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To Kill A Mockingbird takes place in the South during the Great Depression of the 10s. Scout and Jem Finch live a normal upper middle class life until their father, who is a lawyer and member of the state legislature, is appointed to defend a black man falsely accused of raping a white girl. As the case comes to trial, the Finch children are forced to look at the prejudice of their friends and neighbors and to come to an understanding about the injustices of the world in which they live.
The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill a Mockingbird became both an instant best-seller and a critical success when it was first published in 160. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 161 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film, also a classic.
Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, To Kill a Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior-to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos.
To Kill a Mockingbird - Themes
Although the character of Boo Radley does not reveal himself until the end of the novel, he is important to all of the themes present in `To Kill a Mockingbird
One of the more dominant themes is prejudice. There are three main types of prejudice that are explored in the novel; racial prejudice, social prejudice and fear of the unknown.
Racial prejudice is present throughout the novel in the people of Maycombs everyday life, as it is a novel set in the `deep south of America in the 10s. This is a period shortly after the American civil war, so slaverys abolishment had occurred not long ago. Because this had not been around for long, most peoples attitudes towards Negroes had not changed, despite efforts towards change.
The situation that shows the best examples of racial prejudice is the trial of Tom Robinson. In his trial, Tom Robinson is misjudged and mistreated because he is black. One of the most prominent examples of this is the way in which Mr. Gilmer, Toms prosecutor, calls Tom boy. He uses a tone of voice, which one would use when talking to the lowest creature on earth, towards Tom and makes him look foolish. This is all because Tom is Black.
The worst example of racial prejudice is Tom Robinsons trial verdict. All of the evidence produced by Atticus makes it clear that Tom is innocent, yet Tom is found guilty. This verdict is clearly based on the fact that Tom is black, but also that he, a black man, felt sorry for a white woman. I felt right sorry for her This statement would have brought any jury of Southern America to outrage in the 10s. To them it was not right for a Negro to feel pity for any member of the white community.
Another example of racial prejudice in the novel is at Aunt Alexandras `ladys meeting. It also shows the hypocrisy that took place in Maycomb. Miss Merriweather goes on to explain the sin and squalor that is suffered by those poor Mrunas and makes herself seem most ethnically aware, but the she refers to Helen Robinson as; That darkys wife The way that Miss Merriweather uses this term as if it is everyday language shows that Negroes are not respected, and are given quite offensive names.
One person that contrasts this, however, is Atticus. He does not believe in discriminating a person because of the colour of their skin. This is shown by the way that he defends Tom Robinson as best he can, the fact that Tom Robinson is black does not affect him. Racial prejudice does not connect directly with Boo Radley, but Boo can be connected with Tom Robinson, who is a victim of racial prejudice. The connection is that they are both `Mockingbirds of the novel, and are both victims of prejudice.
Another form of prejudice quite similar to racial is social prejudice. Some members of the Maycomb society are discriminated against by others due to their social status. Aunt Alexandra is a prime example of this; her whole attitude towards everything is based upon social status. She considers herself to be higher up the social ladder than quite a few people, including Walter Cunningham.Because-he-is-trash This is the reason that Aunt Alexandra gives when Scout asks why she cannot speak to Walter Cunningham. This whole `trashy view of Walter Cunningham is based purely on the fact that he is part of a family that are very poor, she seems not to care about Walters personal values.
The Ewell family are also victims of social prejudice. The whole family is looked down upon because of he way the father, Robert Ewell is irresponsible. The family is made out to be, again `trashy. Although some other members of the family are just plain nasty. Like Burris. Aint no snot-nosed slut of a school teacher ever born cn make me do nothing Burris use of language gains him the title of a real mean one. But not the whole family is like this. Mayella is not as mean as others in her family, she has a sensitive side, as it is mentioned that she looks after flowers that could rival Miss Maudies
Boo Radley is a victim of social prejudice just like Mayella Ewell and the Cunninghams. The whole Radley family suffers social prejudice because Boo hadnt been seen for years, and people didnt know where Mrs. Radley was. Prejudice is directed towards some characters of the novel because they do not fit into Maycombs usual behavioural patterns of society and little is known of them. This prejudice is fuelled by fear, which leads to rumour, which leads to superstition.
