Prompt:
"How does Harper Lee develop the theme of acceptance in the novel through her use of characterization, conflict and/or point-of-view?"
Friday, January 24, 2014
Themes in To Kill a Mockingbird
As you read Chapters 8-10 in To Kill a Mockingbird, think about the following prompt, and post a response on this forum by Sunday night. Please also respond to at least one student's comments by Monday night. Show depth of thought, professionalism and respect in your responses.
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The theme of acceptance is strongly portrayed in the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, so far. Harper Lee uses numerous characters to illustrate this theme. To begin with, Atticus Finch develops acceptance. Atticus Finch is a well known lawyer in the town of Maycomb. He is respected and accepted until it is announced that he will be defending Tom Robinson in the trial. The whites have a difficult time reacting to this topic. A conflict begins to be introduced when the community is not accepting Atticus. By his lack of confidence, Atticus has a difficult time accepting himself and the future trial. Also, Atticus is not accepted by his sister, Alexandra, due to the way he raises Jem and Scout. She believes in different ways of parenting the young children. Alexandra makes several negative comments which upset Atticus and lead him to the conclusion that he ultimately accepts his way of parenting. Jem and Scout depict acceptance as well. In chapters eight through ten, they start to see their father in a more positive manner. Many unknown talents are introduced to them such as, playing the Jew’s Harp and his shooting skills. The children begin to accept their father’s age. At the end of chapter ten, Jem says, “Naw, Scout, it’s something you wouldn’t understand. Atticus is real old, but I wouldn’t care if he couldn’t do anything-I wouldn’t care if he couldn’t do a blessed thing.” Jem is accepting Atticus for who he is and not judging him. By telling the story in first person point of view, Harper Lee is demonstrating acceptance by including people of each race. Harper Lee tells the story through a child’s point of view. Scout is accepting of colored people and strives for equality. This exhibits Harper Lee’s personal opinion on the topic of acceptance. Overall, Harper Lee values the importance of acceptance and this theme is clearly displayed in her novel.
ReplyDeleteSince racism is such an important theme of the novel, it is good that you included Atticus defending Tom Robinson. This portrays Atticus's acceptance of African Americans despite how prevalent racism was at the time.
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DeleteTo Kill a Mockingbird develops many themes throughout the story. Acceptance is one theme represented through Harper Lee's use of characterization, conflict, and point of view. Scout is one character who learns a lot about acceptance. During her first year at school, she learns to accept others and respect their way of life. One example is when Walter Cunningham comes over for dinner and Scout has to learn to understand other's situations in life. Atticus tries to explain this to her by saying, "First of all," he said, "if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll 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"... "until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" (Lee 30). Also, Atticus learns something about acceptance through his conflict between his trial and society. The town and his family are all very upset and in disbelief that Atticus is going to be defending a black person at that time. They give him and his children a lot of grief for doing so and do not accept his decision. Therefore, Atticus is learning to accept his decision himself and is trying to teach his children to accept it also by seeking answers from him and not what others say. Finally, by telling the story through first person, and especially through a child's perspective, acceptance is portrayed. One lesson is when Atticus continues to try to teach his children to accept their neighbor the Radleys. He tries to teach them to accept the way they live and respect Arthur Radley for not coming outside. Harper Lee continues to show us in even more ways the importance and lessons through acceptance.
ReplyDelete- Tia Sherman
I completely agree that telling the story in first-person gives a great portrayal of first hand how the townspeople view outsiders and how acceptance is hard to obtain in Maycomb.
Delete"How does Harper Lee develop the theme of acceptance in the novel through her use of characterization, conflict and/or point-of-view?"
ReplyDeleteOften times, we think of acceptance as something that's hard to come by. It doesn't help, when you're a white lawyer, trying to defend in innocent black man, in the 1930's racial south. This is how Atticus is feeling in Chapters 8-10 of Harper Lee's award-winning novel. It also doesn't help that kids from your children's school, parents in the neighborhood, and even your own family think that you'e become a disgrace, and that you've ruined your family name, just because you're trying to do something that you think is right. However, it's evident that Lee is using a lot of different literature characteristics, to try and get the point of acceptance across.
