This week, I want you to answer this question:
How has the theme you have followed throughout the book played out in the readings? Let's use this as a practice for the NYS Assessment.
Requirements:
- State the theme (for example: One of the themes of TKAM is how youthful innocence can protect you from the evils of our society).
- Give two examples from the novel that prove your theme (this should be a piece of cake if you have read and posted to the blog - all the ideas will be right there).
- Your answer should be between 3 and 5 sentences (full sentences, as grammatically correct as possible).
- Post your responses in this section by clicking on the title of the page.
Post are due by Saturday, 3/9 at 11:59pm. Don't wait until the last minute!
As always, let me know if you have any questions.
Chris Hibbard:
ReplyDeleteI see two great signs of fear throughout the book. The first sign of fear that I see comes from Tom Robison. He is scared in his whole time during the trial. He's a black man up against a whole bunch of white people who are trying to convict him of rape. The second sign of fear that I see comes from Scout. She has a scary encounter in the field with Jem, that almost gets her and Jem killed. She isn't scared in the filed though. I see the most fear from her when she is retelling the story to Mr. Tate. These are two huge signs of fear that I see throughout TKAM.
Thanks for your thoughts, Chris.
DeleteNoah Emminger- I am not just using my theme because it was the example but because I strongly agree with that theme as well. So I believe that because we are younger we can not get in as much trouble as adults. In "To Kill a Mockingbird" when Jem and Scout are running behind Boo Radley's house and a gun shot went off the town crowded around the Radley house to see what happened and no one suspected Jem and Scout. Another is when their in school and Scout says she's going to beat up Walter Cunningham. This differs from now and then now we would arrested and fined if we did that then they probably got told not to do it again.
ReplyDeleteThere is something to be said about being young - adults definitely have more consequences to their actions. Here's a question to ponder: at what age do children stop getting the "get out of jail free card" and have to start worrying about their actions?
DeleteI think that my group, Compasion and Forgiveness, is perfect for the theme of this book. There are many campasionate people in the book; Atticus Finch, the man who wrote the news editorial for Tom Robinson, and even Boo Randley. There were also many occasions where people were misjudged for terrible, unreasonable, and unjust reasons. In the title it tells us that, "To Kill a Mockingbird". Atticus tells us in the text that it does not make sence to hate or kill a mockingbird, they are beautiful animals that only sing, and give us music to listen to.Blacks inMaycomb relate to the mockingbird. They are no different than the whites. Almost everybody in Maycomb, Alabama discriminated against blacks, except for one, Atticus Finch. Atticus defended Tom Robinson in his case, when just about everybody else wanted to kill him. The news paper writer was also compaionate to Tom Robinson, even though it was after Tom died. The news editor wrote a marvelous editorial about Tom. Also, even though some would never expect it, Boo Radley was very compaionate and forgiving. Boo probabley felt like how the blacks did. He was unwanted, discriminated against, hated, nobody wanted to go near him. The kids even made fun of, and made rumors about him, but Boo did not care in the end. When Mr. Bob Ewell attacked two innocent children, Jemeremy Atticus Finch, and Jean Louise Finch, Boo Radley could have just looked out his window and watched for what the kids have said about him. Instead Boo desided to help and protect the children. Neither of the two knew what to say, but thank you.
ReplyDelete~Cameron Klaiber
Cameron, thank you for your thoughtful, intelligent response.
DeleteOne of the themes for TKAM is that women played a role. One example is that Calpurnia is like a mother to Scout and Jem. She is supposed to take care of of the house but she acts like a mother to them. Also another women is Aunt Alexandra whp is the "annoying" aunt in the book. She even makes Atticus mad and he is a very easy going man.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your reply....2 things: one, who are you? Second, remember when you state the theme, you're making a statement about life in general. So, how about something like, "women play a significant role in raising their families'....or whatever you think. Then, your examples prove that statement.
DeleteThe theme of the book "To Kill A Mockingbird" is not to judge the book(a person) by the cover(there apperance). You never want to judge a person by the way the look or how you think they look. For example, Jem, Scout, and pretty much all of Maycomb believed that Boo Radely was a physcopase even though he was a kind person.
