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T H E G L E N C O E L I T E R A T U R E L I B R A R Y

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Lesson 4

ENG2D

Setting

Set in Maycomb County, Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird provides a reader with a vivid image of life in a small southern town during the era of The Depression.

"Maycomb, some twenty miles east of Finch's Landing, was the county seat of Maycomb County."

"Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it. In rainy weather the streets turned to red slop; grass grew on the sidewalks, the courthouse sagged in the square.”

“Somehow, it was hotter then: a black dog suffered on a summer's day; bony mules hitched to Hoover carts flicked flies in the sweltering shade of the live oaks on the square..."

"People moved slowly then. They ambled across the square, shuffled in and out of the stores around it, took their time about everything. A day was twenty-four hours long but seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with, nothing to see outside the boundaries of Maycomb County. But it was a time of vague optimism for some of the people: Maycomb County had recently been told that it had nothing to fear but fear itself."

Assignment #1:Paragraph Writing

Show how the geographical setting reflects the social and racial divisions in the novel. Your responses must be supported by use of quotations from the novel.

Assignment #2:Active Reading

To Kill a Mockingbird, One through Eleven

Chapters one through eleven introduce most of the characters in the novel. As you read this section focus on the actions and words of each character. Write their names below. Then jot down in the chart two or three personal qualities that are revealed by each character’s actions and words. Give supporting quotations and the page references.

Assignment #3:Responding

To Kill a Mockingbird, One through Eleven

Chapter 1:

1. Describe the town of Maycomb? What are the town folk like? What kind of lifestyle do they have?

2. What characters are mentioned in the first chapter? Make a list (point form) and point out their relation to Scout.

3. What boundaries do the children play within?

4. What pastimes do the children have?

5. Describe the intrigue of the Radley home and the different attitudes that the town folk have toward the Radleys.

6. Harper Lee was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for writing this novel. One aspect that makes her writing so successful is her use of allusion as a writing device. Find 6 instances in which she alludes to a historical fact, place, character or idea.

Chapter 2-3

1. Scout’s youth is apparent throughout this chapter. Show that she is yet immature and has much to learn. Refer to three examples from the story.

2. What lesson has Scout learned so far?

3. A writing device that is evident in these chapters is contrast. Lee makes a stark contrast between the characters of Walter Cunningham and of Burris Ewell. What major differences exist between the two?

4. What themes have you encountered in these chapters?

Chapters 4-5

1. What gifts are left in the tree for the children?

2. Describe two examples of superstition in these chapters?

3. When does Scout encounter injustice or prejudice in these chapters?

4. What simile is used to describe Miss Maudie?

5. What is a Foot Washing Baptist?

6. Why do the children like Miss Maudie?

Chapter 6

1. On what two occasions does Scout encounter discrimination?

2. Describe the Radley home.

3. Who is blamed for the occurrence at the Radley home?

Chapter 7

1. In which grade is Scout? How does she feel about school?

2. What gifts do the children find?

3. Give one (1) example of cruelty in this chapter.

Chapter 8

1. What happens to Miss Maudie’s home?

2. Give three (3) examples of kindness in this chapter.

3. Give one (1) example of courage in this chapter.

4. Explain how the blanket may have appeared on Scout.

Chapter 9

1. What do Scout and Cecil Jacobs argue about?

2. Who is Tom Robinson?

3. What important advice does Atticus give Scout in this chapter?

4. What is Aunt Alexandra compared to?

5. What is Maycomb’s disease?

Chapter 10

1. What do we discover about Atticus that we did not know previously?

2. Why is it a sin to kill a mockingbird?

Chapter 11

1. What does Mrs. Dubose teach Jem? What might the flower symbolize?

Personal Response

1.What memories of your own childhood come to mind as you read about Scout’s experiences?

Analyzing Literature

Recall and Interpret

1.In relation to Boo Radley and his house, how do Scout, Jem, and Dill try to test their courage? What feelings do they have about Boo?

2. What do Scout and Jem find in the knothole of the Radley tree? What other signs suggest that Boo may not be the monster the children imagine him to be?

3.Why does Scout get into fights with Cecil Jacobs and her cousin Francis? What do their comments suggest about Maycomb as a community? What does Scout’s response reveal about her?

Evaluate and Connect

4. What connection might there be between what is required of Atticus to shoot the mad dog and what is required of him to defend Tom Robinson?

