of finding other people in the crowd. I think it really showed their youth and somewhat lack of knowledge of their surroundings during the time. It also puzzled me that people were even willing to give up their own spots for the children. I think their youth and innocence is really shown again when Scout and Dill refuse to leave and throw a tantrum about leaving. Though Dill has a stubborn, childsh side to him, I have moments when I feel for Jem. I felt for Jem when he saw people's tears come down his face after hearing the guilty verdict. Does anyone else beside me feel for Jem in the situation?
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that was interesting seeing so far through the book, how much Jem as a character has changed It makes me really curious how further into the book, Jem will act around characters such as Dill as he is becoming of age. Though Jem is happy with his gradual maturity throughout the book, Scout is not quite as happy with how much he is changing. Scout knows Jem as the kid, and now it's hard seeing his as mature and older. I think it's hard for anyone to show their feelings, especially being a little kid, so I think Scout in the book portrayed a pretty strong character by hiding her feelings. Scout tries to get over the fact that Jem isn't little anymore and isn't the same person she knew she was so she decides to find someone different to be around and spends her time around Calpurnia learning that it's more normal to be with girls.
Do you think Scout will mature?
DeleteRecently, "To Kill a Mockingbird" has actually gotten a lot better to me personally and a lot more intriguing. I just finished chapter 21 because of extra time being able to read and I was surprised by the chapters I read. The court case was what really had me interested and completely into the book. One thing that really stuck out odd to me was when Scout, Jem, and Dill decided to sit up on the balcony with the African Americans instead of finding other people in the crowd. I think it really showed their youth and somewhat lack of knowledge of their surroundings during the time. It also puzzled me that people were even willing to give up their own spots for the children. I think their youth and innocence is really shown again when Scout and Dill refuse to leave and throw a tantrum about leaving. Though Dill has a stubborn, childsh side to him, I have moments when I feel for Jem. I felt for Jem when he saw people's tears come down his face after hearing the guilty verdict. Does anyone else beside me feel for Jem in the situation?
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that was interesting seeing so far through the book, how much Jem as a character has changed It makes me really curious how further into the book, Jem will act around characters such as Dill as he is becoming of age. Though Jem is happy with his gradual maturity throughout the book, Scout is not quite as happy with how much he is changing. Scout knows Jem as the kid, and now it's hard seeing his as mature and older. I think it's hard for anyone to show their feelings, especially being a little kid, so I think Scout in the book portrayed a pretty strong character by hiding her feelings. Scout tries to get over the fact that Jem isn't little anymore and isn't the same person she knew she was so she decides to find someone different to be around and spends her time around Calpurnia learning that it's more normal to be with girls.
What made the book less interesting in the beginning of the book?
DeleteIn the recent chapters of “To Kill A Mockingbird” the most prominent societal problem that has come up would be racism. In a typical courtroom, everyone is equal and no one is guilty until proven so. In a courtroom set in the early 1930s, a black man may as well not even try to defend himself in a court of law, especially if this courtroom was in the south. Maycomb is no exception to this, a white man will always win a case against an African - American. Atticus brings this up in his closing argument even. Atticus says this on page 203, “This case is a simple as black and white.” This shows that Atticus was trying to defend this man, but also attempting to create a trial where maybe the jury wouldn’t be so biased. I think this book will keep reflecting the idea of racism and Atticus will attempt to free this man who has not done anything wrong.
ReplyDeleteI have started to find myself a little more interested in this novel. I think the plot itself is starting to pick up and become more interesting. I think that Aunt Alexandra will play a key role in this book. She is now supposed to be Scouts female figure, but I am not sure that Scout is really accepting of this. I am also not sure why the author decided to bring Dill back, especially after we thought he had a nice family and house. Maybe Dill will play a larger role than anticipated. I have found Atticus to be the most intriguing so far. The way he composes himself in the courtroom and even when he is at home makes him seem like a very respectable man. I also like that Atticus cares for everyone, he isn’t biased and is willing to help anyone. We really saw Atticus's compassion when he sat outside the jail to make sure no one bugged Tom Robinson while he was trying to sleep.
I have been interested in different points in "To Kill a Mocking Bird. I was in to the trial because I knew it would get somewhere. I think this book gives us a very good perspective how blacks had to live. They had all black churches, the blacks normally hung out with just blacks. Calpurnia is one that really sticks up for being her color.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I have been thinking is what would Harper Lee be in like in person? She obviously can write and is informed about many things. Her as an author has taught us more even though it is a realistic book. It has taught us more what it war like to live in the early ages. I wonder what had inspired to write this novel, because the characters are definetley strategically planned out.
I never thought about what Harper Lee might be like as a perosn! Good thought! I like how you mentioned the perspective shown by Scout on how life was lived by black people.