Boo Radley is a victim of this fear of the unknown. The children fear him, as the rest of Maycomb does, and as a result, there are many rumours about him. Most of these rumours are started and spread by Miss Stephanie. For example, she claimed that she woke up in the night, and saw Boo looking in at her through her window.
The people of Maycomb liked to believe that any unsolved, mysterious, crimes were the work of Boo due to these rumours. One example is the `Crazy Addie incident. Before and even after the `Crazy Addie incident was solved - Boo was innocent -, the people still believed it was Boo. Another example is when Mrs. Radley dies and the children assume that Boo finally got her.
Another major part of `To Kill a Mockingbird is courage. This is a more positive theme than that of prejudice, and courage is shown by almost all of the characters in the novel. Atticus has strong views on courage. He taught Jem and Scout to be brave, especially Scout when he told her to stop fighting people that mock her. One person Atticus looked up to as having real courage was Mrs. Dubose. He makes Jem go and read to her because he wanted Jem to learn from her. I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand This shows how much Atticus respected Mrs. Dubose for her courage. He called her the bravest person I ever knew. Atticus is trying to teach his children that he is not courageous for shooting a crazy dog dead with one shot; he is in fact courageous for defending Tom Robinson fairly. He teaches them that being courageous is standing up for what you think is right.
Courage is shown within the community, by the community when there is a fire at Miss Maudies house. The men of Maycomb, in all degrees of dress and undress, took furniture from Miss Maudies house to a yard across the street The most important part in all degrees of dress and undress shows that the people that came to help, came straight away. If the men would have dressed first, then they would have thought about whether to help or not, but they came straight from their beds to help.
During this time, with Miss Maudies house burning down, Boo shows a small amount of courage. He comes out of the safe hold of his house so that Scout will not be cold. Boos presence is not realised until after all of the commotion. Looks like all of Maycomb was out tonight Atticus that it was Boo coming out and he recognises the courage Boo had to come out face the towns prejudice.
Boos most courageous act was when he saved Jem and Scouts lives when Bob Ewell attacked them. When Boo saw that his children needed him, his courage overrode the towns prejudice and he risked his own life to save Jem and Scouts lives.
Family plays an important role in `To Kill a Mockingbird. This theme is linked with social prejudice by Aunt Alexandra. Aunt Alexandra is someone that considers family to be very important, and she tries to teach Jem and Scout her views on family. Scout does not really understand her aunties thoughts on family, but Jem does when he explains to Scout that; There are four kinds of folk in the world This shows that Jem has begun to understand his aunties views, and therefore the importance of family in Maycomb. He goes on to explain that these four kinds of folk are; The Finch family (representing the white-middle class), the Cunningham family (poorer, farmer class) the Ewell family (lowest of the white folk) and the Robinson family (representing the black community)
Although Jem believes his examples to cover everybody, they do not, however, cover Dills family. Dill has more of a dysfunctional family. He does not know his father, which would have been quite strange for the 10s. As Dill does not have a `proper family, he almost becomes part of the Finch family. He shoes he wants to by asking to marry Scout when they grow up.
Atticus and Mr. Radley are quite different in their fathering methods. Atticus seems to be a very good father. he played with us, read to us, and treated us with courteous detachment As well as this, Atticus is very straightforward with his children. He would never prefabricate the truth to make it more suitable for children; he tells it as it is. Atticus always listens to his childrens opinions and treats them with a great deal of respect.
