To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, was a very eye opening book for me. It has taught me many things throughout the course of the book. For example, it helps me realize how lucky I am to live in a free country with way less racism. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the people of Maycomb County are extremely racist with almost everything. Tom Robinson was killed and convicted of a crime he didn't do just because he was black. Today, there still is racism but it is not even close to as bad as it was in the book. The people of Maycomb County were extremely degrading but also had one character to stand up for everyone.
Atticus really taught me a lesson even though I have heard it before. Atticus said many times, “You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them.” (279) this quote really made me realize not to judge people before I know them. People might not turn out to be the way you expect them to be. For example, in To Kill a Mockingbird, the children expected Boo Radley to be a scary killer when in the end he saved Jem and Scout’s life. It is a hard lesson to go by but, in the end it betters everyone’s perspective.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Life lesson
Scout and Jem have learned many life lessons through out this book. I believe the most important lesson they have learned is that they can't change people's views in a racist society. This has been shown many times through the book but was shown greatly during the trial with Tom Robinson. Many people looked down upon black people and Jem and Scout finally started to realize they couldn't do anything to change that but just take care of themselves and learn to adjust with the racism that goes on constantly. The boys are fortunate enough to live in a family with diversity and a father that realizes that color doesn't matter.
The prison guards definitely showed racism while Tom was there. They went overboard when "They fired a few shots in the air, then to kill." (235) It is unfair for people to be treated any less than a white man. Even though, segregation and slavery has been outlawed for many years now, racism still does exist. Every day I hear racist remarks and it still affects many people. It is definitely not an easy thing for me to hear and it is a problem that is in needs to be fixed.
The prison guards definitely showed racism while Tom was there. They went overboard when "They fired a few shots in the air, then to kill." (235) It is unfair for people to be treated any less than a white man. Even though, segregation and slavery has been outlawed for many years now, racism still does exist. Every day I hear racist remarks and it still affects many people. It is definitely not an easy thing for me to hear and it is a problem that is in needs to be fixed.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Extra Credit!
English is as fun as going to an intense rock concert. So far, I have really enjoyed english class and can honestly and truly say it is one of my most favorite classes. I really enjoy that we get work done but it is not too overwhelming. It really helps me to talk and discuss about things instead of just having assignments on things and answering boring and pointless questions. In the past, I have dreaded english because all we used to do is DOL's (dumb outrageous loser work) which do not help me in the least.
English is now better than a popcicle on a hot summery day. It makes me happy just knowing I'm walking up the stairs to go learn and have fun at school. Who would have thought it is possible to have fun and learn at the same time?? Also, after having math class, it's amazingly awesome to have a class that I'm not constantly stressed out about and that I get to read and just cool my jets. It also helps that you are the best english teacher I have ever had. Most english teachers are old and grumpy that tell you to "sit down and do your grammar before I hit you with my yard stick." I like how you are still youthfull and can relate to us teenagers better than a retired teacher who decided to become unretired for a few more years and teach again. So thank you Mrs. Gilman for not hitting us with yard sticks and letting us have a personality in your class.
English is now better than a popcicle on a hot summery day. It makes me happy just knowing I'm walking up the stairs to go learn and have fun at school. Who would have thought it is possible to have fun and learn at the same time?? Also, after having math class, it's amazingly awesome to have a class that I'm not constantly stressed out about and that I get to read and just cool my jets. It also helps that you are the best english teacher I have ever had. Most english teachers are old and grumpy that tell you to "sit down and do your grammar before I hit you with my yard stick." I like how you are still youthfull and can relate to us teenagers better than a retired teacher who decided to become unretired for a few more years and teach again. So thank you Mrs. Gilman for not hitting us with yard sticks and letting us have a personality in your class.
Theme
The best theme that came to my mind when I think about To Kill a Mockingbird is definitely strength. Strength is shown many times throughout the book especially when Mr. Ewell said "...That black n yonder ruttin' on my Mayella." p. 173 Tom Robinson has to have strength to be able to stand up for himself and defend that he did not rape Mayella. It definitely is not easy for someone to stand up for themselves in a situation that is not in their favor and when they know the ruling is probably going to be against them just because of thier race.
Another character that shows strength in this book is Atticus. Atticus shows strength many times but one time stuck out to me in particular. He showed strength by defending an african american in the court case. At this time period, racism was a huge factor but Atticus stood strong and represented Mr. Tom Robinson very well. Atticus got made fun of and talked about by many folks in town because he was defending an african american but he stood his ground and kept with Tom throughout the entire thing. Atticus is a very wise man and shows strength and respect for everyone that has earned it.
Another character that shows strength in this book is Atticus. Atticus shows strength many times but one time stuck out to me in particular. He showed strength by defending an african american in the court case. At this time period, racism was a huge factor but Atticus stood strong and represented Mr. Tom Robinson very well. Atticus got made fun of and talked about by many folks in town because he was defending an african american but he stood his ground and kept with Tom throughout the entire thing. Atticus is a very wise man and shows strength and respect for everyone that has earned it.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Atticus as a father
I believe Atticus is a very good father. He is slightly older than some of the other parents and he is much wiser and knowledgeable. He is very stern but also has a big heart and cares about everyone. His punishments are quite harsh sometimes like when Jem damaged Mrs. Dubose's flowers and Jem had to "...work on 'em every Saturday and try to make 'em grow back out." (page 105)
Atticus and my parents are similar in many ways and different in a couple of ways. For instance, they are stern when it comes to punishment but at the same time they are extremely polite and reasonable. My parents are different from Atticus because, Atticus doesn't really punish or think much of Scout and Jem cursing. My parents do not allow cursing in my house and my brothers and I will get punished if they hear it.
Atticus and my parents are similar in many ways and different in a couple of ways. For instance, they are stern when it comes to punishment but at the same time they are extremely polite and reasonable. My parents are different from Atticus because, Atticus doesn't really punish or think much of Scout and Jem cursing. My parents do not allow cursing in my house and my brothers and I will get punished if they hear it.
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