DeleteRecently in “To Kill a Mockingbird”, I think it is really starting to pick up. In the beginning it was slow and kind of uneventful. Although, as I have started to read more chapters I can finally start seeing how it connects to the Scottsboro boys. At first I couldn’t see many similarities between the novel and the documentary but now it kind of feels almost the same thing but told by a child’s point of view. Like when all the evidence was proving that the Scottsboro boys and Tom Robinson were innocent. However, because they were white woman they were obviously telling the truth in the jury’s eyes. I even think the money circumstances where about the same for Victoria and Mayella. The thing that I think differs was it was harder to prove that the Scottsboro boys were innocent compared to Tom Robinson. The case for Tom Robinson really has no evidence of raping her. It just shows how racist they were back then.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it was the way that they were raised that made most of them racist. I believe Atticus cared about negroes because he wanted to. And I like how Atticus has taught his children that they should be kind to negroes and that they are equal. But for Dill, I think he has an emotional attachment to the way they were treating Tom on the stand. Unlike Atticus’s sister who didn’t understand why Atticus was so nice to them. I think that Atticus, being a good lawyer and role model, that some people may finally listen to him about equality. I also think that it might help later on in the book. Unlike the Scottsboro boys, I think that Tom Robinson has a chance of eventually winning the case and is able to go back home to his family without any charges.
Thoughout the entire book of "To Kill a Mockingbird" the main problem has been racism. In the beginning of the book it starts off with people judging both Atticus and his kids because Atticus is defending Tom Robinson. Jem and Scout have no control over what Atticus does, so they should not have to deal with what other people in Maycomb think. Atticus tries to get his kids to understand that they should not judge others because of what they think while everybody in the town is judging them. He even tells them this on page 157, "Mr. Cunningham's basically a good man," he said, "he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us." Him telling them this and trying to have his kids understand this proves that he truly does accept everybody for who they are. I think that Atticus finds equality to be so important because he knows what it is like to be judged. He knows, because he is being judged by everyone in Maycomb and he wants it to stop and for everyone to be equal.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of fighting in this book also interests me. I think that there isn't a lot of fighting in this book for it to be based on a true story of racism. In history there was a lot of violence used after Rosa Parks was arrested. The white people would burn down buildings and threaten to harm families, while actually harming a few people. In this book there is little to no violence. There is the mad dog chapter where Atticus tells his kids he doesn't want them to fight, and the jail scene where there was almost a fight, but there wasn't. It is a little odd that the author would make it look less violent than racism can truly be. I feel there should have been more violence to make it seem like the hard battle it truly was in history.
Thoughout the entire book of "To Kill a Mockingbird" the main problem has been racism. In the beginning of the book it starts off with people judging both Atticus and his kids because Atticus is defending Tom Robinson. Jem and Scout have no control over what Atticus does, so they should not have to deal with what other people in Maycomb think. Atticus tries to get his kids to understand that they should not judge others because of what they think while everybody in the town is judging them. He even tells them this on page 157, "Mr. Cunningham's basically a good man," he said, "he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us." Him telling them this and trying to have his kids understand this proves that he truly does accept everybody for who they are. I think that Atticus finds equality to be so important because he knows what it is like to be judged. He knows, because he is being judged by everyone in Maycomb and he wants it to stop and for everyone to be equal.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of fighting in this book also interests me. I think that there isn't a lot of fighting in this book for it to be based on a true story of racism. In history there was a lot of violence used after Rosa Parks was arrested. The white people would burn down buildings and threaten to harm families, while actually harming a few people. In this book there is little to no violence. There is the mad dog chapter where Atticus tells his kids he doesn't want them to fight, and the jail scene where there was almost a fight, but there wasn't. It is a little odd that the author would make it look less violent than racism can truly be. I feel there should have been more violence to make it seem like the hard battle it truly was in history.
The main problem is racism you say, do you think there are any more issues?
DeleteIn To Kill A Mockingbird, I think the plot and turn of events has matured a lot. The story went from Scout running around town, getting into trouble, and messing with Boo Radley to breaking up “mobs”, learning different cultures, and being in a courtroom. This transition came about relatively fast. Something that has really been a change is Jem’s transition from a young, and reckless boy, to more reserved and put together young man. He chooses to be responsible and be leader to Scout and Dill. Jem also shows a sign of maturing into an adult when he grows out of the childish behavior, and ignores Scout and Dill. He chooses to read alone in his room rather than mess around with Scout and Dill. In the reading, Scout makes these changes of Jem obvious and points them out often.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I found intriguing in To Kill A Mockingbird, is that Calpurnia lives a double life. I think the visit to Calpurnia’s church was very interesting. It showed that Calpurnia felt pressured to dumb herself down around her own race. Most would assume that Calpurnia would be the most comfortable around her fellow black community, but it’s made clear that she is not. Scout, even as a young girl, notices the huge change of Calpurnia. I also think it’s interesting how the reverend made sure the doors were closed until there was enough donated money to go to Tom Robinson’s family. It was forced even though donating shouldn’t be forced. It was also interesting to read how the black community reacted to Scout and Jem visiting the church.
