mrweldon.wikispaces.commrweldon.wikispaces.com/file/view/general resources.do… · Web viewDon't write down everything that you know in great detail. Instead write down the significant

10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 "To Kill A Mockingbird"

The story so far...The name of Mockingbird – and names of the students (To be displayed)Maycomb – setting: what kind of place is Maycomb? (To be displayed alongside Hartstown, Ongar, Poland)Themes – (to be displayed)Characters – picture and comparison

This piece of writing is aimed at recalling information from the text, refreshing your memory about the story and expressing your opinions about what has happened so far. Before you continue, think about the impact of the story on you and the important events that have occurred so far.

I'd like you to write a review of the text up to chapter 15. Here are some suggestions to help you focus on this:

Summary of the story. Don't write down everything that you know in great detail. Instead write down the significant things that have happened so far and the important characters that you know of

Characters. Which characters have impressed you, made you angry, moved you; which character do you most understand or sympathise with; which character is realistic; how do the characters perceive each other (Scout and Jem's opinion of Atticus, the children's misunderstanding of the Radley's....) Include your personal response to the characters.

Themes. What picture does Harper Lee paint of childhood, growing up, prejudice, The American South, moral courage? What is this novel trying to say to us? What important truths does Atticus teach his children?

Symbolism. A symbol is something simple which represents an idea or quality. ( ie a flag symbolises or indicates national identity) What does the mockingbird symbolise? What about the Radley house? What might the closed shutters of the Radley house symbolise?

Opinions. What important facts and ideas have you learned so far? What is your overall opinion about the novel? Do you have any idea about what is going to happen next? Sometimes novels can be slow to get going. Did you find the opening of the text interesting?

IMAGERY AND SYMBOLISM IN "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD."

Copyright © 2000-2004 www.englishteaching.co.uk + www.english-teaching.co.uk

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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 Character is established through imagery.

The description of Bob Ewell ("A little bantam cock of a man rose and strutted to the stand") precisely conveys his cockiness; Mayella's underlying nervousness is conveyed by the description of her as, “a steady-eyed cat with a twitchy tail." Dill is described as," a pocket Merlin" while Walter Cunningham's poverty is emphasised by the phrase, “He looked as if he has been raised on fish food." Scout's disgust of Mrs Dubose is conveyed through vivid imagery," Her face was the colour of a dirty pillow-case, and the corners of her mouth glistened with wet, which inched like a glacier down the deep grooves enclosing her chin."

The mockingbird is the most significant symbol in the novel. This repeated image and its key symbol of an innocent creature make it a strong image. The mockingbird first appears in chapter 10 when Atticus is telling the children how to use their shotguns, “Shoot all the bluejays you want, .. but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Miss Maudie explains that this is because mockingbirds are neither harmful nor destructive and only make beautiful music for people to enjoy. Thus these birds are symbols of innocence and goodness. The symbol for Boo Radley and Tom Robinson is not drawn together until Scout's comment at the end when she recognises that the public exposure of Boo Radley would be,"sort of like shootin' a mockingbird."

Both characters have mockingbird traits:• They both show kindness - Boo to the children; Tom to Mayella.• They are both innocent - Boo of the evil persona with which he is

associated and Tom of the crime of rape.• Both are victims of prejudice.• Both are imprisoned and potentially vulnerable - Boo is imprisoned in

a separate world to protect him from people's prejudice if exposed. Tom is imprisoned and later killed as the result of people's prejudice.

Atticus is a mockingbird also. Atticus does not shoot, even though he is the best shot in Maycomb county because he thinks his skill with a gun gives him an unfair advantage over other people. Atticus has also sung Tom's song of truth to the people of Maycomb but has not been heard. His humanity and acceptance of others epitomises the mockingbird theme. The children learn the importance of not killing innocent creatures shown in the way that Jem tells Scout not to squash an insect.

This theme is kept alive throughout the novel, constantly reminding the reader of its importance:

• After the mad dog incident• When waiting for the jury's verdict, "when the mockingbirds were still."• In Mr Underwood's article about Tom's death, "The senseless slaughter

of songbirds by hunters and children." This imagery develops the theme of heartlessness and inhumanity in Maycomb county.