5.How would you describe Atticus Finch as a parent? How does he treat his children? What kinds of things does he want to teach them?

Characterization

The first level of characterization is physical – supplying such basic facts as sex, age, size and colouration. The physical is the simplest level of characterization, however, since it reveals external traits only.

The second level is social. It includes economic status, profession or trade, religion, family relationships – all of these factors which place a character in his environment.

The third level is psychological. It reveals habitual responses, attitudes, desires, motivations, likes and dislikes – the inner workings of the mind, both emotional and intellectual, which lead to action. Since habits of feeling, thought, and behaviour define character more fully than do physical and social traits and since drama usually arises from desires in conflict, the psycho original is the most essential level of characterization.

The fourth level is moral. Although implied in all literary works, it is not always shown. It is most apt to be clearly represented in serious literary works, especially tragedies. Almost all human action suggests some ethical standard. In many literary works, however, the moral implications are ignored and decisions are made in terms of expediency. The practice is typical of comedies, since moral deliberations are apt to turn to any action in to a serious one.

Moral decisions more clearly differentiate persons than any other kind. The choice made by a character when he is faced with a moral crisis show whether he is selfish, a hypocrite, or one who always acts according to his beliefs. A moral decision usually causes two characters to examine his own motives and values, and in the process his true nature is revealed both to himself and to the audience.

There may be shown one or more of these levels in a literary work. Some writers pay little attention to the physical appearance of their characters and concentrate upon psychological and moral traits; other writers may describe appearance and social status in detail. In assessing the completeness of a characterization, it is not always good to just list traits. It is important to ask how the character functions in the literary work.. The audience needs to know little about the maid who only appears to announce dinner. ON the other hand the principal character needs to be drawn in detail; appropriateness and competence of each characterization.

A character is revealed through a number of devices: through descriptions, and through dialogue or action as well as through what he himself says; through what others say about him.

Assignment #4:Character Sketch

Literature and Writing

Character Analysis

Atticus says that courage is “when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” Write a character sktech of 300-400 words, analyzing the character of Atticus, focusing on how his definition of courage is displayed through his actions and behaviour. Be sure to include quotations to support your statements.

You may wish to go back to your notes in the Active Reading chart.

Lesson 5

ENG2D


During the trial, Atticus questions four witnesses. As you read, complete the chart below by noting the key information given by each witness during questioning. Also note how each witness behaves on the stand, commenting on the general impression the witness makes. Quote passages also giving reference to the page number of the quote.


Part II

Chapter 12

1. Describe how Jem acts toward Scout in this chapter.

2. What is the First Purchase Church?

3. Explain how Calpurnia can be said to lead a double life. How do the two differ?

Chapter 13

1. Describe Aunt Alexandra.

2. What, according to Aunt Alexandra makes a “fine family”? Quote a passage from the story to support your answer.

3. How are Atticus and Alexandra different from each other? Give three (3) examples.

Chapter 14

1. Why does Aunt Alexandra want to fire Calpurnia?

2. “Atticus understands that a child’s innocence protects her, but he overestimates a child’s ability to understand adult problems.” Discuss this statement with particular reference to this chapter.

Chapter 15

1. What frightens Jem in this chapter?

2. Why had Mr. Tate and the other men come to see Atticus at his house? What were their feelings toward him?

3. Do you really believe that Scout would act as she did, running to Atticus in the middle of the lynching game?

4. What emotions led Mr. Cunningham to give up and go away?

Chapter 16

1. “The court appointed Atticus to defend him. Atticus aimed to defend him. That’s what they didn’t like about it. It was confusing.” (p. 163). Clarify the situation in your own words, showing why Scout was confused.

2. This chapter provides a very skilled, economical description of the town and the courthouse on the day of the trial. What elements of the description seem to you particularly convincing? (Find five (5) examples.)

Chapter 17

1. Why was Atticus particularly pleased by Mr. Tate’s testimony?

2. Examine closely Atticus’s questioning of Mr. Ewell and try to explain the psychology Atticus used.

Chapter 18

1. “Somehow, Atticus had hit her hand in a way that was not clear to me, but it gave him no pleasure to do so.” (p. 188). Explain the implications of both parts of this sentence.

2. What contrasts is made between white and black folk in this chapter.

Chapter 19

1. Is Mr. Gilmer’s cross-examination of Tom Robinson skillful? Support your answer in a paragraph about half a page long.