In these 3 chapters, we learn that there is a lot more to Atticus than we originally thought. He used to play the Jew's Harp, and was called "Ol' One Shoot when he was a boy". In terms of his court case, the citizens of Maycomb have now rejected him because of his taking a stand against racial prejudice and discrimination, by defending a black man in court. When he, Jem, and Scout go to their Aunt Alexandra's house, she continues to deliver more pain by telling him for the probably 100th time, that she believes he's not raising his kids right. This doesn't help the fact that he didn't have much acceptance for himself and other people in the first place. Acceptance can now also be found in the happenings of Jem and Scout's daily school life, as well as their home life.
The brother and sister dynamic duo, now have a little bit more respect for their father, since they know a little bit more about his past. This could also be a look into the future, and maybe we'll learn more about him as the story goes on. At the end of Chapter 10, Jem says probably one of the most memorable quotes so far. He says, about his father even though he and Scout continue to call him old, "but I wouldn't care if he couldn't do anything - I wouldn't care if he couldn't do a blessed thing.” I think this shows just how much Jem has finally started to accept his father for who really is, by the use of acceptance, in Harper Lee's classic novel.
I really like how you answered this question and by starting off telling how Atticus is feeling and some of his thoughts. The book is in Scout's point-of-view so showing what you feel Atticus is thinking really shows your skills of interpreting as a reader. In the book we only see how Atticus is feeling from what Scout sees so I like how you put perspective on his point-of-view. Good job David!
DeleteThroughout this novel, many themes develop. In these particular chapters, the theme of acceptance really sticks out. The Tom Robinson trial is introduced and disrupts the respect and acceptance that Atticus had from the townspeople. Also, the Finch family visits some of their family. Atticus' sister, Alexandra, does not believe that he is raising his children right. She isn't accepting of his parenting style. I think the most supporting evidence of the theme of acceptance would have to be when Jem says, "... but I wouldn't care if he couldn't do anything. I wouldn't care if he couldn't do a blessed thing." He is starting to accept his father for who he is. Which is kind of funny because now the kids know he can do a lot more than he was showing he could!
ReplyDeleteHannah Heinz
I definitely agree with the fact that Jem is becoming even more accepting of his father more than he already was. He doesn't care if his dad is the "best" dad or not, but that he is a good father and has raised him well no matter what anybody else thinks.
DeleteThe book “To Kill a Mockingbird” is riddled with the theme of acceptance. It is shown in almost all of the child characters and even some of the adult characters. To begin with, Maycomb is a relatively small area so all the kids assume everywhere else has people that act the same as what they are used to. When Miss Caroline comes to town Harper Lee made it very clear that she was an outside. Scout didn’t know how to react to her teaching methods because she had never interacted with an adult who wasn’t accustomed to the towns people. Over time Scout learns to accept Miss Caroline even though it’s clear she doesn’t like to. Also, the book has the theme of lack of acceptance, particularly toward Atticus. Namely how Aunt Alexandra questions and criticizes his parenting skills. She insists that Scout should act more like a girl and constantly attacks his permitting the kids to play wildly. Also how people continue to insult Atticus to Scout because of his upcoming trial. A majority of the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird are very unaccepting of a lot of Atticus’s choices. And a majority of the characters are very accepting of other situations in the book.
ReplyDelete- Sarah Baer
I love how you brought up the flip side of the question, lack of acceptance--I think that's almost a bigger theme than acceptance. Alexandra is a prime example of that theme, she has a set view of how the world should work and she's highly offended at anything that compromises that.
DeleteTurning the tables is fun, and turning the prompt around is even greater. It was an excellent way to show how Lee has been giving us opposites to work with since we first met Burris and Walter. The opposites show how when it comes to people and opinions, their opinions are one extreme or the other, and rarely meet in the middle. Especially in this novel.
