Blog #9: Violence in To Kill a Mockingbird

At one point in To Kill a Mockingbird we are introduced to lynchings, a brutal reality of the times. Tom Robinson was shot 17 times in the book. The film version softens this significantly by leaving that part out and saying he was shot dead when the white gaurds were "trying to wound him" to get him to stop running. Why did the film producers choose to change the ending? Someone had to make the decision to leave the brutal facts out ----like being shot 17 times, out. What does getting shot 17 times say about the shooters? Do you agree with the producers decision? Do you think this could have really happened in real life during the 30's? How about now? Are there similar news stories you have heard where this kind of violence was discovered? Bob Ewell spits directly in Atticus's face. How would you react? What does Atticus's response say about his character?

#8: To Kill a Mockingbird: Bridges

The children in this novel represent "bridges" between segregated (split) society ---bridging race, class, and education. In Chapter 15 Scout bridges the major rift (gap) between Atticus and the "mob" with her innocence. How did that happen? How can younger generations help bridge the gaps for the unknowns---namely cultural? What (or who) do students of Sioux Center have understandings of that can help bridge gaps for their parents and grandparents (who are often led by biases, sterotypes, or even sexism or racism for things they do not know or have familiarity with) when it comes to people and relationships? What are your personal experiences with these "gaps" within your own families and the community around you? How can you help bridge these gaps (of understanding)?

#7: To Kill A Mockingbird: Heroes and Courage

What is courage? Atticus contends, Courage is "when you know you are licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." Do you agree? What would you add or redefine? Who has shown the most bravery and courage so far in this novel? Who do you predict will be the "hero" of the story and why?

#6: Introduction to the Central Conflict: The Tom Robinson Trial

In reference to the case against Tom Robinson, Atticus tells Jack the situation couldn't be worse. "The only thing we got is a black man's word against the Ewells'....The jury couldn't possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson's word against the Ewells'." Later he says, "You know I'd hoped to get through life without a case like this..." (Even though earlier he told Scout every lawyer gets a case like this...that would affect him personally). Finally, Atticus defends, "Do you think I could face my children otherwise (without taking the case)? You know what's going to happen as well as I do, Jack, and I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb's usual disease. Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a negro comes up is something I don't pretend to understand." What do you think Atticus means by "Maycomb's usual disease"? Do you agree with Atticus that he is "obligated" to take this case if he wants to be able to be respected by his children? Would you have taken the case? Do you agree that he has most likely LOST before the trial even begins? Why or why not? Do you agree that all lawyers (as well as just about EVERY profession) has one "case" in thier life that will essentially "define" them?

#5 Chapters 7-9 "Parenting Themes in To Kill A Mockingbird"

In Chapter 9, the reader sees several different approaches to raising children. Often the styles of parenting are addressed through different characters in the story: Atticus, Aunt Alexandra, Uncle Jack, Mr. Radley, Dill's "parents", Calpurnia, and soon to come...Bob Ewell. What parenting style does Atticus best fit from those discussed in class? Why is he criticized by so many people? What style seems to work best for Jem and Scout? What style works best for you? What do you think makes an excellent "parent"?

#4: Boo Radley

At this point, what do you believe (and how would you characterize) Boo Radley? What do you think Harper Lee (the author) wants us to believe? Is Boo a victim or a "monster" as described by the children's conjecture? Why do you think so? What are your assumptions about what has really happened with and to Boo? What are your predictions about how Boo will fit into this story? Use the text to help you draw your conclusions.

#3 - Education and To Kill a Mockingbird

While still advocating that educated minds (like Atticus's, his brother's, and Calpurnia's) are powerful and help prevent ignorance (such as racism and prejudice), "the novel's apparent conclusion about education is that the most important lessons are those of sympathy and understanding and that a sympathetic understanding approach is the best way to teach these lessons. In this way, Atticus's ability to put himself in his children's shoes makes him an excellent teacher, while Miss Caroline's rigid commitment to the educational techniques she learned in college make her ineffective and even dangerous (Spark Notes To Kill a Mockingbird)." Do you agree with this conclusion about education and learning? What are the most effective learning situations for you? Do you agree that Atticus is a good teacher? How important to you is the education you recieve at Sioux Center High School? Why do you think so many whites in the 1930's were so afraid of African Americans receiving an education?