I've noticed the change in maturity too! When I read about Jem reading alone in his room, it reminded me a lot of his father, who was described earlier in the book as a man who liked to read rather than do other silly activities. Maybe Jem will follow in his father's footsteps.
DeleteMolly Osweiler p.4
I've noticed the change in maturity too! When I read about Jem reading alone in his room, it reminded me a lot of his father, who was described earlier in the book as a man who liked to read rather than do other silly activities. Maybe Jem will follow in his father's footsteps.
DeleteMolly Osweiler p.4
I almost thought the focus turned really suddenly, but for a good purpose, of course.
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ReplyDeleteHarper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" takes place in southern Alabama in the early 1930's. At this time, it was the Great depression. The setting had a large influence on the novel, especially the second half. Racism was a large issue in the South, even following the Civil War. Lee used southern dialect with a few of the characters, and mid-western dialect for others. For example, characters that use a southern dialect include Bob Ewell and Tom Robinson. Bob says on page 172, "Well,the night of November twenty-one I was comin' in from with a load o'kindlin'...". An example of mid-western dialect is Atticus Finch. Atticus, using a mid-western dialect, says, "You heard it again Mr. Ewell. Do you have anything to add to that? Do you agree with the sheriff?"(176). Lee uses many details later on in the books to describe characters. Tom Robinson in the novel is described and portrayed as a negro man who works hard for his family, a caring man, and a man whose left arm is twelve inches shorter than his right arm due to an incident at work.
ReplyDeleteSymbolism is frequently used in Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird". Lee takes people, objects, and events in the novel and uses the text the symbolize another meaning. For example, the mad dog. In chapter 10, Tim Johnson, a neighbor's dog, is found roaming the streets by Jem and Scout. They find Calpurnia and warns her that he does not look right. She questions them, only to find out for herself that the dog was mad. She called Atticus, Sheriff Heck Tate, and warned the neighbors. The neighbors stayed inside, though they watched from their windows. Atticus and the sheriff arrived, Mr. Tate insisted Atticus shot the dog. A few moments later, Atticus had shot the dog down in one shot. The mad dog, Tim Johnson, represent Tom Robinson. The neighbors watching from their windows represents the townspeople not wanting to get involved in the case but they want to be aware of what is going on. The Sheriff Tate hesitating and insisting Atticus shoots the mad dog down represents that the government is handing over the responsibilities of protecting Tom Robinson to Atticus.
What do you think the symbolism was when Atticus said that it was a sin to kill a mockingbird? With that being the title of the book, Harper has to be trying to tell us something.
DeleteI agree with you that there is a lot of symbolism but is there more than one meaning for it?
DeleteI think it symbolized that it was wrong to send Tom Robinson to jail for a crime he did not commit.
DeleteThere could be more than one meaning for each symbolism found but I think that she used it for one particular reason.
Agreed, symbolism is a driving force in the story.
DeleteI agree Hannah.
DeleteI think it's nice to have characters that are timeless. In the present day you see the kinds of issues they face-racism, poverty, and it's applicable to life now. The behavior of the characters carries over time as well. I can see Atticus as mostly quiet but smart with a strong moral compass. He reminds me in some ways of my own father. And younger Scout reminds me in some ways of my sister- not necessarily wanting to do what everyone else considers normal. To me, that's very finely written characters. You can infer the rest of what they're like even though it's not explicitly stated because you can relate them to real life people.
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought it odd at first that the story had a watered down, slightly edited version of the Scottsboro Boys trial. But then I realized that there are some great films based on true stories. I also realized that the details made the story more realistic and again-relatable. But I also like how the whole story isn't mostly revolved around the trial. I feel like that would be without any real mystery and a shallow sense of character. Other interesting aspects of the story seem to be sprinkled throughout in the form of symbolism. The kids changing the snowman to be white, and Miss Maudie's house burning down are small examples of this. I really liked the symbolism with the mad dog, though. Every little detail had a purpose. Where usually I find subtle symbolism a little annoying because it can be lost on the reader easily, this foreshadowed a coming event and was so creative it made me think about it afterwards.
I agree with your timeless statement. What you said about your sister I can relate to, as my little brother seems to have the same mindset!
DeleteAt the start of “To Kill A Mockingbird”, I wasn’t looking forward to reading the book at all. As we have read further into the book, I have actually started to enjoy it. One thing that I have really like is how the characters are changing and developing along with the plot. Jem in particular has changed tremendously from the beginning of the book to now. He has grown out of his childish ways and started to act more like Atticus. I also think that Jem’s newfound maturity has started to rub off on Scout. Instead of denying his growing up, Scout seems to be embracing her brother’s leadership. I think it will be interesting to see how Dill is affected by Jem’s coming of age. I wonder if he will be like Scout, and embrace Jem’s leadership? Or maybe he will be offended that Jem isn’t interested in the childish games that he and Scout are?