DeleteAcceptance is something most people want. In "To Kill a Mockingbird", Harper Lee uses acceptance as one of the main themes. For example when the Tom Robinson case is introduced, the town's acceptance of Atticus and his choices begins to change. He begins to lose respect among his neighbors. Further, it can be found in the early chapters in which the children, Scout and Jem begin school. Scout has a new teacher, Miss Caroline, who everyone knows is an outsider, especially when she tells her students that she is from northern Alabama. She isn't immediately accepted among the town's people and her students. Scout sees her as an outsider and expresses her opinions about her. Harper Lee is good at using Scout's opinion as a portrayal of how the people of Macomb look at outsiders.
ReplyDelete-Regan McDougal
I like how you referred back to when the kids started school because that is where the theme of acceptance kinda got introduced to the readers. I like how you related the theme of acceptance to not only the beginning of the novel but also the middle. This shows that this theme plays an important role in the novel and how it can affect the characters.
DeleteThroughout the novel, the theme of acceptance is developed. Acceptance is just one of the many themes Harper Lee uses in "To Kill a Mockingbird." For Example, when people hear that Atticus will be defending Tom Robinson in the trial, many people don't approve. His kids get some grief about at school from some classmates and people Atticus sees in town also give him a hard time. Here learns to accept his decision because he knows it is the right thing to do because everyone deserves a fair chance. Scout and Jem also learns about the theme of acceptance in the novel. They learn to accept their father for who he is and the way he raises them. Some of their family does not approve of the way he is raising Jem and Scout. Jem and Scout don't see anything wrong with it because it is the way their father is. Also, with Harper Lee telling the novel through the eyes of a child, you can see how acceptance is changing Scout in a positive way and how she continues to grow throughout the novel.
ReplyDelete-Angela Jaszarowski
Totally agree with how Scout is growing with her experiences and lessons with acceptance. I also believe that it's making her grow up faster. She has a very strong imagination and is still young, but acceptance is teaching her more about the real world especially pertaining to her father's trial.
DeleteThroughout the book so far a lot of new themes have been shown. Accetance is one of the biggest themes that has been used throughout the whole book so far. In the beginning the kids and Ms. Caroline display the theme of acceptance. In the last few chapters acceptance is shown when Atticus announces that he will be defending Tom Robinson in the trial. The rest of the town isn't sure whether they should still accept him or not. Another example of acceptance thats found in chapters 8-10 is when Atticus' parenting style is criticized and he has to decide whether he wants to continue to accept his style or not. Acceptance has been used in various ways and numerous times throughout the book so far.
ReplyDeleteHarper Lee's mastery in setting up themes and bringing them through effectively is evident through all of To Kill A Mockingbird. Prejudice plays a large role in the novel, and as such, so does acceptance. The simplest way she ties it into the events is her narrator. No one is more accepting than a child, hence why Lee chose Scout to tell this story of overcoming prejudices. No one is born with prejudice, it's a monster that's built over time. A child of Scout's age is just beginning to learn those preconceived notions of people, or is about to learn them. Scout herself is still mostly free of the bias that plagues her town, and is thus the least bigoted character who could be telling the story. Her wide-eyed, frank, childlike perception of things makes for a level of clarity that couldn't be attained by anyone else.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with what you said. The story being told from a child's point of view does help keep most of the bias that would be seen in an adult out of the story. However, and I don't want to start a fight now, but Scout is not completely accepting of everything. Remember when Ms. Caroline said she couldn't read anymore? She didn't completely accept that. Food for thought.
DeleteOh, I agree totally. I think that's the beginning of her prejudices forming, and you see it in other areas as well. However, they are obviously not fully developed yet--she still sees many things more clearly than most of the adult characters do.
