To Kill A Mocking Bird

I'm not quite done with the book yet, but im nearly done. But, so far, the case of Tom Robinson ended, but i believe that Tom Robinson will be set free. From what Atticus said on pg. 219, Tom still can be freed from the jail and i think that Tom will be set free by the end of the book. Also, at the end of Ch.23(227), Jem said he thinks he knows why Boo Radley wants to stay in, so i think that this is a foreshadowing that more information about Boo Radley will be realeased later on in the book. Also, i was just thinking about the items that Scout and Jem found and if they have any significance in the story. I think that Boo Radley may have placed those items in the tree as a message of some sort to Jem and Scout, and maybe, these items may be significant to the case of Tom Robinson. A lot of information is still unknown, but as I get nearer to the end, hopefully all of my questions will be answered.

Another topic I'm curious about is about the Cunninghams. It seems that they don't seem too important to the novel, but as the story progresses, it seems they play an important role in the Tom Robinson's case. Also, I've noticed that the characters introduced early in the novel like the Ewell's and the Cunningham's are becoming important factors for this novel. Yet, I have not read something important about the Radley's, so I'm hoping they will come into the story in some way.

Another topic I was kind of unclear about was the mad dog(93). Was it like a symbol or an omen for bad things to come? Anyone care to clarify?

TKM Test Practice

Looking to test your skills, here are a couple of summary quizzes for chapters 1 & 2. I checked a few times, answer should be correct. The test is auto correct, so you can check when you are done to see how many you got right.

Chapter 1: http://www.dukeofdefinition.com/tkmchpt1.htm
Chapter 2: http://www.dukeofdefinition.com/tkmchpt2.htm

Calling all Juniors

Next week, on August 4th, Kimball High will be hosting our first ever freshman orientation. I have spoken to a few of you about being mentors, and I am looking for a few more volunteers.

Why a freshman orientation? Think back to when you first started high school, some of you were excited, some worried, some with friends and some entirely without friends. Each year many students start school with a lot of fears and anxieties that they would never share with another person. Our job, to make a connection, become a friend, relieve the fears and anxieties of our new students. For example, "No, you will not get trash-canned on the first day of school."

The training is on August 3rd at 2:00 PM and runs till 8:00 PM. The orientation is on August 4th, you will need to be at school at 7:00 AM to get the school ready, we will be done by 1:00 after lunch. Yes, you will be fed both days.

If you are interested, please call me at (209) 625-9463 or email me at msoeth@tusd.net. I thank you in advance for taking time to be a part of this great adventure and working towards making Kimball one of the best schools in Tracy Unified.

Mr. Soeth

To Kill a Mockingbird

When I first found out To Kill a Mockingbird was the AP summer assignment book, I was sure I would not understand or enjoy this book. This book was one of the books my grandmother really enjoyed and I assumed it only related to her generation. Fortunately, I was wrong.

The first few chapters were somewhat boring. I didn't really understand where the story was going. After a few more chapters, I didn't want to put it down. It became very interesting and I was intrigued to find out what would happen next. During the first quarter of the book I was most curious about the Radley house. They seem to be very suspicious and secretive. Im excited to find out what else will happen with the Radley's.

To Kill A Mockingbird: 3rd Entry

To Kill a Mockingbird has an important theme that was examplified through the mistreatments of the citizens and also the misjudgements of our protagonists. The theme I found in this novel is that simple phrase "don't judge a book by it's cover." To be exact, don't judge a person through the rumors or gossips and the looks of the character. But, instead judge by the content of their character. The citizens of Maycomb judged generally African Americans. They degraded and mistreated Tom Robinson and also Boo Radley was misjudged by Scout and Jem.

Tom Robinson, in chapter 21, lost the trial because the jury would believe Tom raped the lady. The Jury took sides against Tom just because of the color of his skin. The jury was racist against Tom, so they assume he would rape the lady by the color of his skin. The jury simply judges Tom instantly when they see him. Another example is Boo Radley. Scout and Jem hear the rumors around town. How horrible and terrible Boo Radley is. But, Scout and Jem never knew Boo. They quickly judged Boo through his scary appearance and through the rumors. Both of these examples show that whatever you see goes beyond your expectation.

