Does To Kill a Mockingbird have anything for YOU? Themes or life lessons? Connections that you can relate to? Historical information that bridges the gaps in your learning? A better view of the real-life hero? Each Post Response is worth 5 points: 3 points for your personal response and 2 for your comments, questions, clarifications, or insight on another student's post.

Friday, May 13, 2011

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?
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Friday, May 6, 2011

#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)?
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#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?
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