• When Scout and Jem are on their way to the pageant "High above us in the darkness a solitary mocker poured out his repertoire in blissful unawareness of whose tree he sat in."The mocker in the oak tree as Jem


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 and Scout pass the Radley lot in chapter 28 represents Boo who could be said to sing his heart out for "his children" when they need him.

Harper Lee invites the reader to consider the word "mocking" and all its associations:

• The children mock Boo's life as they make fun of and imitate it.• Mayella accuses Atticus of mocking her• The trial is a mockery of justice• The missionary tea ladies' hypocrisy is a mockery of the Christian life

they pretend• Human values are mocked

Other symbols:

Symbolism is evident in the novel in a less obvious way also.:

• The Radley house with its closed doors and shutters and austere front presents the privacy, isolation and unfriendliness of the Radley place. The closed shutters become symbolic of the Radley's closed minds and intolerance. Boo moving the shutters to watch the children symbolises Boo wanting to break through the imprisoning attitudes of his family.

• The oak tree beside the Radley place represents Boo's character and his desire to communicate when presents are left in the tree. When the children stand near the tree, Boo establishes contact again by delicately placing a blanket on Scout's shoulders without her realising.

• Boo saves the children's lives under the oak tree and Bob Ewell is found dead under the tree.

• Scout and Jem's snowman represents how superficial skin colour is to the essence of a human being.

• Mrs Dubose's camellias represent the prejudices which cannot be brushed off easily. They have to be tugged by their roots. The fact that Mrs Dubose leaves a camellia for Jem after her death is so as to remind him of courage and tolerance.

MAYCOMB SOCIETY

Read the following extracts from chapter one of," To Kill a Mockingbird". In your exercise book, number each extract and comment on what the extracts reveal about the society of Maycomb. You might consider how the people live their lives, what attitudes they adopt and whether the quotes suggest contradictions within Maycomb itself.

1. " People moved slowly then...took their time about everything."

2. " 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."

3. " Maycomb County had recently been told that it had nothing to fear but fear itself."


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02

4. " Ladies bathed before noon, after their three-o'clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum."

5. " Don't have picture-shows here, except Jesus ones in the courthouse sometimes..."

6. " He took the word of God as his only law" re: Mr Radley )

7. " People still looked at the Radley place, unwilling to discard their initial suspicions."

8. " A Negro would not pass the Radley place at night."

9. " The nuts lay untouched by the children: Radley pecans would kill you."

10. " The Radley's kept themselves to themselves, a predilection unforgivable in Maycomb."

11. " They did not go to Church, Maycomb's principal recreation, but worshipped at home....Shutters were closed on Sunday's, another alien thing to Maycomb."

12. " The sheriff hadn't the heart to put him in jail alongside Negroes, so Boo was locked in the courthouse basement."

13. " Calpurnia rarely commented on the ways of white people."

Homework Task

Using chapter one, brainstorm the character of Boo. (Arthur Radley ) Find out: (a) Facts (family, childhood, how he is treated by others)(b) Attitudes (find different attitudes that are displayed towards him)(c) Myths / Rumours (common beliefs held by locals that are not necessarily true)

Homework Task


Homework Task

Using chapter one, brainstorm the character of Boo. (Arthur Radley ) Find out: (a) Facts (family, childhood, how he is treated by others)Copyright © 2000-2004 www.englishteaching.co.uk + www.english-teaching.co.uk

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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 (b) Attitudes (find different attitudes that are displayed towards him)(c) Myths / Rumours (common beliefs held by locals that are not necessarily true)

Homework Task


Homework Task


SCOUT AND ADULTS

CALPURNIA ATTICUS

" Calpurnia was all angles and bones... her hand was wide as a bed slat and twice as hard."

" Our battles were epic and one-sided. Calpurnia always won.

"I felt her tyrannical presence as long as I could remember. "" We looked at her in surprise for Calpurnia rarely commented on the ways of white people."

" In Calpurnia's teaching, there was no sentimentality; I seldom pleased her and she seldom rewarded me."

" Calpurnia sent me through the swinging door with a stinging smack. I told Calpurnia to just wait: I'd fix her..."Hush your fussin'" she said."

"Jem and I found our father satisfactory; he played with us, read to us, with courteous detachment."

"Atticus always took her side."

" Atticus never talked much about the Radley's."

" Atticus's only answer was for him to mind his own business and let the Radley's mind theirs, they had a right to.; but when it happened, Jem said Atticus shook his head and said,"Mm, mm, mm."