To Kill A Mockingbird Round 2

I found a couple of the chapters after my last post very dull, so I've decided to pick up a few chapters after my last post starting with the beginning of the trial. In the town a Maycomb, a black man, Tom Robinson, was accused of raping a woman. Atticus is called in to defend him, and the trial is intense. Many witnesses were called in, all of them being white, which I found ironic. In my opinion, the jury was biased, as they took sides because of the color of their skin. As I read on I soon realize that during these times, there were many racial tensions.

Mayella was supposedly the victim of Tom. She testified against him. "'All right. He choked you, he hit you, then he raped you, that right?' 'You're a strong girl, what were you doing all the time, just standing there?' 'I told' ja I hollered'n fought-'... 'All right, why didn't you run?' I-he slung ne down. That's what he did, he slung me down'n got on top of me' 'You were screaming all this time?' 'I certainly was.' 'Then why didn't the other children hear you? Where were they? At the dump?' No answer. 'Why didn't your screams make them come running? The dump's closer than the woods isn't it? No answer. (pg.250) It's obvious that the people who testified didn't have any real evidence. Any accusations that made could not be backed up with evidence. Although their testimonies were countered by Atticus the jury still took the sides with Ewell because he was white.

In the end of the trial, there was no justice served in my opinion and the jury ruled Tom as guilty. He went to jail and later tried to escape, but was short seventeen times. I found this unacceptable, near the end karma was served as Ewell was stabbed by Boo Radley because he was trying to protect Jem and Scout from danger. I felt so much better when some justice was served. Atticus decides to leave Boo's name of it, and call it as if it were an accident.

Part Two

Overall, I thought that this novel was remarkable. What I enjoyed most was how the story was told through the eyes of a little girl who is growing up in a way that others might not approve of. Because the story is told through Scout's point of view, we only get to hear one person's perspective, which I thought was odd. This was especially since when Scout got into the fight with her cousin, she told her Uncle Jack that Atticus listens to both her and Jem's sides of the story when they fight. Atticus most likely does this so that Scout and Jem will know that it isn't fair to assume and accuse.

During the trial, Atticus tells Tom Robinson's point of view in the case. Although Atticus presents evidence that could do nothing but prove Tom innocent, such as Tom being right-handed while the bruise on Mayella's face was on the left side, the jury said that he was guilty. Atticus told Tom's side of the story, which made the case fair, but because of the town's prejudices he was still put into jail. If the jury had grown up the way that Scout and Jem were raised, there might've been a chance that they would have Tom Robinson stay out of jail, even if they were racists.

Four.

This book was exceptional. I thought some parts were pointless and would lead no where to the climax. In the beginning, Scout mostly spoke about her summers with Jem and Dill. They played games and became curious about Boo Radley. Fortunately, the novel became more interesting as the trial for Tom Robinson came into place. It became clear to me why Scout explained to the readers about the people in Maycomb and why this novel is called "To Kill a Mockingbird". It's quite sad how a group of people could destroy something they didn't like. Something innocent. It made me angry when the jury decided Tom was guilty. I thought this was hopeless because more unlucky events occured. For example, as Jem and Scout were walking home from the festival, they were attacked by someone in the dark. Luckily, a "stranger" rescued them and they were sent safely home. At the end of the novel, I realized that this book is filled with hope. Some people had hope for Atticus to win the trial. Jem and Scout did too. I liked this book a lot even though there were many sad parts.

I have to agree with one other's post about Atticus. He does have a different style of parenting. He treats his children the same and doesn't hide anything from them. He lets them know what's going on in the world and teaches them to be careful and to see the truth.

Atticus Finch has a different style of parenting than most. He allows his children to give their side of the story. He doesn't take one person's side without hearing what the other has to say. This is probably due to the fact that he is a lawyer. He understands how you have to reason with people and know the whole situation.

There is a part in the book where Scout is caught punching her cousin Francis. Because Scout has a history of violence, Uncle Jack assumed is was all Scout's fault. At first, he didn't take the time to see what provoked Scout to hit Francis.

Scout confronted her Uncle Jack by saying, "You ain't fair, you ain't fair....You're real nice, Uncle Jack, an' I reckon I love you even after what you did, but you don't understand children much."