If Atticus ever had reason to reprimand Jem or Scout, he would explain why. Because of this, he is greatly respected by his children. Atticus does not have a history of physically punishing his children, and because of this, they want it to stay that way. Atticus aint ever whipped me since I can remember. I wanta keep it that way Not much is mentioned of Mr. Radley, but from what is said, we could assume that he cared for his son, Boo, from how he insisted that Boo not be charged with anything after Mr. Radley was stabbed by his son. Mr. Radley said no Radley was going to an asylum Mr. Radley was quite a proud man, and he did not want his son to be seen as crazy. In Mr. Radleys eyes Boo wasnt crazy
The only thing that the reader cannot be sure of is the reason for Mr. Radley keeping Boo inside the house. The possibilities are, either he is ashamed of Boo because of his pride or he wants to protect Boo from the towns prejudice due to the fact he cared so much for his son. It is, however, proven that Mr. Radleys children respected him. This is shown when Mr. Radley dies and Nathan, his other son, takes over the Radley lot, and makes sure Boo is still kept indoors.
Dills fascination with Boo is fuelled mostly by his excited, childish imagination. There is a small link between the two; they are both currently without a father figure to look up to. This may be one reason why Dill is so fascinated with Boo. Childhood plays a vital role in the novel as the novel is a retelling of Scouts childhood. Boo is very important to this theme as he is Jem, Scout and Dills childhood obsession.
When Jem and Scout first meet Dill and tell him about Boo Radley, Dills imagination is alerted. Dills childish games result in the childrens first encounter with Boo. Jem is dared to touch the Radley house, and he does so. After Jem has returned from completing his task, Scout and Dill say that they saw the shutters move, and so began their obsession.
It is made evident that the children are excited by things of a gothic and morbid nature when Dill mentions that he had seen the picture show of Dracula. tell it to us This was Jems reaction to Dills announcement, and it seemed to make Jem and Scout suddenly more interested in Dill after they werent too bothered about him.
This fascination with things of a gothic nature is reflected by Dill in the same way Jem did. Straight after Jem gave a grim description of Boo, Dill replied with; Lets try to make him come out, Id like to see what he looks like. Again one of the children has become very interested and excited when faced with an opportunity to see a gothic artefact. It is curiosity and fascination that keep the children wanting to make Boo come out.
At the beginning of the novel, the children see Boo as `something rather than `someone. They do not consider Boos feelings or privacy. However, the childrens respect for Boo does grow, along with their maturity. This is not so much evident in Dill, but Jem eventually stops all games involving Boo because he matures enough to see Atticus point of view. Atticus tells his children to consider things from another point of view. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view- -until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. This is the lesson Atticus tries to teach Scout, and by the end of the novel she understood what it meant. At the end, the narrative Scout says, Atticus was right about not knowing a man until you see things from their point of view.
Boo has a very important role in Part 1 of the novel, even though he is not actually seen. Boo is the focus of Jem and Scouts childhood games. And as Part 1 is mostly about their childhood games, Boo is important. Although Boo is not seen at all by the children in Part 1, and it is said that he was not seen again for fifteen years, he does come out of his house a few times. One time is when he brings the blanket for Scout at Miss Maudies house, and another is when the children are trying to look through the shutters at the Radley place in chapter 6. A shadow, belonging to Boo, comes up behind Jem and stopped a foot beyond Jem. When the shadow stops Boo realises that it is Jem and he goes away again.
Boo is not really present during Part until the end, but the author does no let Boo Radley slip he readers mind. Many of the characters of the trial share characteristics with Boo. For example, Tom Robinson is a victim of prejudice, just like Boo. But the one person that has the most important similarity to Boo is Mayella. Like Boo, Mayella is lonely Mayella must have been the loneliest person in the world. She was even lonelier than Boo Radley The mention of this similarity between Boo and Mayella makes the reader remember Boo and look for more similarities between the two.
The author is very clever in how she makes the reader want to see Boo. All throughout part 1 Boo is being mentioned, and the children want Boo to come out. The author makes the reader share the desire and excitement so much that the reader feels as though the story will not be over until Boo is seen. And that is exactly how the story does end. It is because of the sharing of the childrens excitement that the story is completed when Scout gazed at him in wonder and uttered. Hey, Boo These are the words that the reader has wanted to hear ever since the children first looked upon the Radley lace. There was probably no more a perfect way to give the story that finishing touch.