" Atticus shook his head at me again."

" I've no intention of getting rid of her, now or never. You think about how much Cal does for you, and you mind her, you hear now?"

Questions

1. How does Scout regard Calpurnia? How does she see her?


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 2. What role does Calpurnia play in their lives? Is she more than just a cook?

3. What do Scout's reactions to the way Calpurnia treats her show about Scout's character? (i.e when she says "I'd fix her." )

4. What sort of relationship does Scout have with her father?

5. What sort of a father is Atticus to the children? Do you think that Scout would like a different sort of dad? If so, what kind?

More writing about Scout

Scout seems to be a very feisty, hotheaded character. ( She dares Jem to jump off the roof p20, she stands up to her teacher p27, she beats up Walter p28, is rude to Walter and Calpurnia; and tells her father to sack Calpurnia - not bad for a 6 year old!!! )

Imagine you are Scout.

You keep a secret diary into which you record: your feelings your grievances the things that matter to you.

Write Scout's diary about her first day at school and include what happened later on that day back at home.

Put the date as: September 1933.

You might include:

how Jem treats you your thoughts about Miss Fisher your feelings about being caned your attitudes towards school your run in with Walter and Calpurnia.

What would be your final thoughts of the day?


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 Character Grid – use this to focus your notes

What are they like / general information?

What others think of them?

Role in the novel?

Key quotes / page

references.

Atticus

Calpurnia

Scout

Jem

Dill

Miss Maudie

Boo Radley


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 ENEMIES OR SOUL-MATES?

Brainstorm the similarities and differences between Jem and Scout

SCOUT JEM

IMPORTANCE OF PART ONE OF TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.( CHAPTERS 1 - 11 )

It is vital to have an overview of the first 11 chapters as they set the scene, establish the main characters and introduce the themes. You need to now start making appropriate notes in your copy of the text by linking ideas together. You could be asked anything in the exam so you will need to be prepared for everything.


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 Devise a notes system (colour coded or symbols i.e A = Atticus ,Cou = courage ) If you do not you will have a difficult time finding quotes and important information quickly. Choose a system and stick with it!

In groups research the following areas, make notes and prepare some bullet points and page references to present to the rest of the class. Rather than writing down everything you know, select important ideas.

(1) Female characters: Scout, Calpurnia, Miss Maudie, Mrs Dubose, and Miss Stephanie Crawford, Aunt Alexandra (Can you divide the females into two Are some more respectable than others, who is prejudiced, who do you feel most sorry for? )

(2) Male characters: Atticus, Jem, Dill , Boo, Nathan Radley , Walter , Francis, ( Which are the strongest male characters, the most misunderstood, the most prejudiced...etc. Try to get a feel for what Harper Lee is trying to draw attention to through these characters )

(3) Themes:1. Growing up (moving from childhood - adulthood; moving from ignorance to

understanding. Concentrate mainly on Jem.) Who doesn't get a chance to mature and grow? Why not?

2. Prejudice (racial prejudice and prejudice towards class) Comment on racist language, general attitudes...

3. Sexism / attitudes towards women (consider constant jibes at Scout for being a "girl", Mrs Dubose's comments and those of Aunt Alex.) Refer to chapter 5, chapter 11.

4. Courage. Many characters show real courage as well as moral courage. Start looking in chapters 6, 8, 11. Note Atticus' important teaching about courage in chapter 11. Think about Miss Maudie, Boo Radley, Jem, Mrs Dubose.

(4) Atticus' important lessons / principles or standards by which he lives. Note his comments on the mockingbird. How much effect do his teachings have on his children?

(5) Family groups or class groups within Maycomb. Give an overview of the different type of families in the town. What do they represent and are there any tensions between family groups? The Finch family, The Cunninghams, The Ewells, The Radleys, The Negro community.

You've got one lesson to prepare some notes on your area. Good luck!

Read through the courtroom scene and make notes using this grid:

HECK TATE:Actual facts (what

happened, time, who was involved )

BOB EWELL(prejudiced comments, insinuations, how this

witness acts in court, what evidence does he actually

bring to the court )

ATTICUSIn cross-examining Mr

Ewell, Atticus is trying to lead the court to see the

incident in a different light. Identify what and how he

does this?!


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02

At the end of chapter 17, are you convinced that Tom Robinson is guilty of rape? Explain your judgement fully at this point of the trial. Do you believe that the all white jury would believe Ewell's testimony?