ReplyDeleteIn the most recent chapter I read, Atticus has just finished his closing statement in the trial. During his speech, Scout noticed him do something she had never seen him do before. He loosened his tie, and took off his coat. Scout thought it was really odd when he did it, because it was something she had never seen him do before. I wonder what Atticus was trying to do accomplish in doing this? Was he trying to appeal to the jury’s emotions rather than just their logic, as one last attempt to get them to vote not guilty? I think he was trying to remind them that everyone in the courtroom was just a person at the end of the day, so maybe they would vote not guilty.
I agree that some characters have definitely started to change and develop. Personally I liked when Jem was more childish because his maturity seems to be driving a wedge between him and Scout. So far, Dill has been mostly static and I wonder if his character is going to change too.
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ReplyDeleteMy class just finished the first act of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and I feel that the book is really slow. We have learned very little about the trial that is coming up except for people calling Atticus a black lover, but they don't say those words, because he is defending a black person. He says to Scout that if he didn't do it that the kids, Jem and Scout, wouldn't have to mind him. That he wouldn't be able to represent their town in the state legislature. Because Atticus does this many people dislike him. His own family said that he was ruining the Finch reputation because of him defending a black person. How hard would it be to hear that your family was doing that? I wouldn't want to do anything and I would want to leave. It seems hard enough when friends make fun of you for something and don't want to hang around with you but if your family made comments like that why would you want to hang out with them?
ReplyDeleteSomething else that I find interesting is that Atticus tells the kids that killing a mockingbird is a sin. That could represent so many things. Later Miss Maudie says ,“Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, don't do one thing but sing their hearts out of us.” That is very interesting because in my eyes, when they talk about the mockingbird I think of how it relates to the black population in this book. Miss Maudie's quote represents how the black population doesn't do anything wrong and that they shouldn't get treated differently. They are just like the other birds that don't get shot at, so the black population shouldn't get shot at. They shouldn't have to go to different schools, different water fountains, stand up on a bus while a white person sits, use a different water fountain. People are people and still have unalienable rights that they have. People deserve respect no matter race and gender. I think this book is trying to say this, that people shouldn't be treated any different because of their color.
I agree with the book being somewhat boring at times. Do you think it'll pick up?
DeleteThough the book was slow in the beginning, I think it necessary because it showed the reader how the characters acted, so that later, their change was more prominent. Because of how slow the progression was, you got a thorough understanding of the different traits of characters you met.
DeleteWhile reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee I have noticed that The focus of the story has transferred from Scout, Jem, And Dill and there childish ways to Atticus and his personality and his work.After learning more about Atticus I like his character more for example he has a very good morals and is a true gentlemen. I also think that he is a good father for teaching Scout and Dill life lessons such as stepping into another persons skin before you judge them or never kill a mockingbird because they don't do anything wrong to anyone.
ReplyDeleteI also have begun to see ho this story is an great example of a coming to age story. This is very visible as we the readers notice how Scout and Jem have somewhat grown out of there childish ways. At the start of the story the Narrator focused on Scout, Jem, and Dill and there childish adventures tormenting the Radley house. currently it has begun to focus on more of the adult problems of Atticus's case. I believe that by involving the children with these problems Atticus has unintentionally matured his children. For example Jem has started fallowing his fathers example of reading alone rather then playing outside with Scout and the neighborhood children. Scout has also learned a lot of lessons from he father as to tormenting the Radleys house and causing childish problems. over all this book as been getting better the more I reed and I have begun to get hooked.
I agree that Atticus is a great father. He isn't strict, yet he is very clear on what is right and what is wrong with his children. Jem and Scout see him as an important, admirable person in their lives. They seek his approval and recognition in all that they do, wanting to impress him. That alone proves that he is a good dad.
DeleteMolly Osweiler p.4
I agree that Atticus is a great father. He isn't strict, yet he is very clear on what is right and what is wrong with his children. Jem and Scout see him as an important, admirable person in their lives. They seek his approval and recognition in all that they do, wanting to impress him. That alone proves that he is a good dad.
DeleteMolly Osweiler p.4
Do you feel that lots of children can relate to maturing in this way?
DeleteI agree that this story is a great coming of age story. The problems of each character seem to change and become more mature as the book goes on.
DeleteI've begun noticing the same things James. To Kill a Mockingbird has proved that it is a coming to age story through the characters.