Uncle Jack then said, " And why do I not understand children, Miss Jean Louise? Such conduct as yours required little understanding. It was obstreperous, disorderly, and abusive-"

Scout interrupted her Uncle Jack and said, "You gonna give me a chance to tell you? I don't mean to sass you, I'm just tryin' to tell you... Well, in the first place you never stopped to gimme a chance to tell you my side of it- you just lit right into me. When Jem an' I fuss Atticus doesn't ever just listen to Jem's side of it, he hears mine too, an' in the second place you told me never to use words like that except in extreme provocation, and Francis provocated me enough to knock his block off-"

Most people, in this book and in reality don't actually take the time to hear multiple sides of the story to further understand the situation. Atticus is a role model. Because Atticus treats his children as his equal, they respect him more than most children respect their parents.

To Kill A Mockingbird

Now that I have completed reading the book, I realize things that I had not realized before. In the beginning of the story, I was not sure where it was headed, it could have gone any direction. The author seems to use her life experiences, and put them into this book. According to her date of birth, she was the same age as Scout at that period of time. It looks like she uses personal life lessons in her book. I also see the way she mentions how Atticus lets the jury know the basic information of the witness, so the jury can make a better educated choice. In this, she seems to explain to me why the beginning had me so lost. She was giving us the background of the life of Scout. This would help make things more clear eventually. This book has shown me a different childhood than my own, and a community that is tightly knit. Boo Radley turns out to ironically be the person to save Scout and Jem's lives rather than the person ending them. Atticus is a very important figure in the lives of Scout and Jem. Jem looks towards his father and tries his best to be like him, while Scout takes all the advice from Atticus to help her become a better person. Atticus is a person that has an interesting look on life, and he puts many things into a different perspective than I would have ever thought about. If I were able to talk to any of the characters in the book it would probably be Atticus, he seemed to be the most knowledgeable and he had a great way of knowing what to do in bad situations. I am very sad tat the book has ended and I will never get to see what Scout does in her future, but I am sure I will never forget this book.

To Kill A Mocking Bird

this story is very sad for me so far very sad
"A lovelier lady than our mother never lived,she sad,and it was heartbreaking the way Atticus Finch let her children run wild. I did not remember our mother, but Jem did-- he would tell me about her sometimes----- and he went livid when Mrs. Dubose shot us this message"pg 100
this little small part of the first part of the book really had me thinking if their mother was so good why then are they so well not as well as they'd wish t be? However i must say this part here did make me think a little about how important they considered their mother even though Jem is the only one who remembers her so well.

"Atticus picked up the mobile press and sat down in the rocking chair Jem had vacated. For the life of m, I did not understand how he could sit there in cold blood and read a newspaper when his son stood an excellent chance of being murder with a Confederate Army relic. Of course Jem antagonized me sometimes until I could kill him, but when it came down to it he was all I had. Atticus did not seem to realize this, or if he did he didn't care."pg 104
this other small part made me consider that they really have each other and really no one else but that was natural from all that's happen to them and what will happen. This also gives me great sadness to feel for them.

"Jem planted his big toe delicately in the center of the rose and pressed it in. Finally he said,"Atticus, its all right on the sidewalk but inside it's---- it's all dark and creepy. There's shadows and things on the ceiling..." Attcus smiled grimly."That should appeal to your imagination. Just pretend you're inside the Radley house."pg 105
this specially made me think how Atticus really doesn't car e but then when i read further on i realized that the poor Mrs. Dubose had died b/c she was an addict to her medicine and really that made me cry inside but the detail that was told was so precise that you felt you were there the whole time and that's what made me think this story is really something to think about since it tells what can happen in our own lives but may or not?

To Kill A Mockingbird. Second.