DeleteIn the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses the theme of acceptance with many characters. For one Atticus loses acceptance by the townsfolk of Maycomb because of his choice to represent a black man in a court case. He also loses acceptance from his family which is shown in this quote from Francis: "...we'll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb again. He's ruinin' the family, that's what he's doin'." Scout has to accept her father's wishes and refuse to fight people saying rude things about her father. Jem learns to accept that his father cannot do some of the physical things other fathers can do because of Atticus's age. Miss Maudie accepts that her house burned down and quickly moves on. The theme of acceptance is clearly shown in this novel and especially in chapters 8 through 10.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I like how point out both sides of acceptance, losing it and gaining it. Makes you wonder whether the Finch family will be accepted in the end or not.
DeleteAcceptance is possibly the most prominent theme utilized in the novel at this point. A prime example of acceptance in the story is Scout and Jem coming to accept the character Boo Radley. In the beginning of the story there were numerous stories told surrounding the aloof and strange Boo Radley, portraying him in a negative manner. For this reason Scout and Jem always grew up having a fear and a curiosity of the mysterious man. Their curiosity led them to attempt communicating with him through notes and spying through his windows. However, their few encounters with Boo have proved different than the terrifying man they presumed he would be. During the fire while Scout was shivering cold, Boo came to her aid placing a blanket over her. Boo was also implied to have been responsible for repairing Jem’s pants and leaving them gifts in the knothole. Through these interactions with Boo the children’s fascination has only been increased, but they no longer fear him like they once did. His kindhearted and helpful gestures have made the children come to accept and even appreciate him.
ReplyDeleteSam Schnibben
I never even thought about how this could be incorporated in the theme of acceptance, very observant of you. I completely agree though. I think Lee did this to show that no matter how awful someone could think somebody is, they can always be accepted when people take the time to figure them out. I really liked your view on this.
DeleteIn the book To Kill a Mockingbird one common theme shown is the concept of prejudice. The main example of prejudice in the book is the ongoing racism that was common during the time period that the book is set in. Some people back then opposed African Americans and also those who helped them. This occurs to the Scout, Jem, and Atticus when the town learns that Atticus is going to be defending an African American in one of his cases. Many people in Maycomb County begin to say bad things about Atticus just because he is defending an African American. When Scout goes to school a boy named Cecil Jacobs makes fun of her and says bad things about Atticus because of his case. It goes as far as family members turning against them such as when they were at the Finch Landing for Christmas Francis even said bad things about Atticus to Scout and that other family members said that since he was defending an African American the family wouldn't be able to walk the streets of Maycomb again. Prejudice is shown multiples times through Chapters 8 through 10
ReplyDeleteI really like how you included the time period that the book is set in since it plays such an important role in the entire book.
DeleteThroughout To Kill a Mockingbird, acceptance is a very common theme. Although it is very common and can be interpreted from many aspects of the novel, one conflict sticks out. That conflict is the Robinson v. Ewell case. Atticus said he didn't think they could win this case because it was Mr. Robinson's word against the word of the Ewell's. Lee has already established that the Ewell's are the most disgraced family in Maycomb so it really shouldn't be a problem to persuade the jury to think their lying. However, the court room is full of racists and Atticus's client just so happens to be a black man. So in order for Atticus to win, he must make the jury accept his client as a regular human being, and prevent them from writing off his credibility because of his skin color. But Atticus doesn't think it can be done.
ReplyDeleteThe use of the Robinson v Ewell case in the explanation of acceptance in the book is important because of the struggle of gaining acceptance for African Americans and how others view those who defend them.
DeleteThe theme of acceptance is developed throughout the novel. A good example is when Atticus decides to defend Tom Robinson and the townspeople do not accept this decision. Scout was bothered because of what Cecil said about the case and when she asked Atticus about it he just respectfully explains the situation to her, which shows that he accepts and will stand by his decision because he knows it is the right thing to do. Another example of acceptance takes place in towards the beginning of the novel where we are getting introduced to Miss Caroline and Scout's class. Although Walter Cunningham comes from a very poor family, didn't have a lunch, and was different from other kids in the class as far as home life but they all accept him and treat him the same as anyone else. Also Burris isn't well liked by his classmates but they accept him to.