ReplyDeleteThis week while reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, I really tried to look at all of the themes. Throughout the book, Lee doesn’t just focus on one main theme, instead, she highlights many. For example, Harper Lee tears down the whole “if you’re a girl, you should act like one” stereotype. She basically puts forth the idea that you can do whatever you want to do, whether you’re a guy or a girl. With Scout as a main character, she really hits on the point in every chapter. Scout is a huge tomboy, with no aspiration to start “acting like a lady”. Since this story was built off of Harper Lee’s childhood, maybe she was the same way. If Lee was indeed a child much like Scout, it’s easy to see why the issue of sexism is so important to her now and why she wrote about it so much.
ReplyDeleteAnother example of a theme that Harper Lee liked to focus on was forgiveness. Out of everything that I’ve read so far, the act forgiveness seems to stand out the most. Scout’s whole family seems to be so kind, genuine, and forgiving. When somebody did someone wrong or did something bad, it was easily pardoned, but also learned from. For instance, Scout punched her cousin, Francis, and got in trouble by Uncle Jack. But, even when Uncle Jack didn’t know Scout’s side of the story, he still didn’t act very angry about it. The same thing was the case with Atticus, as he was a great dad, but mellow about situations like that. I think that since forgiveness is practiced so much in the book, Harper Lee feels strongly about that as well.
Molly Osweiler p.4
I agree with you about both the themes. She does make Scout like a tomboy to break the stereotype of acting like a girl. Also the characters in the book are really forgiving.
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DeleteThroughout this weeks reading, I've noticed the tempo of the book is still very slow. Little action has happened, but more and more fighting actions have started to take place. An example of this is in chapter 9, when Scout about gets in a fight with another student for calling her dad names. Following this, in chapter 11, Jem destroys Ms.Dubose's bushes because she also called their father a name. The kids do however make fun of their father in a more humble way, by telling him that he is old and doesn't do what every other ones father's do. A cause and effect then sets in, and Atticus does what other, younger, fathers do. What seems to be repeated in all of these three chapters, is how Atticus is being bullied, by negativity against his job, and age.
ReplyDeleteAs the tempo of the book did begin slow, it has slowly increased. As more fighting, and disagreement among characters happens,I believe a snowball effect will happen, with more fighting to come. I think the overall enemy of the book is going to become the Finch family, and how they shouldn't be supporting the black man in trial. As negativity towards Jem and Scout's dad increased, I think that's what made them call their dad old. This increases the tension in the book, that will keep adding, until something big happens. Eventually, I think that Atticus' kids will start disliking him to, and Atticus will be put in danger by the public. I believe Harper Lee's writing in this book, will follow the snowball effect pattern, and end with a bang.
Throughout this weeks reading, I've noticed the tempo of the book is still very slow. Little action has happened, but more and more fighting actions have started to take place. An example of this is in chapter 9, when Scout about gets in a fight with another student for calling her dad names. Following this, in chapter 11, Jem destroys Ms.Dubose's bushes because she also called their father a name. The kids do however make fun of their father in a more humble way, by telling him that he is old and doesn't do what every other ones father's do. A cause and effect then sets in, and Atticus does what other, younger, fathers do. What seems to be repeated in all of these three chapters, is how Atticus is being bullied, by negativity against his job, and age.
ReplyDeleteAs the tempo of the book did begin slow, it has slowly increased. As more fighting, and disagreement among characters happens,I believe a snowball effect will happen, with more fighting to come. I think the overall enemy of the book is going to become the Finch family, and how they shouldn't be supporting the black man in trial. As negativity towards Jem and Scout's dad increased, I think that's what made them call their dad old. This increases the tension in the book, that will keep adding, until something big happens. Eventually, I think that Atticus' kids will start disliking him to, and Atticus will be put in danger by the public. I believe Harper Lee's writing in this book, will follow the snowball effect pattern, and end with a bang.
Lately, in To Kill a Mockingbird, I have had a tough time getting into the book. Everything at the moment seems very slow-paced. Despite this, I do enjoy the challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone to dig deeper into the books that I would not normally read. However, I have had a good chance to step back and look at the book as a whole for awhile. Ever since the beginning, I have been told that one of the themes for this book is the power of racism, and the weight that is bears on society. Society in the time of this novel seems very blunt with segregation. This does not mean that everyone in this time period is racist. For example, as you might know, Atticus and his family are not. This leads me to conclude that Harper Lee is trying to give the message that there are always people who will stand on the other side than society for the greater good.
ReplyDeleteHearing this, I have really not noticed the theme too much myself. I know that Atticus and his family are judged harshly for defending a black man, but that is really all the I have noticed. This far, the book seems to be focused on other things, like little conversations and daily life. I am really hoping that the action will pick up soon. I know that it will pick up soon, from what I hear from my classmates and Mr. Wells. This makes me excited to read and explore the possible and valuable lessons from To Kill a Mockingbird. The tension is already rising between Atticus and Jem. Throughout reading this entire book, I have really had the feeling that it is important, and maybe that is just because that’s what I’ve been told.
I think it is wrong that they treated different for defending a black man.