So I was finally able to finish the book a couple of days ago, and to be honest, I had to force myself to read the second half. But at the very end, I was satisfied that Boo Radley finally made an appearance. During the court trial I was frustrated at how the men treated Tom, just because he was black. Although I knew Atticus would lose, it still seemed like there was hope. And in the events that followed were very interesting, how Mr. Ewell threatened Atticus and went to the judge's house even though he had won in the trial. I was really surprised when I found out that Tom had gotten shot trying to escape.
At the end, after the pageant, I was excited because I was almost done with the book, but trying not to rush because it was getting intense. How Scout and Jem were alone in the dark, and Jem kept hearing a noise but still trying not to act afraid. I was already sure that it was Mr. Ewell out to get his revenge, but I had no idea who was carrying Jem away. When they got to the house, the author kept that man a mystery for the longest time, and when she finally revealed him as Boo, I was almost as happy as Scout. Overall, this book was pretty okay. I love all the details the author put in, it made me feel like I was actually there, and I felt like I knew the characters. Very enjoyable(:

Things to Consider When Responding

As I go through the posts I am noticing a trend in re-telling me the story. Use incidents to illustrate your thoughts and ideas. At the same time, be specific. I'm not looking for a lot of flowering language that doesn't really tell me anything. Though it may sound good, get to the point you want to make and move on. I have read the story - several times - I need to know that you have read it and understand the text.

Secondly, let's talk about prejudice. Racism is only one form of prejudice, what are the others? There is the prejudice of poverty, age, race are all examples that take place in this book. One thing that all of these examples have in common is how Atticus responds to prejudice in it's different forms. For example, how do you respond to another person whose lifestyle or view of the world is different from your own? Do you condemn them, put them down or claim that person is of less value than yourself? What is the source of prejudice? Quite simply, ignorance and fear. What are people in this story afraid of, change, status, things they don't understand? Who are characters in this story who are not understood?

Take these questions into consideration as you make your final posts. Go beyond the obvious and give me some insight in to the story that shows what a character is like and why. Remember, Atticus tells Scout, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." Climb in to the character's skin, tell me why they are thinking the way they do or act the way they do and then support it with evidence from the story.

Keep the posts coming, school is only a few weeks away. I will be checking in to see how posts are going. Also, many of you did not put your name as your user name. If you want credit, either change your user name to your name or add your name so I can give you the points you earned when I begin grading.

Continuing on the topic

I am going to continue on the topic of racism, as seems to be the trend in the more recent posts. Early on in the book there are some subtle hints at the racism that is to come that foreshadows the events of the rest of the book. During the portion where Jem and Scout are describing how far they are able to go in either direction. They said they are able to go two houses to the north, but three to the south. While this might simply be a coincidence we can construe that this might be a jab at the war between the North and the South over slavery.

Again after "Boo" Radely is to be taken in after his mother runs through the streets. instead of being sent to jail as he should have been he was locked in the courthouse's basement. The only explanation that is given for this is that the sheriff does not want to lock him up with the colored people in the jail.

These are two early examples of racism in the story. From these I was able to infere that racism was going to play a big part later on.

Third.

I agree with another post, that this book is about racism. In the story, a lot of the white folks in town wonder why Atticus is actually defending a colored man named Tom Robinson. It is seen in the book multiple times that they dislike the idea. Some start abusing Atticus like trying to hurt him in his office. Luckily, Scout saved him by jumping into their argument. Another example was when Actticus' kids (Scout and Jem) were being called 'Nigger lovers'. It is also seen in chapter 16 when Scout waits at a place where her brother can find her. As she waits, Scout happens to over hear a conversation about her Dad and the 'negro' he's defending. They talk about how the don't like the fact that Atticus is aiming to defend his client. With this, Scout is confused. She knows her father was appointed by the court to defend this person, so why don't they like it? Many unfortunate events occur in this novel. Many problems (mostly pertaining to what color skin a person is) happen.

second post

In "To Kill a Mockingbird" it seems evident that racism is taking a bigger role in the plot of the story. Racism goes into almost every aspect of the book into a certaint point. The concept of judging a person by the color of one's skin has popped up in the book multipule times. For example, when there at school Jem and Scout are called Nigger lovers or how the jury wrongly deemed Tom Robinson guilty when it was clear that he was not to blame for the so called "rape" of Mayella. It's more then obvious that Harper has made it a point to show just how exactly strong the presence racism was down in the south . She makes it impossible for the reader to be oblivious to how wrong these people our to other people who simply have darker skin.Another thing i found interesting was the charecter Dolphus Raymond who purposely makes himself look bad in order to keep the other people in town from bothering him. To go so far in order to get some peace seems rediculous. It just shows that people are incredibly harsh towards others when there diffrent. The fact that Dolphus goes as far as to lie about himself to get a shred of piece is proof that Dolphus not only knows this ,but decides its to much of a hassle to tell other diffrent from what they think about him.