ATTICUS

Atticus stands for all Harper Lee admires in a father, citizen, a lawyer, a Southern gentleman and a Christian. He has a wisdom and a perspective that make him the conscience of his town. Atticus embodies the humanitarian values Harper Lee wishes to present, the tolerance and understanding she sees as essential for life in a civilised society. In many ways he is an idealised character but this is no doubt why Scout admires her father so much.

His humanitarian principles are summed up in his statement that you cannot understand another person,"Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." At every opportunity he demonstrates to his children how important this "Simple trick" is. Eventually Jem and Scout come to follow his example and they come to understand not only their father, but Mrs Dubose, Mayella Ewell and Boo Radley. These experiences form an important part of their moral education. Yet he allows Copyright © 2000-2004 www.englishteaching.co.uk + www.english-teaching.co.uk

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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 the children to learn from their own experiences as far as possible, rather than playing a heavy-handed father figure.

He is a conscientious father. He is a contrast to the way that Mr Ewell and Mr Radley treat their children, He is honest and straightforward with them. He is always there as a reassuring presence. He always listens to their opinions and deals with their questions, even embarrassing ones. When Atticus sends Jem off to apologise to Mrs Dubose, Scout says that she hates him for putting Jem in danger. She soon ends up in Atticus' arms, getting the reassuring explanation that she needs. Atticus always does what is best for his children, despite others attacking him for his parental style, notably Aunt Alexander.

As a citizen he is highly respected and he has a highly developed sense of responsibility. He was elected unopposed to the state legislature and is the only man considered by the judge to be capable of defending Tom Robinson. Even though he knows that he probably will not win his case, his reasoning is testimony to the high morals of the man," Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win." For Atticus it is a matter of what is right. He believes in defending the truth and will not be swayed from doing so, despite threats from ignorant townsfolk. He feels it is his duty to break down prejudice and even though Scout questions his involvement in the trial, for him it is a matter of conscience. "If I didn't, I couldn't hold up my head in town."

Atticus is also a Christian in the true sense of the word. His attitudes throw into relief the kind of Christianity that can condemn and execute an innocent man. His character exposes the hypocrisy of Maycomb and societies within the town that profess to stand for Christianity. The white ladies of Maycomb embody the narrow-minded attitudes which Atticus is trying to overcome. Miss Maudie recognises Atticus as a truly religious man, "We're so rarely called on to be Christians, but when we are, we've got men like Atticus to go for us," a statement which again suggests the christ-like position of Atticus in the novel. Only through his own suffering can he hope to "redeem" his town. When Miss Maudie says," We're paying the highest tribute we can pay a man. We trust him to do right. It's that simple," she echoes what Harper Lee is trying to promote. Lee expresses her moral philosophy through Atticus integrity and courage.Atticus is also portrayed as the author's idea of the perfect Southern gentleman. He is courteous to all, treating the abusive Mrs Dubose with great politeness and patience. His children are embarrassed by his seeming lack of "manly" virtues but Atticus faces a mad dog, risks his life protecting Tom from the lynch mob which he does so without fuss. It is also Atticus who rescues Miss Maudie's favourite chair from the fire. " I thought it sensible of him to save what she valued most." Typical of a man who is thoughtful, sensitive and perceptive.Is he weak at any point? Some argue that he takes undue risk with the lives of himself and his children. He must have known what Bob Ewell was capable of, especially when Bob spits in his face saying he'd get his revenge. In chapter 23 Atticus asks his children to," stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. " and continued to reassure them that," We don't have anything to fear." Atticus seems too optimistic in his view of people. Indeed he ends the novel in response to Scout's assertion that Boo " was real nice" professing ," Most people are when you finally see them." Is this naive and unrealistic or an example of his generous heart and Copyright © 2000-2004 www.englishteaching.co.uk + www.english-teaching.co.uk

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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 optimistic view of human nature. His stance is to find the best in people and see people for what they really are. He is not a paragon or an ideal but in many ways is simply a lovable man whom we watch suffer for what he believes in. Behind his service to others, lies a deep humility of spirit, "Atticus' eyes filled with tears. He did not speak for a moment. ' Tell them I'm very grateful,' he said. 'Tell them - tell them never to do it again. Times are too hard...." Atticus' response to being given lots of food from the poor black community, grateful for what he did for Tom Robinson. His only interest was in truth and justice, not what he could personally gain from the trial. A man had needlessly lost his life due to the unrelenting prejudice and racism in Maycomb. Rather than the novel ending on a bleak note, it is a hopeful and enduring one of a father who is there for his children, protective over their well-being, always doing what is right, upholding truth and morality, despite the constant threats and conflicts from society.