The most important symbol in this novel is the mockingbird symbol. Most of the characters can be related to this symbol in one way or another. A mockingbird is a small plain bird with a song that mimics the song of other birds. The mockingbird represents kindness, innocence and harmlessness, as is explained by Miss Maudie. Mockingbirds dont do one thing but make music for us t enjoy. They dont eat up peoples gardens, they dont nest in corn cribs... One group of people linked to the mockingbird for completely different reasons are Atticus, Jem and Scout. The reason is their name, Finch. The mockingbird is part of the Finch bird family.
The mockingbirds significance is emphasised not only by the novels title, but also by Atticus saying; You can shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit `em, but remember it is a sin to kill a mockingbird Scout mentions that this is strange for Atticus to call anything a sin. So this places the importance of the mockingbird in the readers mind.
Boo Radley and Tom Robinsons representation of the mockingbird symbol is not drawn together until the end when Scout says that the public exposure of Boo Radley would be sort of like shooting a mockingbird. Both characters show mockingbird traits such as, Kindness, innocence, vulnerability and being a victim. Boo shows kindness to the children by leaving them gifts in the tree. He is vulnerable to, and a victim of, the towns prejudice, but is innocent of this.
Tom shows kindness to Mayella by helping her. He is vulnerable because he is unable to use his left arm. He is a victim of racial prejudice, and he is innocent of his accusation of raping Mayella Ewell. Standard and non-standard language
To Kill a Mockingbird is a conventional literary novel. This means, among other things that it
• is written in a form of standard English which has a wide-ranging lexicon (vocabulary),
• includes references to art and culture which the author expects the reader to know (or find out)
• relates principal events mostly in the past tense
The narrative contains some distinctively American lexis (vocabulary) so, to take one chapter (11) as a random example, we find sassiest, mutts and playing hooky. But the USA is a vast country, and Harper Lee makes use of many regional expressions, local to the southern (former Confederate) states or to Alabama more specifically, like cootie, haint, scuppernongs and whistled bob-white. In some cases you will find a form which is standard in both UK and US English, but with a different meaning. So when Jem leaves his “pants” (trousers) on the Radley fence, this is not as alarming as it might seem to English readers. On the other hand, when he stands “in his shorts (underpants or boxer shorts) before God and everybody”, this is perhaps more alarming.
In the account of the visit to First Purchase, Scout records the distinctive speech of the coloured people - noting with particular interest the way Calpurnia switches into this non-standard variety.
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Structure
A long episodic novel can easily lose its way, but Harper Lee has a very organic sense of a single story with a unifying or central theme (the mockingbird theme) which is illustrated by the examples of Arthur Radley and Tom Robinson.
How many readers recall, by the end of the novel, the first sentence (“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow”)? This statement is soon forgotten, amidst a mass of narrative detail, but this incident, which Scout does not see and Jem cannot recall, is the defining moment or climax of the entire story.
The first part of the novel is an account of Scouts early years, taking her first days at school as a starting point. Most of this section is about the search for Arthur “Boo” Radley. The second part shows Scout becoming more able to understand the adult world, which is mirrored by the more serious events that occur at this point in her life.
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ClassicNote on To Kill a Mockingbird
Quote Analysis for To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee
By Lisa Crespo
Chapter 1
Quote
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 summers day; bony mules hitched to Hoover carts flicked flies in the sweltering shade of the live oaks on the square. Mens stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning. Ladies bathed before noon, after their three-oclock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum. Page 5
Analysis
The descriptive detail the narrator gives paints a vivid picture of the town of Maycomb. This gives us some insight on how Scout feels about Maycomb. This also gives the setting for which the story is taking place. The mood of this passage emphasizes on the town being quiet and somewhat dull because an occurrence will take place that will change the entire town of Maycomb. The calming mood of the town contrasts with a climatic event that is soon to occur.
Chapter
Quote
Your father does not know how to teach. You can have a seat now.
I mumbled that I was sorry and retired meditating upon my crime. Page 17
Analysis
Scouts first grade teacher was making Scout feel bad about being able to read, when in fact, she should feel proud that she could read and write at such a young age. Scout even apologized and referred to her ability as a crime.
Chapter
Quote
First of all, he said, If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, youll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-
Sir?
