STANDARDS FOCUS: THEME IN CONTEXT

To Kill A Mockingbird

Theme

Theme is the central idea of message in a work of literature.

The theme of a piece of literature should not be confused with the subject of the work, but rather, theme is the general statement about life or human nature.

Most themes are not completely obvious and must be inferred by the reader.

A reader must take a good look at the entire novel: the title, plot, characters, setting, and mood, which all work together to reveal the themes in a piece of literature.

Each member is responsible for explaining of the following themes from TKAM. Find two appropriate quotes or incidents from the text that best illustrate that theme. Write it and a page #. Be prepared to explain the context of the quote to your group. This will be a small group discussion.

1. Prejudice is a disease with deep and far-reaching roots.

2. Racism is kept alive through fear and ignorance.

3. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to proceed in spite of it.

4. What you see is not always the truth.5. Before you can judge someone, you must

walk a mile in his/her shoes. (Empathy)

Theme and Symbolism

What interesting objects, characters, or names hint toward a larger meaning in the story?

What is the significance of the name “Boo” or the nickname “Scout”?

Symbols

Mockingbird The mad dog The gun The cemented hole in the tree The soap carvings The tree house The Radley house The electric light with extension cord Scout’s overalls Ham costume Red geraniums Tree house Atticus’s glasses Pocket watch