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02

THEMES IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

The novel is concerned with many themes unified into the moral landscape of a small town. The key themes in the novel are:

Growing up Courage Prejudice Parents and children Man's inhumanity to man

There are also other themes highlighted throughout the novel, which make this novel so absorbing and real. These include: religious bigotry, justice and the law, loneliness, society, family life, education. Although all of these ideas can be looked at separately, all of the themes work together to present Harper Lee's firm convictions.

Courage

Two major types of courage are emphasised in the novel: "real courage" when you continue what you are doing even though you are fighting a losing battle ( e.g Mrs Dubose's battle with her morphine addiction, Atticus' decision to defend Tom Robinson )The other type is about fighting against evil and prejudice. Act of bravery are needed to override prejudice. Example are: Mr Underwood's article about Tom Robinson, Boo Radley's heroic act when he rescues Jem from Bob Ewell, Atticus' stand against prejudice and hypocrisy in the Maycomb community.

Look at how Jem rescues his trousers at night from the Radley place, Little Chuck standing up to Burris Ewell in class, Miss Maudie's optimism after her house has burnt down, the way that Mr Link Deas speaks out for the Robinsons.

Growing up

The main focus of growing up is on Scout and Jem. They become aware of changes within themselves. Some changes are physical, as in Jem's adolescent growth, and some are to do with understanding other people and a growth in social and moral awareness. The children have to learn about the prejudice that is "as much Maycomb as missionary teas" and they discover "the simple hell people give other people." In the process of growing up the children learn the value of self-control, tolerance and respect.Copyright © 2000-2004 www.englishteaching.co.uk + www.english-teaching.co.uk

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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02

The story is narrated by Scout. Her naivety and childish view of the world is highlighted by the reader, often understanding events better than Scout herself. Over the course of the novel, Scout learns various lessons:

• From Calpurnia that politeness should be shown to all people even if their manners differ from your own.

• From Atticus to control her hotheaded rashness and to appreciate the various meanings of courage

• From Atticus to learn tolerance and to be able to turn the other cheek• From Aunt Alexandra the value of being a lady• From Heck Tate and Atticus, the destructive implications of society's prejudice

At the end of the novel, Scout has successfully managed to take on Atticus' key lesson - that of seeing another person's point of view. Her behaviour with Boo has dramatically transformed from that at the beginning. (compare her earlier fears born out of ignorance and superstition with what reality now presents to her )

Jem's growing up is quicker and radical. At the beginning of the novel, Jem likes to play superstitious games about Boo Radley with Scout and Dill. The start of Jem's period of maturing is marked when:

• Jem goes to get his trousers and Scout comments,"Jem and I first began to part company."

• Jem begins to recognise Boo's human side and the childish games discontinue. He weeps for Boo when he realises what Boo's life must be like.

Jem becomes more separate from Scout and Dill, particularly after his punishment involving Mrs Dubose. He breaks "the remaining code of our childhood" by telling Atticus that Dill the runaway is in the house. Jem is also proud of showing Scout his first signs of physical maturity and he suffers teenage angst in his response to the injustices of the trial. Although not a child anymore, he has problems in coming to terms with the adult world, which poses a number of contradictions to him.

It is through emulating Atticus' fine example that Jem comes through this painful period. He has learned from Atticus' example when he tries to comfort Scout about her mistake after the pageant."Jem was becoming almost as good as Atticus at making you feel right when things went wrong."

Prejudice

This is arguably the most prominent theme. Prejudice is directed towards groups and individuals in the Maycomb community.

(1) Racial prejudice:Look at the trial of Tom Robinson, Aunt Alexandra's attitude to Calpurnia, The Missionary tea ladies, black and white segregation in Maycomb,the lynch mob, attitudes to black people in general....

(2) Class and family prejudice:a) Look at Jem's comments about family,, Tom's sympathy for Mayella,

treatment of the Cunninghams, Aunt Alexandra's snobbish obsession with educating the children about their superior family background, how the Finches are treated....