-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Page 0
Analysis
This passage helped me to realize the special bond between Atticus and his daughter, Scout.It seems as though Scout learns the more from her father than she does anywhere else. Atticus teaches Scout important things that she does aquire from school, such as social skills and basic information about life. Scout listens carfully to Atticus, which shows she has much respect for him, and that she values his advice.
Chapter 4
Quote
Two live oaks stood at the end of the Radley lot; their roots reached into the side-road and made it bumpy. Something about one of the trees attracted my attention.
Analysis
Some tin foil was sticking out of a knot- hole just above my eye level, winking at me in the afternoon sun. I stood on my tiptoe, hastily looked around once more, reached into the hole, and withdrew two pieces of chewing gum minus their outer wrappers. Page
One of the first indications that Boo Radly wants to be friendly toward the chlidren is in this passage. This implies that Boo Radly is not all-bad. This idea differs from Scout and Jems idea of Boo. It seems as though Scout does not realize that the gifts may be a gift from Boo to them, although to the reader it is a strong possibility. At this point the reader is coming to a realization that the narrator is not yet aware of.
Chapter 5
Quote
So thats what you were doing, wasnt it?
Makin fun of him?
No, said Atticus, Putting his lifes history on display for the edification of the neighborhood.
Jem seemed to swell a little. I didnt say we were doin that, I didnt say it!
Atticus grinned dryly. You just told me, he said. You stop this nonsense right now, every one of you. Page 4
Analysis
Atticus is rarely very stern with his children. The fact that he is being stern shows that his opinions toward the Radlys differ from the childrens opinions. This leads to the conclusion that in Atticus eyes the Radlys are not bad people. This creates a lot of tension because of the different views expressed about the Radlys.
Chapter 6
Quote
Then I saw the shadow. It was the shadow of a man with a hat on. At first I thought it was a tree, but there was no wind blowing, and tree trunks never walked. The back porch was bathed in moonlight, And the shadow, crisp and toast, moved across the porch towards Jem.
Dill saw it next. He put his hands to his face.
When it crossed Jem, Jem saw it. He put his arms over his head and went ridged. Page 5
Analysis
In this passage the reader has every reason to believe that this shadow that the children were seeing was the shadow of Boo Radly. The reader should believe this because of the childrens reaction, the fact that they were at Boos house, and the distinctive shadows that they saw. This passage also proves that the children were still afraid of Boo.
Chapter 7
Quote
As Atticus once advised me to do, I tried to climb into Jems skin and walk around in it if I had gone alone to the Radly Place at two in the morning, my funeral would have been held the next afternoon. So I left Jem alone and tried not to bother him. Page 57
Analysis
Scout is using Atticus advice. This proves the effect that her fathers words have on her. This also shows Scouts respect for her father and her brother. The fact that she decides not to bother Jem proves her respect and maturity.
Chapter 8
Quote
Thank who? I asked.
Boo Radly. You were so busy looking at the fire you didnt know it when he put the blanket around you.
My stomach turned to water and I nearly threw up when Jem held out the blanket and crept toward me. He sneaked out of the house-turn round-sneaked up, an went like this! Page 7
Analysis
Even though Scout may seem frightened from the information that Atticus gave her, she is starting to come to the conclusion that Boo Radly is trying to protect and befriend her. Boo continues to gain the sympathy of Scout and the reader in this passage.
Chapter
Quote
Atticus said, Youve a lot to learn, Jack.
I know. Your daughter gave me my first lessons this afternoon. She said I didnt understand children much and told me why. She was quite right. Atticus, she told me how I should have treated her-oh dear, Im so sorry I romped on her. Page 87
Analysis
Uncle Jack admits that Scout has taught him a lesson. The way that Atticus brought up Scout, gave her wisdom beyond her age. In this situation, she is wiser than Uncle Jack who is a grown man. She is much like Atticus She has a way of explaining things to make others understand.
Chapter 10
Quote
Atticus said to Jem one day, Id rather you shoot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know youll go after birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit em, but remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird.
That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.