ReplyDeleteTrue, Matthew - and wasn't it ironic that when the man was actually standing in Jem's room, Scout had no idea who he was. It was apparent (although not explicitly stated) that had she taken even a second to consider Boo could be a totally normal person, she might have thought it was him in the room....
DeleteOne of the themes of To Kill A Mocking Bird is to never judge a book by its cover. Throughout the book Scout and Jem always thought that Boo Radley was crazy and very scary without even meeting him but he ended up saving both of their lives. The same thing also happened to Tom Robbinson. He was found guilty of a crime he did not commit and it was just because he was black.
ReplyDeleteThe trouble with humanity - we pass judgment all too easily without really considering that when it all gets boiled down, we are all from the same race - the HUMAN race.
DeleteAnd, who are you....I can't give you credit without your name!
Vineeta - Fear plays a major role in all of our lives. Fear was also presented in many different ways in "To Kill A Mockingbird." One example of fear that was experienced was when Helen, Tom Robinson's wife, heard about his death. She had to be worried about raising her children alone. Also, when Jem and Scout were walking back home after the Halloween party and they heard someone following after them, they must have been terrified.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your "reading between the lines" and assuming that Tom Robinson's wife must have not only been afraid for Tom and then for her own family's safety but she must have been afraid about raising the children alone.
DeleteMolly Meegan : fear group they showed fear in theses chapters when they heard bob Ewell fallowing them. They showed another sign of fear when heck tate was saying how bob just fell on his own knife but he was just trying to cover up for boo Radley
ReplyDeleteYes! I think Heck Tate was afraid to charge Boo with murder because, as we know, "it is a sin to kill a mockingbird."
DeleteA good example of fear is when Jem and Scout are walking down the street to get home and a man attacks them but Boo radley saves them by stabbing the man.
ReplyDeleteTyler Horn
Yes, Tyler. Now remember, this was supposed to be 3 sentences (to make you practice for the test). Follow directions, sir...you don't want your brilliant ideas to get "dinged" because you didn't follow instructions.
DeleteOne of the themes is when Boo saved Jem and Scout. It was compassion because he didnt evan know who they were. Also they relized that not to judge a person based on how they look. Or rumars people may spread.
ReplyDeleteDante Lattuca
Dante, you're a bit confused. Boo absolutely knew who Scout and Jem were - it was Jem and Scout who had no idea what Boo looked like (remember when Boo is in the corner when Jem is unconscious and Scout had no idea who the man in the corner was???). And, remember, the theme is what you're trying to prove and that theme applies to every person who ever walked the face of the earth. So, maybe the theme is "When people act with compassion, they go out of their way to help those in need." Then, go on with your examples but be sure your examples are accurate otherwise on the "test", you won't get full credit because your examples are a bit off. And be careful of sentence fragments....take your time.
DeleteWomen and Women's Roles played a very important part in history. Scout could have saved Jems life. With the help of Scout and Boo Radley saved and Jem didn't die. Also Aunt Alexandrea always helped when ever she could but Atticus didn't like it.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty remarkable that Scout was always able to stand up for what she believed in. It's hard to imagine her as a little girl. Many adults don't have the courage to do what she continually does.
DeleteThe theme I think the book takes is that all people are created equal. One example is when Tom Robinson was on trial. He had to put up with this "issue" with Mayella. She was the one who was breaking the law and should go to jail. Another example is Bob Ewell. He is psycho. If he wants to be rude he could either move or get a rocket and go to space. But that would pointless because he is dead.
ReplyDeleteYes, Shannon - if only the world finally accepted that ultimately we are all of the same race - the human race.
DeleteThanks for all the comments so far. However, there are some without names. Please either drop a note here saying which post is yours or let me know in class that you posted one of these comments. Keep talking - it's fun to read what you got out of TKAM.
ReplyDeleteHannah Laski
ReplyDeleteA theme for TKAM is that youth and innocence lets you see the wrongs of our society. In the book when the class was going over Hitler and his Dictatorship, Scout saw the wrongs in that. She saw what was happening, and others did too. But when Tom Robinson came up for trial, Dill saw what was happening and began to cry. Sometimes only the youthful and innocent, can see the truths of our society, whether they be right or wrong.