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 b) The Radleys and the Ewells. The Ewells are seen as the lowest class of whites;

the Radleys are misunderstood - why?c) Prejudice against girls / women:- Look at Jem's comments to / treatment of

Scout Atticus' views, Scout's education of a woman's position in society ( Miss Maudie - religion - chap 5, Atticus - law of all male jury -chap 23, Aunt Alex - conduct and dress code -look for a sense of inequality ' abuse of women ( Mayella )

Individuals:

(4) Boo Radley:Look at how prejudice is fed by fear, rumour, superstition, ignorance) Consider the devastating effect of prejudice on Boo's childhood / adulthood. Contemplate the general attitude towards Boo, Scout's fear, the way Nathan treats his brother, etc...

(5) Tom Robinson:Look at his treatment before and during the trial; consider the aftermath and his death, particularly Maycomb's reactions. Tom is disadvantaged not only by his skin - colour, but also by his class and gender. Note how Harper Lee wants us to perceive him (as an honest, hard-working, honourable man ) in comparison with the distorted misrepresentations that he has to suffer.

(6) Those who challenge prejudice and stereotypes:Look at how Atticus directly challenges prejudice; consider his maxims ( standing in another's shoes, tolerance, sympathy, courage to stand up for what you believe in, preserve justice )How far does Atticus actually challenge prejudice, given the verbal attacks he received for defending a black man?

Parents and children

Atticus shows his children love and respect. He does his best to bring them up to be rational, tolerant and sensitive. Aunt Alexandra criticises his parenting; her attitudes to parenting are in sharp contrast to those that Atticus adopts. Calpurnia is also a mother figure in the childrens' lives: Atticus is grateful to her for this role and he trusts her implicitly. Scout and Jem are fortunate in the adults who care for them. They learn something form each, and know that they are loved. What sort of parents are Tom and Helen Robinson?

Other children have less happy experiences. Bob Ewell is not a good parent. His children are filthy, unhealthy and uneducated. There is a hint that he has molested Mayella and there is clear evidence of physical violence within the household, directed at his children. Mayella's pathetic and dangerous attempt for some affection shows how damage Bob Ewell has inflicted. She lives out of fear of her father who cares little for his parental responsibilities.


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 Dill and Boo Radley are also damaged children. Dill suffers from his parents' indifference and finds a substitute parent in Atticus. Dill is starved of love making him only able to live in the world of dreams and fantasies. Boo is the victim of a bigoted father who sacrifices his son's emotional and physical health to his own prejudices. This family, with its secrets and its closed shutters, demonstrates the damage that can be done when human beings are deprived of the emotional environment they need to grow to their full potential. His confinement and stunted development leave him a broken shell, unable to cope in the outside world.


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10:50 AM 20-Feb-02 Man's inhumanity to man

Dolphus Raymond's remark epitomises what happens within the closed society of Maycomb. There are many examples of the "hell" of isolation, of being outcast, of being denied what is necessary to sustain human happiness.

• The negroes have no education and are by and large illiterate

• Black people receive pitiful wages and have no job prospects yet they are expected to be grateful for any mercies.

• Black people are derided and insulted. At best they are referred to as "niggers"; at worst they are seen to be immoral and criminal.

• The casual way in which Nathan shoots at black people demonstrates a society who totally disregard black people as human beings with rights.

• Miss Maudie doesn't treat the black people as outcasts. Indeed, she challenges such prejudice, along with Atticus.

• Children are emotionally and physically abused within the loose family structure ( Mayella, Boo Radley )

• Parents mistreat or ignore their children (Dill)• There is also the hell of class consciousness which keeps sections of the

community in isolation from one another. Look at how Scout tells Cal that Walter is not "company" as he is a Cunningham. Later she learns from her mistake and is deeply upset that Aunt Alex refers to Walter as "trash."

• Aunt Alexandra tries to reinforce class divisions by showing her horror that Calpurnia took the children to church.

• The injustice of the trial. Tom is imprisoned and later killed as a result of people's prejudice.

• The trial is a mockery of justice.• The missionary tea ladies speak out against prejudice and yet mistreat

their fellow human beings.


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Documents

mrweldon.wikispaces.commrweldon.wikispaces.com/file/view/general resources.do… · Web viewDon't write down everything that you know in great detail. Instead write down the significant