DeleteI think that To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a great book. I didn’t expect to like it so much and it’s easily my favorite book form this school year so far. There are a several different instances of symbolism within the novel. I believe that Tim Johnson, the mad dog, was a form of symbolism. He symbolized the way that something well known and friendly can become dangerous and unknown to people. Like Tim, Maycomb was usually a happy, friendly place. The rape trial of a black man turns many members of the community into angry, dangerous, and unreasonable people.
ReplyDeleteSomething that intrigued me in my reading was the scene before the jury went to reach their verdict. Atticus was giving somewhat of a speech where he says; “But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal--there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentleman, is a court.” I really liked what he was saying. However, I can’t say that the statement was exactly true in the situation. The jurors were reaching the verdict of a black man’s word against two white’s. Although Tom Robinson should have been an equal to Mayella Ewell, he most certainly was not. It reminds me of the famous quote from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”: “All animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
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ReplyDeleteTo Kill a Mockingbird has really tried to relay the message of how it was growing up in the deep south during this time period. I think Harper Lee wanted to open up the eyes of her readers and she did so by following Scout throughout a year of her childhood. Scout encountered many obstacles throughout her life whether this being labeled for being a “tomboy” or if it was some kind of racial discrimination. Atticus was always there to guide Scout in the right direction and because of this, Scout learned to look past the differences in people and respect them for who they really were. Not just what they were like on the outside. This lesson that she learned can be seen when she realizes that Tom was ruled guilty only because of his skin color. The fact that she was more mature and accepting than the people on that court amazed me. It showed me that if you grew up with the right people in your life, you’ll turn out to be a great person regardless of the society you are living in.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to showing us what childhood was like, I think Harper Lee did a good job at relating this story to our own society as well. A lot of the problems that Scout encountered are also encountered by children today as well. An example of this is discrimination, although not the same that Scout was faced with. The discrimination today can do with income, health, and much more. Even if the type of discrimination changes, it is still important that children of today realize what is right and what is wrong. A lot of this responsibility relies on the parents to do a good job and sadly, a lot of them don’t. Society is not perfect and never will be. It is seen in To Kill a Mockingbird and it all still holds true today.
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DeleteI agree with the statement that children still come across the same problems.
DeleteI believe that To Kill A Mockingbird is a fantastic book. After reading Emily's post, I never realized that 'Finch' is a name of a bird. It's quite peculiar. Anyway, I love the way that Harper Lee used the kid's point of view to tell a story. Something about that way makes the story just that much more interesting to read. It makes me relate a lot. Also, it makes me wonder if Harper Lee felt that way since To Kill A Mockingbird is almost a story of her life. I like the way Harper Lee made Atticus this distant character that we have little to no knowledge of who he is. But, as we delve into the story more and more, Scout realizes and helps us realize that Atticus is some kind of hero to her.
ReplyDeleteAlthough To Kill A Mockingbird is a great story, I have some concerns about it. One concern is when will we read about the actual trial? I thought that was what the story was about. My last and frankly, more important, concern is what does the title To Kill A Mockingbird actually mean? It makes no sense. However, in Chapter 10, Atticus says, 'It is a sin to kill a mockingbird.' I have thought about what this means in relation to the story and I have come up with a theory. In the text, the situation when Atticus said that quote was when Jem and Scout received guns as a gift. Atticus told them they were allowed to shoot at blue jays, because they are evil or something, but he also said that quote. I think that Atticus meant that it is a sin to kill anything that God made. I think this story means for us, the readers, to not persecute anything that is God's creation. I may be wrong, but that is what I think.
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ReplyDeleteThe book How to Kill a Mockingbird is a great example of how life was back then during the Great Depression. Harper Lee uses great detail in the book so far to express this. An Example of this is the characters. They all are portrayed magnificently. She gave enough informations to make the characters life like. However she did leave a little bit of mystery in the book so the book wouldn't be too boring. An example of this is Boo Radly and how they don’t know much about him of what he really looks like.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore I believe Harper Lee bring out the fact that stereotyping was still happening back then. An great example of this is Scout's first day of first grade. On her first day Scout said, “‘Miss Caroline, he’s a Cunningham.’”(26) This is a great example of how stereotyping was back then and still is happening now. This happened once more on Scout's first day. The second time that happen a another classmate said, “‘He’s one of the Ewells, ma’am.’”(36) This is stating that they come the first day and don’t come back after that. This is another stereotype in the book that Harper Lee adds that happened a lot back then. Sadly this is shown in the book quite a bit and still happens today.
I think that Scout has the most detail put into her character. That is probably due to the fact that Scout is Harper Lee in the book, and these things happened in her own life. Do you think stereotyping is a theme in the book?
DeleteTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is very interesting to me so far. My opinion on it has really changed since I started reading it. I had some trouble getting into the book when I first started it, but as I read, the more it appeals to me. The farther I get into the book, the more everything starts to clear up. Characters become more developed and the plot starts to explain itself more. It introduces new problems that haven't been in the book before, and things start to pick up more. Although things are starting to clear up, there is a little bit of mystery involved as well. Who is the mysterious Radley family? Do they play a bigger role in the plot then expected? The book continues to grab me as the plot unravels, and new problems and characters rise.
ReplyDeleteAnother part of the book that really interests me are the many themes it has. One major theme is race. Race plays a major role in the plot. Growing up in a small town in the south, many of the major events show how racism effects everyone in the story. Another interesting theme is maturity. As the book goes on, the seriousness of the problems that everyone has to face grows. At first, the only problems the kids in the book like Jem and Scout had to face were school, finding something to do during the summer, and the Radley house. As the book goes on, not only do they mature, but their problems mature as well. They face more adult-like problems like discrimination, equality, and the events of being in a courtroom.
I see the same as you, I have found these same things in the book. I also found myself think why did Lee write these themes into his book? What could have inspired him?
DeleteI agree with you on the fact that it was confusing. I thought that Boo Radley would be a bigger part in the plot. Maybe the two plots will parallel together.
DeleteAs we continue our reading of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, I am beginning to notice that the story is finally beginning to get some motion. As many books do, TKM starts out with the standard dull introductions and side stories, and is just now finally beginning to give more and more information about Atticus, Jem, Scout, and the Radleys. Harper Lee portrays Atticus Finch as a quiet man who is buried in his work, but will take time away from it to teach and discipline his children. Atticus is also expressed as a father who doesn’t always talk about his past with his children. My evidence for this is when Jem and Scout hear from Miss Maudie that Atticus used to be known as “One-shot Finch” (p.128), the best shot in the county. Scout wants to brag about it, but Jem advises her to keep it secret, because Atticus would have told them, if he wanted them to know about it. That makes me think that Atticus is trying to hide something from his past.
ReplyDeleteSome new information about Jem is also revealed. Jem and Scout were walking past Mrs. Dubose’s house one day when she yelled to the children that Atticus Finch is not any better than the “niggers and trash he works for” (p. 135). Jem became furious and destroyed her camellia bushes. As punishment, Atticus makes Jem go over there and have a talk with her. Jem is asked by Mrs. Dubose to come over every day, except for Sundays, for a month and read “Ivanhoe” to her. Atticus agrees that Jem should do it. This experience is a learning one, and it is making Jem a more mature person. Harper Lee must be trying to show that something is going to happen that will require more maturity in the future.
What do you predict will happen? I believe that the maturity of the children will come into play during the court case.
DeleteWhile To Kill a Mockingbird can be related to other novels we have read this year, it stands alone in some aspects. The simple but necessary characterization flows easily. Dialogue such as “Looka yonder” on page 94, reminds us of the past time. I think Harper Lee wrote in this manner to truly sell the time period. You could say she succeeded. While specific dialogue is auspicious, it goes hand in hand with the big picture, the theme of the book. Trial and error, patience and equality can be learned from this novel. They are lessons we can certainly use in our lives today.
ReplyDeleteAs the story progresses, we realize just how important the little details become. An overlooked part of the story is simply growing up in the south. The language, style and environment all seamlessly come together. At first, it didn't exactly appeal to me. The abundance of characters made it hard to keep up. The setting was unfamiliar. However, as the story picks up so does my interest. We have invested a lot into this book and I am curious to see what is in store.
I agree that the dialogue helps Harper Lee with characterization, and the past times. I also agree that some of the littlest details go overlooked. What is one little detail that you think really expresses a particular part of the story?
DeleteI think that the book has gotten more interesting the further in I get. I liked the part when Scout and Jem found Dill under the bed. I didn't like it when Jem told Atticus about it.I think that Jem should have been more loyal to Dill. There was also the part when the kids left to go find Atticus when it was late. They all ran to him and he told Jem to take Scout and Dill home. They should have listened because if Scout didn't change Mr. Cunningham's mind the mob could have hurt them.
ReplyDeleteAunty and Atticus seemed to have been fighting a lot. She didn't like the way Atticus was raising his kids. I think he should be able to raise them how he wants to. She could give him ideas but he gets to decide if he uses them. I feel bad for Scout in this situation. I would hate to be forced to wear a dress. I also would like to be stuck inside in the kitchen or sewing all the time.