Your fathers right, she said. Mockingbirds dont do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They dont eat up peoples gardens, dont nest in corncribs, they dont do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. Thats why its a sin to kill a mockingbird.
Analysis
One thing that the reader is starting to realize is that Atticus and Mrs. Maudie are very much alike. In this passage they agree that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. This passage also bears the title of the book. The mockingbird is symbolic of Boo Radly and Tom Robinson because they both went out of their way to help others, and have not harmed anyone. Page 0
Chapter 11
Quote
A lady? Jem raised his head. His face was scarlet. After all those things she said about you, a lady?
She was. She had her own views about things, a lot different from mine, maybe ...son, I told you that if you hadnt lost your head Id have made you go read to her. I wanted you to see something about her.- I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. Its when you know youre licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.
Analysis
This new knowledge that Atticus gives the children educates them. The children did not understand why Atticus made Jem read to Mrs. Dubose. We realize that Atticus has a good reason for this, as he has a good reason for almost every action that he takes. We also notice that he lets the children see things for themselves. This is an example of Atticus treating his children as adults. The last two lines in the passage serve as an analogy to the Tom Robinson case. This shows that Atticus realizes that he is not expected to win, but he will still fight for justice. This helps the children see the real courage that Atticus possesses. Page 11
Chapter 1
Quote
Its not necessary to tell all you know. Its not ladylike -in the second place, folks dont like to have someone around knowin more than they do. It aggravates em. Youre not gonna change any of them by talkin right, theyve got to want to learn themselves, and when they dont want to learn theres nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language. Page 16
Analysis
This quote explains Calipurnias understanding of different kinds of people. The fact that Cal talks proper in the Finch home proves that she has class, and cares about the way that she is perceived. On the other hand, she also shows respect for the people at her church by talking like they do. She also sets an example for Scout by telling her what is ladylike.
Chapter 1
Quote
I never understood her preoccupation with heredity. Somewhere, I had received the impression that Fine Folks were people who did the best they could with the sense they had, but Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion, obliquely expressed, that the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land the finer it was. Page 10
Analysis
This passage shows the differences between Aunt Alexandra and Scout. Even though Scout is young, she has a more mature understanding of people than that of Aunt Alexandra. This also shows Scouts wisdom.
Chapter 14
Quote
Thats because you cant hold something in your mind but a little while, said Jem. Its different with grown folks, we-
His maddening superiority was unbearable these days. He did not want to do anything but read and go off by himself. Page 18
Analysis
The Finch childrens feelings toward each other have changed. Scout now has the impression that Jem feels superior toward her and no longer treats her as a playmate. She does not understand that Jem is growing up, and can not behave as he used to.
Chapter 15
Quote
Whats the matter? I asked.
Atticus said nothing. I looked up at Mr. Cunningham, whose face was equally impassive. Then he did a peculiar thing. He squatted down and took me by both shoulders.
Ill tell him you said hey, little lady, he said.
Then he straightened up and waved a big paw. Lets clear out, he called. Lets get going, boys. Page154
Analysis
Mr. Cunningham learns to see the Finches as individuals because Scout does not fully understand the situation. She does not understand that Mr. Cunningham is trying to hurt Atticus. He realizes Scouts innocence and realizes that he could not hurt her father. Mr. Cunningham looks at Atticus family and compares it to his own. He starts to feel guilty as he realizes that it would hurt Scout to lose her father.
Chapter 16
Quote
This was news, news that put a different light on things Atticus had to, whether he wanted to or not. I thought it odd that he hadnt said anything about it-we could have used it many times defending him and ourselves. He had to, that is why he was doing it, equaled fewer fights and less fussing. Page 16
Analysis
The reader is aware that Atticus wanted to take the case, so justice would be served. Scout is not aware of this. That is why Scout sees this information as news that put a different light on things. Scout feels that it is odd that her father has not mentioned that he had to take the case. The reader knows that Atticus did not want to use this information as a defense because he took the case to defend Tom, not because he had to.