So eloquently said, Miss Hannah. If only the people of the world had the guts to see the world through the innocent eyes of children....
DeleteLiz Forsyth:
ReplyDeleteOne of the major themes of TKAM is that we shouldn't judge people only by the way they live or look. A victim of this misjudgment is Mr. Raymond. People judge him because he is married to a black woman, so he pretends to be drunk all the time so he doesn't have to change his ways. Also, throughout the entire book Jem and Scout were scared of Boo Radley because of what people said about him in Maycomb County. They immediately thought that he was this creepy and dangerous man. In the end they realized that he was a really good man and they had nothing to be afraid of, for he saved Jem and Scout's lives. This theme literally applies to this book and reality for that matter.
Mr. Raymond "pops" in for only a second but his message is so powerful. I'm glad you brought it up.
DeleteTheir are many themes for To Kill A Mockingbird, but Family has to be the one that really explores the fact that no matter what color our skin or ethnic back round we are all one big family. The way that the Whites treated the Blacks is not the way that family members should treat one another. Calpurnia is a perfect example of how Whites and Blacks can find that lost feeling of family that all of us have inside of us but the hardest part is to find it and keep it consistent. Atticus, Jem, Scout, and even Aunt Alexandra showed a colossal amount of family. Even though Aunt Alexandra is not anybody's "favorite" person they never criticized her the way they did to their other Black family members. Family is obviously one of the strongest things in the world because just look what its been through. It has survived through massive world disasters. It has been here on Earth longer that this country and it helped build this country. Segregation is definitely not the right thing to do to your family members, and no matter how lost it is, some how it always finds its way back into every single persons' life one way or another. Some times you might say that you do not need anyone but yourself but family decisions are usually the better ones. FAMILY HASN'T AND NEVER WILL DIE.
ReplyDelete-Zackary Coburn
Zack, this is a beautifully poignant response. I agree - when all the world is crashing down, sometimes the only people you can count on is your family. But there's a funny thing about family - it doesn't always just mean the people who are genetically related to you.
DeleteRyan Zimmeerman 8-6 A example of Fear is when scout and Jem were walking home that night down the street there mas a man that attacked them but BOO Radley even did not know Scout or Jem and he saved them by stabbing the man that must have took a lot of fear to help save someone that you did not even know that's my example of Fear.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Ryan. I think that Boo did know the children but they didn't know him. But you bring up an excellent point. We know now that Boo was mentally/emotionally challenged - I can't imagine the courage it took for him to stand up to that miserable Mr. Ewell and do the right thing. He must have known that Mr. Ewell could have physically overpowered him but he still did the right thing. How many people in the world could do the same thing when the time came?
DeleteEmma Rainer = The importance of family is a main theme of "To Kill A Mockingbird". One example of this is when Scout and Jem are confronted by Lula and Calpurnia tells her off. Calpurnia is like their mother and she honestly loves and cares for them as family. Another example is how Jem cares for Scout. When Scout chews the gum Boo Radley left for her, he immediately begins to worry. He tells he to spit it out because he thinks it's dangerous. This kind of brotherly and motherly love are good examples of Family Values in "To Kill A Mockingbird".
ReplyDeleteJust proves that sometimes blood relatives aren't the only people who are truly family (and how blood relatives sometimes can be so far from "family")
ReplyDeleteYouthful innocence is a very important theme in "To Kill A Mockingbird". An example of this is shown throughout the whole book, Jem and Scout are showing their youth by being curious about Boo and the Radley family. Another example is at the end when Jem and Scout get jumped and Boo came to save them. Seeing children almost helpless made Boo jump into action, but if it was an adult who knew if Boo would have helped. That is why Youthful innocence is a huge theme in "To Kill A Mockingbird". -Marissa Belmonte
ReplyDeleteOne of the themes Can be that racism affects the ways ole forgive. An example is when Tom Robinson was in court and he knew either way he would be killed. Part of this was because of his color. People should not be judged by the color of their skin because it is not something they can control, they would much rather have white skin than black because people for some reason think that it is better to be white than black. but that is not true
ReplyDelete-Natalie Gaulin
Michael Reardon= To kill a mockingbird is a sin. Well this relates with Boo Radly. He does nothing in the book just like a mocking bird. Everybody's hating on him witch is like killing a mocking bird. Boo turns out to be good at the end of the story.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Phillips~ I believe that the theme of To Kill A Mockingbird could be morality because Scout learns that it is wrong to judge a person because of their race or how much money they have. She learns this by Atticus' judgments on Tom Robinson when he was the only lawyer who would stand up for him.