2. What characteristics of Mayella are revealed through Tom’s cross-examination?

Chapter 20

1. What qualities of Dolphus Raymond are revealed in this chapter? Explain why he lets people believe a lie about him.

2. Interpret Atticus’s final address to the jury. Is it effective? Why, why not?

Chapter 21

1. Who come to the courtroom? What is her message?

2. “It is not only the jury’s verdict which reveals how hopeless the Negro’s position is in Maycomb County. Every detail of the trial, every incidental event in and surrounding the courthouse that day, emphasizes the shame and difficulty of his position.” Discuss this opinion with reference to Chapters 16-21 inclusive.

Personal Response

1.As you followed the action in the courtroom, which character did you empathize with most? least? Explain.



1. What tense situation occurs at the county jail? How does Scout help her father in this scene?

2.How does Atticus show that Tom Robinson could not have committed the crime he is accused of?

3.According to Atticus, what is Mayella’s motive for accusing Tom? What assumption does Atticus fear the jury will make?


4. What strategies does the author use to make sure readers will feel some sympathy for Mayella Ewell?

5. Do you think a jury today, presented with the same evidence, would have found Tom Robinson guilty? Explain.

Assignment #3:News Story

Literature and Writing

1.Write an objective news report of Tom Robinson’s trial. Keep the five Ws in mind: who, what, where, when, and why. Describe the trial thoroughly, accurately, and objectively. At the same time, use descriptive details to try to make your readers feel they are part of the scene.

Themes

Prejudice:Perhaps the most obvious theme. Prejudice runs rampant in Maycomb county.

Example #1:Tom Robinson is a poor black man during the depression who is accused of rape even though he is proven innocent by Atticus. The town has prejudice against blacks. This is seen in the case against Tom Robinson. It is obvious that he is innocent through evidence presented by Atticus (Bob Ewell is left handed, Tom's left hand is useless, etc.) But since the jury "cannot" find a black man innocent over a white family they find him guilty.

Example #2:Scout and Jem are the recipients of prejudice and racism when Lula chastises Calpurnia for bring white children to a church reserved only for the black community of Maycomb County. By association, Cal experiences the rejection and racism as well.

Example #3:Walter Cunningham receives his share of prejudicial treatment by many members of the community because he comes from a farming and lower class family.

Example #4:Prejudice against Boo Radley. No one bothers to find out about the real Arthur "boo" Radley. He may seem a little scary but the town ridicules him and shuns him from society. All the children have been raised to fear him as the town freak. If they took the time to see the world from his eyes they might not be so prejudiced to his situation.

Courage:moral, physical,

Example #1:Atticus Finch shows an inordinate amount of moral courage by defending Tom Robinson even though he knows he is defending a man already found guilty by the town. He also displays physical courage by shooting Tim Johnson the rabid dog as it wanders the street.

Example #2:Mrs. Dubose's courage comes in the form of a physical and mental battle to rid her mind and body of an addiction to morphine. Atticus says she is the most courageous person he knows.

Example #3:Jem Finch's love for his sister is obvious when he portrays his physical courage to protect Scout from an attacker in the woods the night of the Halloween pageant.

Additional themes:equal justice, social ostracism and heroism

Maturity: Different degrees of maturity are displayed by the characters of the novel.

Example 1:Atticus. One might say he is an adult and therefore mature. This is a very irrational statement because there are many adults that have no hint of maturity. His view is very enlightened for a white southern man in the thirties. He shows his mature and enlightened views in the courtroom while defending Tom Robinson. He doesn't take Tom's defense lightly because he's black but tries hard to with his case. He also shows how mature he is in the way he treats and raises his children. The life lessons and the free thought that are exchanged show his maturity and understanding in bringing up scout and Jem.

Example 2:Scout. She shows a maturity level that is advanced for her age. This is due not only to her free spirit and intelligent approach to experiences but also from the teachings of Atticus. She constantly asks questions and truly cares about important issues such as reading.

Friendship: This is an influential theme in the novel.

Example 1:With Dill. The friendship with Dill opens scout and Jem up to a new world. He talks of experiences outside of their small closed community. He also introduces them to the stories of boo Radley.

Example 2:Atticus with his children. If Atticus did not have some kind of friendship with his children they couldn't call him Atticus. They also might not see his important lessons in the same light because not only is it teachings from a father but life advice and insight from a friend.