ReplyDeleteThe Tom Robinson is a really big example of acceptance and its good that you described how Atticus explained the situation to scout. I also like how you included the example of Walter from earlier in the story, because it shows how the theme of acceptance is used throughout To Kill a Mockingbird.
DeleteHarper Lee pulls many themes into the book "To Kill a Mockingbird". One of the strongest and most prominent themes, especially in chapters 8-10, is the theme of acceptance. An important example of this them is Atticus taking on the Tom Robinson case. The townspeople of Maycomb county and Atticus's family do not approve and accept that Atticus is defending a black man. Another example is how unaccepting Aunt Alexandra is of how Atticus raises his kids. Both of the examples are shown by the quote "Grandma says it's bad enough he lets you all run wild, but now he's turned out a nigger-lover we'll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb agin. He's ruinin' the family, that's what he's doin'." Scout also must learn how to hold her tongue and fists back and accept her father's wishes, and understand that he is doing what he believes is right in defending Robinson. Overall, the theme of acceptance is portrayed in a variety of ways through Harper Lee's use of racism and also how people differ in the way the do/handle things.
ReplyDeleteMaggie Hatfield
The example you used about Tom was an example of acceptance that I strongly agree with as well. The fact that he is defending a black man really made him stand out from the rest of the characters.
DeleteI like how you used the Tom Robinson case as one of your examples because I also believe that it is one of the most important. I also like how you mentioned Scout needing to hold her violence in because violence probably wasn't the best way to defend her dad.
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ReplyDelete"To Kill a Mockingbird" shows many prominent themes throughout the story. In chapters 8-10 we specifically see the themes of prejudice and the importance of sticking up for your beliefs come into view. As the story plays on, more and more signs of racism are being brought to the surface. When Atticus defends a Negro in the Tom Robinson case, he is immediately looked upon as a different person. Not only do the people of Maycomb begin to call him names and claim him to be a disgrace to the town, but so does his family. Not only does Atticus stand firm to his beliefs and actions -- accepting them with a strong will -- but it's then we see Scout begin to stick up for him as well. Scout is not afraid to fight for her father. She accepts her father's choices and believes in him. Scout knew that she would get in trouble if she stirred up trouble with her cousin Francis, but nevertheless when he started calling Atticus rude names, Scout had no fear in standing up for her dad. Overall, there are many other examples of how these common themes appear throughout Harper Lee's novel, "To Kill a Mocking Bird." The themes of prejudice, sticking up for your beliefs, and also the theme of acceptance are not only beneficial in this story, but also important issues we must grasp today in our own world as we know it.
ReplyDeleteHarper Lee shows many themes of acceptance throughout the course of these three chapters. One specific event that occurred was people in the town criticizing Atticus for defending Tom Robinson, who is a Negro. The people in Maycomb County seem to be pretty closed minded. Scout even has to stick up for Atticus at times, even though Atticus told her not to let other people get to her. Scout was called a coward at times for doing what her dad had told her, but when her cousin Francis took it too far she had to stand up for Atticus no matter what the cost. Another example of acceptance is when Scout's Aunt was nagging her about not acting like a lady. She was talking to Scout about how it isn't appropriate for a lady to dress the way she does, and that it's wrong to be who she is basically. Scout doesn't seem to react too strongly to this. She knows who she is and who she wants to be, and that should be good enough, but sadly in this time period it isn't. In these particular few chapters it really starts to show the racism, prejudice, and sticking up for what you believe in beginning to take effect. At one point in chapter ten, Scout and Jem were kind of irritated that Atticus didn't do what all the other "cooler" and younger dads did, like play touch football. She finds out that Atticus is more than what the eye can see when he shows his sharp shooting skills. They judged him and that was wrong of them to do. Today these are still very relevant and important topics, and are still discussed every day even if you don't quite witness or notice it.
