To Kill A Mockingbird Seminar Chapter 12-16
1st Quotation
Human Dignity
- " They don't belong anywhere." - Jem (pg 161)
- This is a paradox
- Everyone belongs somewhere in in a community
- In this case this makes sense because none of the races let each other live with them since they are different (mixed)
- Importance: This quote is a good representation of the theme racism
- Jem declared that Mr.Cunningham would have killed Atticus the previous night
- Atticus says " Mr.Cunningham has his blind spots like everyone else and is still like a friend."
- Atticus respects the dignity of people who meant to harm him
2nd Quotation
Plot Summary
- "This was news, news that put a different light on things: Atticus had to, whether he wanted to or not. I thought it was odd that he hadn't said anything about it. We could have used many times defending him and ourselves. He had to that's why he was doing it,equaled fewer fights and less fussing." (Pg 163)
Jem
2. What qualities does Atticus have that make him a good father?
1. How do the majority of people at Calpurnia's church treat the children and why?
- Physically and mentally developing
- Resulting in his moody and drastic behaviour
Themes
- Atticus wanted to fight the case so that justice could be served
- Didn't want his children believing that he took the case because he had to
- Atticus beliefs: Case was about protecting human rights, he deeply cared about this issue
- Importance: Shows Atticus stepping up as a parent. He showed his children that he really cared about this issue and wanted to put a stop to it.
Significant Quotations
3. Describe how Aunt Alexandria is both a positive and negative influence on Scout.
4. Why do you think that Atticus was willing to fight Tom Robinson's case ?
- As summer begins Jem gets moody
- Scout finds out that Dill isn't coming to Maycomb this summer
- After coming back from church the kids find Aunt Alexandria who is going to be living with them for a while
- Atticus returns from Montgomery and Scout tells him how they went to church with Calpurnia
- Scout asks Aunt Alexandria if she could go to Calpurnia's house but she refuses Scout
- Scout goes to her room where she believes that there is a snake under her bed
- When Jem checks, its really Dill who has runaway to Maycomb
- Dill's mother gives him permission to spend the summer in Maycomb
- On a Sunday night Atticus heads to town and Jem,Scout and Dill go see what is happening
- Atticus is sitting outside Tom Robinson cell where he is confronted by a group of men
- He is harassed for defending Tom since he is black
- On the day of the trial Atticus tells Scout and Jem that he doesn't want to see them there
- When it is noon the kids still go but they cant find a seat
- Reverend Sykes offer them seat in the colored balcony
Jean (Scout)
Racism
Growing Up
- Learning how to deal with Jem
- Having problems growing up and behaving like a woman
- Starting to take interest about the real world
- Asking father about what is right or wrong
- This is seen " They don't belong anywhere. Colored folks wont have em because they're half white; white folks when have em cause they're colored, so they're just in between, don't belong anywhere.
- As summer progresses Scout and Jem are both growing up
- They notice grown ups in Maycomb talking about them
- Example: Scout hears the word "rape" again, and asks Atticus what it means
- Attcius being true to his beliefs and honest, he then tells her what it means
Why do think the kids weren't allowed to go in the church ?
- Talks about how people don't have interracial relationships
- Shows how colored people are treated compared to the white people
Who do you think is harassing Atticus ?
Atticus
Why are so many people mad at Atticus for defending a black person ?
- Very intelligent
- Knows how to deal with problems
- Has a soft side
- Remained calm while people were harassing him
- Didn't let his anger get the best of him
- Plays a major role in his children's life
- Plays a mother and father role
Why does Aunt Alexandria feel that Atticus should fire Calpurnia ?
Character Development
Do you think that the judge will base his decision on Tom's skin color ?
Discussion
By: Tasfeia, Arsh, Fahad and Dante