ReplyDeleteMadison Badgley- The main theme of "To Kill A Mockingbird" is race and inequality. All blacks in Maycomb were discriminated no matter what. For example, Tom Robinson was found guilty on trial, when he truly was innocent. He really had no hope fighting against a white woman which is very racist and judgmental. Another example from the book is how Tom Robinson's wife couldn't find a job because her hopeless,black husband was on trial. You should never judge a book by it's cover.
ReplyDeleteRacial inequality isa great theme and shows up many times in the book. Many people, such as Aunt Alexandra, think that Calpurnia should not work for the Finches because she is black. Aunt ALexandra even tries to convince Atticus to fire Calpurnia by saying that she can do all of the house work and does not need Clapurnia's help. Another example of this theme is Tom Robinson's trial. If a white man had been accuses of the same crime and had the same evidence he would be set free. Tom was convicted becasue he was black, and whites would sooner believe a white drunk than a black man who has never given anyone trouble.
ReplyDeleteKelly Burns- There are numerous themes of "To Kill A Mockingbird." However one of the most explored theme in the book, I thought was Justice and Judgement. Racism is based upon basically other people's judgement. For example, even before court started for Tom Robinson, the jury of all white men already knew the verdict. Tom Robinson was already guilty even before he walked threw the court room's doors. However, I guess you could say Tom was served a little justice due to the fact that Atticus represented him and made a good case. The reason why Atticus was picked in the first place was because he was the only one that could make people question if Tom Robinson was not guilty. This is quite disturbing in knowing that this still exists. Segregaton, racism, and prejudice still goes on today and people ignore the fact that it does. If we could stop basing our judgement on stereotypes and rumors, and we can finally learn to thin on our own and make our own judgement, we would be better off.
ReplyDeleteI feel that my group, justice and judgement, is a perfect theme for this book. There are so many people that have judged others for their race, the way people are, and stories they have heard about others that may not be true. The main example is... When Tom Robinson was in jail, when he tried to escape, the guards at the jail shot him numerous times, as if it was a white person, it would have been one clear shot. Another example is when Aunt Alexandra came to visit. All she did was point out how Scout should be more of a girly girl than what she really is. I feel that everyone should be who they want to be, no one should change who they are because of what others think or say about them. Also, I feel that the old saying "Never judge a book bye its cover" is definitely an important thing to keep in mind. For example, when everyone in Maycomb, Alabama talked trash about Boo Radely, even though no one has really ever got to understand him or really know what its like. Everyone has something special about them, but no one there took the time to see Boo Radely's special gift.
ReplyDeleteThe theme to To Kill a Mockingbird is the world can be a cold, judgemental place. The biggest example of this is Boo Radley. He acted as a protective older brother/father-type figure when he put a blanket on Scout and also he saved Scout and Jem from being attacked. In the beginning of this book, it said he was a monster, a phycho killer but in fact, he was judged based in his mental instability and therefore looked upon as a murderer when he couldn't even hurt a fly.
ReplyDelete-Hope Flanders
Hannah Molloy- I deeply believe that Fear is the #1 theme for "To Kill A Mockingbird". The main and obvious example is the fear that Tom Robinson had over dying. It says in the book that he knew he was guilty (dead) the minute Mayella opened her mouth. Tom just knew that he had no chance of being not guilty, even with all the evidence to defend him, because of the color of his skin. In the end, Tom was shot numerous times for trying to escape. Another example of fear is Boo Radley. I believe that he was afraid of all the discrimination he would receive the second he left his house. That is why he isolated himself inside for all those years. However, in the end, Boo turned out to be a pretty nice and caring guy. These are the reasons why I think that Fear is the main theme in "To Kill A Mockingbird".