ReplyDeleteYou perfectly summed up the Atticus problem with the Tom Robinson case, this is the main form of acceptance in the novel, despite how people are viewing it up to this point in the book.
DeleteI really like how you included Scout's personality and how it clashes with her aunt's. It's important to show how Scout accepts her uniqueness and who she is even when the society around her does not seem to. Great job connecting to the story!
ReplyDeleteHarper Lee shows acceptance in To Kill A Mockingbird in many ways. One was she shows it is through Atticus. The town no longer acceptsim because he will be defending Tom Robinson who is black. No one accepts him because they feel that he shouldn't be defending him because of his color. Another form of unacceptance is when Aunt Alexandra is with Atticus and Jem and Scout. She doesn't accept the way that he raised Jem and Scout. She also does not accept Scout because of how she is like a tom boy. She feels that Scout should act like a lady by the way she dresses and acts.
ReplyDeleteSimply, Harper Lee shows acceptance in To Kill A Mockingbird with characters. To begin, when Miss Maudie's house is burnt down, Miss Maudie doesn't even go through the other four stages of grief, instead going immediately into acceptance (at least that is what her actions and words show, her actual feelings may be different). Even though her house was completely burnt down, she accepts that fact and moves on. She immediately begins to look at the somewhat bright side of the situation, describing how she never actually liked the old house, how she'll have more room for her garden, and how she wanted a smaller house. She even claims to have wanted to burn the house down herself. Her way of accepting the fact that most of her possessions are gone is simply that she doesn't care about them, and is content without them. Another way Lee shows the theme of acceptance through her characters is with Scout and her fights. With her father defending the black-skinned Robinson, he undergoes his own assault of insults. Scout, wanting to defend him, finds the best way to stop the insults is fighting. Atticus wishes her not to fight, despite her intentions. Scout disagrees with this, but accepts the fact that Atticus tells her this for the good of all, and listens to his command.
ReplyDeleteEveryone else brought up the acceptance of other people, I like how unique the idea of accepting an event rather than a person is, and I totally agree.
DeleteHarper Lee uses her book "To Kill a Mocking Bird" as a way to reach out among her readers the importance of accepting others. One of the big examples that stood out to me was when Scout is talking to Atticus about his decision to defend a black man. Racism was one of the biggest problems back when this book was published. The fact that Atticus is supporting a black man makes him stand out from the rest of the characters in this book. The other example I want to point out also goes along with the conversation between Atticus and Scout. Towards the end of their conversation, Atticus gives more advice saying to fight with your head and not your fist. With in all the advice he gives her, she respects him and ever word he says. The is another example because she knows how wise he is and she wants to be able to stick up for him even tho she is getting made fun of for her father defending a black person.
ReplyDeleteI love how you applied the theme to real life. I also liked how you added your own background information in there too. Your examples are golden, very good job all around.
DeleteHarper Lee subtlety introduces themes of acceptances throughout the beginning of the book through direct and indirect characterization and conflict. One of my favorite examples is through Calpurnia. She acts as a mother figure for Scout and Jem. We know this by the way she advises the kids on how to act, and by how Atticus talks to her. Atticus is the an example of how people should act, and when he treats a black person like an equal, he is setting the example that everyone should be accepted. This is especially important because racism was still an extremely important issue at the time the book was published. This was my favorite example because it is more subtle than the other examples. These others include the fact that Atticus openly and willingly defends a black person in court, saying that he couldn't respect himself if he didn't, and the incident with Scout calling out Walter for eating his food differently. All of these conflicts and characterizations help Harper Lee enunciate her theme of acceptance in "To Kill A Mockingbird."
ReplyDeleteOne of the major themes in "To Kill a Mockingbird", would have to be the theme of acceptance. Jem and Scout have a fasciation with Boo Radley. They don't exactly treat him as an equal, more of a character they have heard numerous rumors about. They slowly try to accept him, especially when Atticus tells Scout that Boo Radley was the one that wrapped the blanket around her. Another example is, when both Jem and Scout accepted Miss Maudie. People in Maycomb say outlandish rumors about Miss Maudie. At first they don't trust her, but, they grow on her. They accept her even if the town thinks differently of her.