Chapter 17
Quote
Mr. Ewell wrote on the back of the envelope and looked up complacently to see Judge Taylor looking at him as if he were some fragrant gardenia in full bloom on the witness stand , to see Mr. Gilmer half-sitting, half standing at his table. The jury was watching him, one man leaning over with his hands over the railing.
Whats so intrestin? he asked.
Youre left handed Mr. Ewell, said Judge Taylor. Page 177
Analysis
This quote shows Atticus intelligence. Atticus most likely believes that Mr. Ewell could be a suspect for the crime. Atticus must have thought that Mr. Ewell would lie about being left handed, so he cleverly set Mr. Ewell up. This leaves the reader in a state of distrust in Bob Ewell.
Chapter 18
Quote
Its not an easy question Miss Mayella, so Ill try again. Do you remember him beating you about the face? Atticuss voice had lost its comfortableness; he was speaking in his arid, detached professional voice. Do you remember him beating you about the face?
I dont recollect if he hit me. I mean yes I do, he hit me. Page 185
Analysis
Mayellas weak testimony calls the reader to become suspicious. Mayellas uncertainty leads the reader to start believing that she may not be telling the truth. According to Mr. Tate and Mr. Ewells testimony, Mayella was certainly beaten up. Its odd for Mayellas reaction to the question to be so questionable if she is telling the truth.
Chapter 1
Quote
Mr. Gilmer smiled grimly at the jury. Youre a mighty good fellow, it seems- did all this for not one penny?
Yes suh. I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try moren the rest of em-
You felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for her? Mr. Gilmer seemed ready to rise to the ceiling. Page 17
Analysis
It seems as though Mr. Gilmer thinks it is horrible that Tom Robinson feels sorry for Mayella. It should be acceptable, considering the condition that she lives in. Toms feeling of sympathy toward Mayella shows his compassion, not his superiority toward her.
Chapter 0
Quote
The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place. It has relied instead upon the testimony of two whiteness whose evidence has not only been called into serious question on cross-examination, but has been flatly contradicted by the defendant. The defendant is not guilty, but somebody in this courtroom is. Page 0
Analysis
Aticus strong lecture that he gives the jury proves what a good lawyer he is. The reader should realize that everything that Atticus says is the truth. He gives a lesson to everyone in the courtroom, including his children. This speech must have taken a lot of courage, but to Atticus, it is worth it because the truth will be told.
Chapter 1
Quote
Miss Jean Louise?
I looked around. They were all standing. All around us, and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet. Reverend Sykess voice was as distant as Judge Taylors
Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your fathers passin. Page 11
Analysis
The people on the balcony realize how hard Atticus tried to let the truth be known. Even though they lost their case they show high respect for him. Reverend Sykes even asks Scout to stand which shows how respectful and well mannered he is.
Chapter
Quote
Indoors, when Miss Maudie wanted to say something lengthy she settled her fingers on her knees and settled her bridgework. This she did, and we waited.
I simply wanted to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your fathers one of them. Page 15
Analysis
Mrs. Maudie tries to make the children understand the situation better. Mrs. Maudie herself has a good way of explaining things, as she explains the situation to the children in a good way. This also helps the reader respect Atticus for what he did, because the reader realizes that his job was an extremely unpleasant one.
Chapter
Quote
Scout, I think Im beginning to understand something. I think Im beginning to understand why Boo Radlys stayed shut up in the house all this time.its because he wants to stay inside. Page 7
Analysis
Since Jem is growing up he realizes that the myths about Boo are unlikely to be true. He is starting to get a more mature understanding of Boo, realizing that he probably does not stay inside the house because he is locked up. He is also starting to get to know Boos character.
Chapter 4
Quote
Toms dead.
Aunt Alexandra put her hands to her mouth.
They shot him, said Atticus. He was running. It was durring their exercise period. They said he just broke into a blind raving charge at the fence and started climbing over. Right in front of them- Page 5
Analysis
This passage evokes sympathy for Tom and his family. Tom had never harmed anyone. I believe he was running because he was tired of the way he was being treated, and would rather try to run than to go through another trial. The reader must realize that Tom was being charged for a crime that he did not commit. Im sure that this caused the stress that led him to run.
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