ReplyDeleteOne of the themes of the book To kill a Mockingbird is, Women Roles are important to succeed in life. For example, Atticus couldn't have done anything if Calpurnia wasn't there to help him around the house. It's hard to get around without a women in the house. Another example is, that scout has done a lot to help atticus. She saved him and Tom Robinson from Mr. Cunningham and she helped Boo beat up Mr. Ewell.
ReplyDeleteAlthough there are many themes to this book, I feel it mostly revolves around judgement. It all started in the beginning and continued on until the end. To prove this statement, the first step towards judgement in "To Kill A Mockingbird" was towards Boo Radley as Scout, Jem, and Dill first questioned why he never came out of the house. Of course in the end we find out Boo Radley ends up being albino and to that, I think they judged a little too quickly. To continue on with the theme, Aunt Alexandra and her judgement towards Scout is another example. Judging her on what is and is not proper for a "lady" her age is despicable. Nothing is proper or perfect and so why should she? Judgement then should lead to respect as they learn judging someone too quickly is just another way to think of the possibilities and not with reason.
ReplyDeleteKara Purpura- A great theme in TKAMB is that having youth and innocence gives you such a different perspective on the the world. For example when Cecil Jacobs brought up Hitler during school it was Scout who realized that the same type of discrimination is happening in Maycomb. Also Jem and Scout listened to Atticus and understood why he was defending Tom Robinson, instead of saying he was wrong like everyone else had.
ReplyDeleteDean Adams- My theme for TKAM (morality and ethics) is that everyone should be deserved a fair trial. for example, when Atticus was defending Tom Robinson in the trial. The jury only took a couple of hours to decide the sentence (he was guilty and went to prison), he also was shot and killed because he escaped out of prison. Another example from the beginning of TKAM was when Miss Caroline gave Walter Cunningham a quarter for lunch, he did not pay Miss Caroline back because he is poor.
ReplyDeleteJake adams: Misunderstood- An example for that reason being is because Tom Robinson being the good man that he was, Let society get the best of him. Therefore, leading to his death, and being shot 17 times due too his fear. Another reason is that Boo Radley, also Misunderstood by society proved himself to be a good man, And to care for the weak, other than the powerful.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Adams - My theme for TKAMB is ( compassion and forgiveness) even though i was assigned this group, i do strongly agree that this is the theme of TKAMB. For example, When Atticus testified for Tom Robinson, this is an example of compassion because Atticus knew that People would make fun of him and not want to hear anything he had to say just because of his color... But Atticus saw past what everyone else thought, instead he went with what he though. An example of compassion and forgiveness is when Tom Robinson said he was guilty because he felt bad for Mayalla. I think that Tom Robinson saw what a tuff life she has and just felt compassion and forgiveness for her.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading To Kill A Mockingbird from the front cover to the very last page; the last sentence, the last word. My theme, Woman's Roles, is a constant theme in this book, and a very strong one at that.
ReplyDeleteFor example, Calpurnia was a very strong character in the book; as a mother to Jem and Scout, and as a woman of color; one of pride. She treated Atticus, Jem, and Scout and whomever was there as an equal, she never complained. She loved them with all her heart, and also, treated them as her family almost-like.
Aunt Alexandra also, was a strong woman in the book. Though she was a little hard on the children, she also showed she cared. She truly cared for her family and she worked hard to keep them in place. Aunt Alexandra was judged to fast in the book, and I believe she made a difference. She made them a family, just like Cal.
Woman, here and then, were completely strong and independent and proud. I respect that greatly, and I hope TKAM becomes an inspiration to my life and being a woman today.
Christine Mae
Racial inequaty played a huge partn in this novel. There were several instences where it comes into play. I believe there were many wrong things in this book but that is what made the book such a great piece of literature.
ReplyDeleteYour task was to give me 2 examples - if this were the state test, this would have been a 0. Remember to answer the entire question.
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