Example 3:Boo with Jem and Scout. It isn't really a friendship that they develop but a friendly understanding. For certain purposes is just as important because just to understand that Boo was another real reliable person gave them the ability to oversee the stereotypes set on him. Plus their friendly manner allowed Boo to have an outside contact with the world (gifts in the tree).

Assignment #4:5-Paragraph Essay

In arguing not to charge Arthur Radley with the death of Ewell, Atticus and Heck Tate take the law into their own hands. In a well-constructed essay (500 words) discuss whether or not Atticus and Tate are justified. Keep in mind the elements of a well-constructed essay – introduction (in which you clearly state a thesis) body (2-3 supporting arguments) and a concluding paragraph.

Before the final draft, consult with you teacher when you have developed an original outline for this essay.

Lesson 6

ENG2D


The outcome of the trial affects many of the characters in the novel. For some, it triggers strong feelings or thoughtful reflections. For others, it leads to action. As you read, think about the effect of the trial’s outcome on different characters. Use the chart to identify each character and describe the effect that the trial’s outcome has on each. Use as many ovals as you need.


Chapter 22

1. “This is their home, sister,” said Atticus. “We’ve made it this way for them, they might as well learn to cope with it.” (p. 212). Explain more fully what Atticus means by this remark.

2. What two different views of the townspeople do Miss Maudie and Miss Stephanie represent?

3. What promise does Bob Ewell make to Atticus?

Chapter 23

1. How is Atticus’s rational judgement apparent in this chapter in his conversations with Scout and Jem?

2. Does Aunt Alexandra seem to you to be gradually becoming less objectionable? If so, what is altering your attitude toward her?

3. Explain why Scout states that Boo may be staying inside because he wants to stay inside. What does she mean by this?

Chapter 24

1. “I tell you there are some good but misguided people in this town.” Mrs Merriweather’s comment is consciously ironic. Can you explain how the events in this chapter emphasize irony?

2. What evidence is there in this chapter that Scout is beginning to understand her aunt better and even like her?

3. What has Scout seemingly learned in this chapter?

Chapter 25

1. How does the town react to the incident involving Tom Robinson?

2. Explain the quote “in the secret court of men’s hearts, Atticus had no case.”

Chapter 26

1. Can you explain why Miss Gates feels so strongly about Hitler’s persecution of the Jews, and yet she is so violently prejudiced against black people?

2. How has Jem reacted to the outcome of the trial?

Chapter 27

1. What three important incidents occur within this chapter?

2. What instance seems to foreshadow a possible action that may occur later in the novel?

Chapter 28

1. How does Harper Lee make use of suspense in this chapter?

2. Briefly explain what happens to Bob Ewell in this chapter/

Chapters 29-31

1. At first, who does Atticus believe killed Bob Ewell?

2. How has Scout’s understanding of the adult world grown? What proof do we have of this? Quote directly from the text.

Personal Response

1. Did the ending of the novel surprise you? If you were the author, would you have ended the story differently? Explain.



1. After the trial, how do the children and Atticus respond to Bob Ewell’s threats?

2.What happens to Scout and Jem on the way home from the school pageant? What does the incident reveal about Boo Radley?

3.How does Scout treat Boo after the incident? How have her feelings about Boo changed?


4. Do you believe that Sheriff Tate and Atticus made the best decision about how to report Bob Ewell’s death? Why or why not?

5.Because of Atticus, the white jury took much longer than expected to reach its decision in Tom’s case. Miss Maudie sees this as a “baby step” forward for the community. Do you think the cause of justice is best advanced through such “baby steps”? Explain.

Assignment #3:Literature and Writing

Personal Letter

What do you think Scout and Jem learn about perspective and justice from witnessing the trial and their father’s role in it? What do they learn from their experiences with Bob Ewell and Boo Radley? Imagine that you are Scout or Jem as an adult. Write a letter to a friend in which you reflect on these experiences and what they taught you about life.

Assignment #4Responding

Personal Response

Harper Lee’s novel is full of interesting and richly painted characters. Which character was your favourite and why? Quote from the book to back up your response.

Symbols and Symbolism - The Mockingbird

1. It is wrong to kill mockingbirds because they do no harm and contribute a lovely song.

2. The mockingbird is symbolic of harmless gentle people, like Boo Radley, who are victimized for no reason by people’s cruelty and insensitivity.