In To Kill A Mockingbird is starting to really evolve now. It is now showing a realism of the coming of age story and how it is unfolding. So far the children have had to go through a lot and they have really developed through every problem to become who they were for the next problem. Although they may have needed some guidance from adults at the time, they have grown and would be able to deal with them later within their lives. Harper Lee has made TKM a very interesting book with a very fine transition for the coming of age story. One of the best ways for her to show the coming of age was when Calpurnia says “‘Don’t you fret too much over Mister Jem-’”(115). It shows that Jem has made his transition through childhood and was becoming more mature and that he is now past childhood and into the early stages of adulthood. I think that this is very interesting because it shows the coming of age story through a different character before it shows the main character go through it. It's almost like a little preview of what Scout will go through during TKM.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that has entered the story is Mrs. Dubose. Coming off as a rude old lady, Mrs. Dubose has played a very important role in the story. Although she had insulted the children's’ father and would say the most horrible things to the them, she taught them a few very important lessons. One lesson was for the children just learning to be able to be around people like her and for them to respectful to her and her opinions. Another lesson was one learned from Mrs. Dubose but told by Atticus. Atticus told the children that Mrs. Dubose showed real courage by defeating her morphine addiction before she died.
In To Kill A Mockingbird is starting to really evolve now. It is now showing a realism of the coming of age story and how it is unfolding. So far the children have had to go through a lot and they have really developed through every problem to become who they were for the next problem. Although they may have needed some guidance from adults at the time, they have grown and would be able to deal with them later within their lives. Harper Lee has made TKM a very interesting book with a very fine transition for the coming of age story. One of the best ways for her to show the coming of age was when Calpurnia says “‘Don’t you fret too much over Mister Jem-’”(115). It shows that Jem has made his transition through childhood and was becoming more mature and that he is now past childhood and into the early stages of adulthood. I think that this is very interesting because it shows the coming of age story through a different character before it shows the main character go through it. It's almost like a little preview of what Scout will go through during TKM.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that has entered the story is Mrs. Dubose. Coming off as a rude old lady, Mrs. Dubose has played a very important role in the story. Although she had insulted the children's’ father and would say the most horrible things to the them, she taught them a few very important lessons. One lesson was for the children just learning to be able to be around people like her and for them to respectful to her and her opinions. Another lesson was one learned from Mrs. Dubose but told by Atticus. Atticus told the children that Mrs. Dubose showed real courage by defeating her morphine addiction before she died.
To Kill a Mockingbird has been heating up as of late, seeing how we have just finished up the trial, there is a lot to talk about. One of the things I wondered is how some people can be so blinded by racism. It interested me how the trial was almost a open and shut case, seeing how there was overwhelming evidence, and yet still they lost the trial. When finishing up the end of the trial in the reading, I felt a similar, yet more mellowed, response to the verdict as Jem had. It intrigued me that people could trust an obvious lie rather than face the truth. As soon as I found out that Tom Robinson had a disabled left arm, it became obvious to me that there was no way this case should even have came to court. I felt bad for Tom during the cross examination, because of how cruel the prosecutor was being. Throughout the trail I was thoroughly impressed by Atticus’ lawyering skills, and how he managed to get information out without being rude or mean.
ReplyDeleteIt amazed me that through the trial was how steadfast Atticus was. He was constantly fighting for this man who had been wrongly accused. From the beginning I could sense that it was going to be a guilty verdict, because of all the talk in the book before the trial and because of the time period. But for Atticus to be a white man defending a black man in the 1930’s was completely crazy. Atticus and the Finches were being looked down upon and disgraced because of his decision to defend Tom. I appreciated how Atticus got the real information out of the witnesses, and made sure that everyone could see how the Ewells were giving rehearsed lies. I also appreciated that it took a while for the jury to come up with a verdict. As disappointed with the verdict I was, I was glad that they at least took time to think about it.
To Kill a Mockingbird has been heating up as of late, seeing how we have just finished up the trial, there is a lot to talk about. One of the things I wondered is how some people can be so blinded by racism. It interested me how the trial was almost a open and shut case, seeing how there was overwhelming evidence, and yet still they lost the trial. When finishing up the end of the trial in the reading, I felt a similar, yet more mellowed, response to the verdict as Jem had. It intrigued me that people could trust an obvious lie rather than face the truth. As soon as I found out that Tom Robinson had a disabled left arm, it became obvious to me that there was no way this case should even have came to court. I felt bad for Tom during the cross examination, because of how cruel the prosecutor was being. Throughout the trail I was thoroughly impressed by Atticus’ lawyering skills, and how he managed to get information out without being rude or mean.
ReplyDeleteIt amazed me that through the trial was how steadfast Atticus was. He was constantly fighting for this man who had been wrongly accused. From the beginning I could sense that it was going to be a guilty verdict, because of all the talk in the book before the trial and because of the time period. But for Atticus to be a white man defending a black man in the 1930’s was completely crazy. Atticus and the Finches were being looked down upon and disgraced because of his decision to defend Tom. I appreciated how Atticus got the real information out of the witnesses, and made sure that everyone could see how the Ewells were giving rehearsed lies. I also appreciated that it took a while for the jury to come up with a verdict. As disappointed with the verdict I was, I was glad that they at least took time to think about it.