ReplyDeletePointing out that they accepted Miss Maudie despite the things people say about her was a really good idea, I completely overlooked that part of the book and it's a great example of Jem and Scout accepting someone.
DeleteThroughout Harper Lee's novel, she likes to use many themes. One of the themes she uses the most is acceptance. Harper Lee uses many examples to get this idea across to her readers. The example that I think stands out the most is Atticus defending Tom Robinson in his case against a white female. Atticus uses this to show his kids how important acceptance is. At school, Scout gets into a fight with a classmate, Cecil, because the classmate makes fun of her because her dad is defending a black man. This is Harper Lee teaching her readers that even though it is right to accept people, it does not mean that everyone will accept them like you have. All in all, I believe that Harper Lee likes to stress the important of success throughout her novel and that is why it is one of the main themes.
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point. Even though we are mostly all taught to accept everybody, that doesn't mean that every single one of us lives like that. That message didn't hit me as hard initially as it did now. Great point
DeleteIn to Kill a Mocking Bird, Harper Lee used acceptance as one of the themes, she showed accepts through her characters and through some of the situations she created. For example, Atticus is someone who tries to accept everybody. He is defending a colored person, Tom Robinson in court, even though at the time whites were against blacks and he's looked down upon. Atticus doesn't take the job any less seriously. He also treats his own children as if they're equal to him. He doesn't treat them like babies he accepts them as they are and chooses to treat them as if they were adults. Atticus teaches Scout a lot of lessons having to do with acceptance. He tells her about Walter and why she should treat him well, that just because he's poor or because he got her in trouble doesn't give her the right to treat him differently. When Scout tells Atticus about the boy from school calling him rude names, and Atticus says to just ignore it and keep her head up. He teaches her that just because other people don't accept certain things doesn't mean that she shouldn't. Harper Lee showing that Scout is learning these lessons can have a great affect on her readers and might influence them to accept more often instead of judging.
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point. Atticus doesn't want to treat his children like kids who don't know any better, he wants to accept them as adults aswell as Jem and Scout accepting everyone else the same way too. An example of this could be Atticus making his children calling him by his first name, rather be called father or dad.
DeleteA theme in "To kill a Mockingbird" is violence. As the readers, we see this mostly with Scout Finch because she is a person who thinks with her fists first. She beats up Walter Cunningham at school for getting in trouble trying to explain to Miss Caroline that Walter didn't have enough money to pay Miss Caroline back. Also, she ends up splitting her knuckle on her own cousin, Francis. Another example of violence is the Boo Radley rumor. This rumor says that Boo stabbed his own father with scissors for no apparent reason.
ReplyDeleteJuxtaposition or rather foil characters seem to be a reoccurring theme in this book. We already looked over one of the first foil characters (which were Burris Ewell and Water Cunningham) but another one that seems present itself more recently is Scout and her aunt. Just like Burris and Walter who had their social class in common, Scout and her Aunt have family relations in common; but just like Burris and Walter, that's also where the similarities end. One of the biggest (and in my opinion funniest) differences between the two ladies is how they act: as we all know Scout is a bit of a tom boy while her aunt is very primp and proper and thinks scout should wear skirts instead of pants. Another (more serious difference) is their racial views. Aunt Alexandra is racist in her views while scout is neutral (due to being a young child she doesn't quite understand the concept of racism and basically treats everyone equally).
ReplyDeleteIn the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the theme of acceptance is used throughout. Harper Lee uses conflict to show this. For example, when Atticus takes on the Tom Robinson case and chooses to represent a black man in a court case. The respect he has gained and rightfully earned gets mis-proportioned and he is not accepted as much as he was before. People have even went as far as saying "we'll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb again."
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