3. This symbol relates to the themes of:

a) non-violence and courage: courage is not using a gun (unless it’s completely necessary, as in the case of the rabid dog) and is not fighting (Scot must learn to keep her head.)

b) compassion and understanding: social injustice and prejudice can be beaten if people walk in other people’s shoes.

To Kill a Mockingbird … is a sin (page 90)

Because:

According to Miss Maudie:

“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 hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

Assignment #5:Essay

In a well-constructed essay of not less than 250-300 words show that this quotation is an apt description of either Boo Radley or Tom Robinson.

Assignment #6Movie Review

A review is an expository essay in which you give your considered opinion of a work. Unlike the writer of a literary essay, the writer of the review should assume that the viewer does not know the film being criticized. Therefore, you should give the reader a general idea of what the work is about, s well as what you think of it. A good review combines information and criticism.

Assignment:Write a 300-400 word review of the film To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.

Prewriting Process:

The main reason for writing a review is to give your opinions about a work of art. Hence, you are expected to be critical. Criticising a work of art, however, is not just pulling it apart. You should discuss both parts that, in your opinion, work well and those that do not.

A review is the expression of one person's opinion. Theatre critic W. Edmonstone states: ‘I must tell you what I think. I must also tell you why I think it. I do not tell you what someone else thinks I should think. I do not tell you what you are to think. It's as simple as that.”

The reader should know where you stand. Be opinionated and back it up. Be emphatic and include a pun or a witty quote, something that will stick in the reader's mind.

Writing Variables:

Topic: Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird

Audience:a daily newspaper in a large city

Situation:review the movie

Purpose:official review of that movie

Drafting

1. Quickly identify the material you are reviewing: title, director, and so on.

2. Consider the purpose and emphasis of the work under review. Since it is fiction, you may want to discuss the plot or memorable characters. Ultimately, you must assess a work according to its purpose. Did it succeed in entertaining you?

3. Reveal only enough of the plot to interest the readers. Do not tell the whole story; a review is not a précis or a summary.

4. Include a few quotations illustrating the style of the work. Attempt to fit the quotations into your own prose so that the reader can continue smoothly. Remember that you must substantiate what you say by referring to the work you are reviewing.

5. Professional critics sometimes write deliberately controversial reviews. As a non-professional reviewer, you should leave statement like those to the pros.

Revising Process:

After you have written your final draft, you should judge it according to the following set of standards:

1.Does the review give enough information about the work?

2.Is your opinion of the work clearly expressed? Have you explained why you feel as you do?

3.Has the review convinced your peers? Does the review include appropriate quotations? Do they fit in well with your own prose?

Movie Review Rubric:

Meets the standard with distinction

(Level 4)

Meets the standard

(Level 3)

Almost meets the standard

(Level 2)

Needs work to achieve the standard

(Level 1)

headline

Thinking/Inquiry

meets the standard and ... the headline immediately grabs the reader’s attention … it is creatively and concisely written

the headline would draw the reader’s attention

the headline describes what the article is about in as few words as possible

the headline describes the article

the headline incompletely describes the article

movie information

Application

meets the standard and ... the name of the director is given

the name of the movie, starring actors/actresses

most of the required information is provided

little of the required information is provided

plot summary

Communication

meets the standard and ... the summary is tightly and creatively written

a short summary of the key events of the movie are provided in at least four sentences giving the reader a good impression of what happens

the plot summary does not given away the end of the movie

a short summary of some events in the movie are provided in several sentences leaving the reader with some questions about the plot

summary of the events in the movie would leave reader with many questions about the plot

opinion

Communication

meets the standard and ... there is a strong and well-supported opinion about the movie … it is creatively stated in order to interest the reader

an opinion of the movie is clearly stated

at least three reasons are provided to support the opinion

the opinion of the movie is not directly stated … there are less than three reasons supporting the opinion

the opinion of the movie is vague … reasons supporting the opinion are unclear

journalistic style

Application

meets the standard and ... all ideas in the article work together to give the reader enough information to decide whether or not to see the movie

a consistent point of view is used throughout the article (1st or 3rd person)

the point of view (1st or 3rd person) is consistent in most of the article

the point of view varies throughout the article

language conventions

Application

meets the standard and ... there are almost no flaws in grammar, spelling, or punctuation

there are few flaws in grammar, spelling, or punctuation

there are several flaws in grammar, spelling, or punctuation

the flaws in grammar, spelling, and punctuation interfere with communication

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A Mockingbird



The Radley House



To Kill A Mockingbird

Revised: September 22, 2003

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