To Kill a Mockingbird (= Paaart 2 !

So, I really haven't had the time to actually read, maybe a little every week or every now and then. But the good side of it is that, when I do get a chance to read, my reaction towards the text is that it brings me to another world. Somewhere where I wanted to be as a child but I never had the imagination to go. Hopefully most of you guys wish you can go back in time and enjoy your childhood!

The reason why I really do enjoy this novel is because a lot what is being said through the text makes me think about my own personal life. The father Atticus has something that I like and it reminds me of myself nowadays. What I'm trying to say is that he doesn't care for what others think about him but does what he knows he needs to do in order to continue his life. I learned that recently, not caring about what others say about me or even judge me by the car I drive to the clothes I wear, i still continue to press forward and enjoy life.

Also, he is quite a person who follows his own personal beliefs. As a citizen of Maycomb, you can see that most of the citizens hate African American people. Him on the other hand, he does not discriminate against them, nor does he judge them by their color. It makes me happy to know that there are still people like him in our world, who don't judge people by the color of their skin and get to know the person and creating a bond.

After noticing how dependent Atticus was, he became a leader to me because of the way he defended Tom Robinson because everyone else was accusing him of so many things. As far as I can see, Tom should be thankful Atticus has his back while no one else did, and judged him and found him guilty. This is as far as I have gotten in the story, hopefully I find out what happens to Tom with the massive reading I will start doing since my schedule is just about to clear up.

-Bryan

Overall

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is one of the most amazing books I have read. It has imagery in every single detail Scout encounters. After reading this book, it feels like I have been on vacation in Maycomb County. I felt like I visited Scout, Jem and Dill in their neighborhood. It felt like I was there when they played tricks on Boo Radely. It felt like I was in that court room when Mayella was on stand. Harper Lee has fantastic talent to illustrate all of that into one book.

Myself as a reader had an outer body experience of Scout's and Jem's life. I watched them grow up and become more mature. Scout was very intelligent in a young age and Jem seemed to be stubborn to that. He always thought she could not understand any of his conversations with adults. Though, she did. At Tom Robinson's case, Scout connected Mayella to Boo Radely. She connected them about how lonely they are. Mayella was an incredible liar. I could not stand one bit of her hearing. I felt like she was crying in court and making a scene because she knew her father would beat her once they got to their dump of a home. I was shocked when Tom Robinson was on stand and told his side of the story. I would have never guessed it would be the other way around! Mayella almost raped Tom! If Mayella told the truth she could have got help and folks of Maycomb could have asked her to stay with them to get away from crazy, old Mr. Ewell.

Racism can block someone's mind and label them as a "Negroe" or a "nigger-lover". Connecting this novel back to our community would be like Oscar Grant's case. In Oakland, an African American man was shot on the BART by a white police officer. The police officer had mistaken his taser for a gun and killed Oscar Grant. The police officer was only sentenced for involuntary manslaughter. Many citizens call this racism since the jury of people was all white. We still have trials just like Tom verses the Ewells, today. Racism is not over. Like Miss Maudie told Jem after the verdict was read that Tom was guilty, "we're making a step-it's just a baby step, but it's a step" (289). I predict that after that trial, African Americans in Maycomb would be freer than they were before.

Mockingbirds are people that are harmless. If you kill one, it's a sin. But if you leave it alone, it will sing. Arthur "Boo" Radely was left alone and showed his true color as the hero in the end. I knew he would! I believe Boo killed Mr. Ewell because he would harm Atticus and his family again if he did not die. He clearly told Atticus, "he'd get him if it took the rest of his life" (290). Boo just gladly ended that suspense for them. Mr. Ewell is a sick man. He is ashamed that he uses Mayella and that Atticus told everyone in Maycomb. Why would he want to hurt the children? Even if he was drunk, you just cannot hurt children. But I am glad Boo saved them, like I predicted.

2nd

This book is an enjoyable book to read i havent finished it but cant wait to see what happens at the end. Scout, Jem and Dill are so adventurous going to the Radley's house trying to find out what the Radley's do and look like.

There father Atticus is very understanding person he is one of my favorite characters in the book. He talks to his children in a clear understanding manor telling them whats wrong and right. Even when Jem and scout do something wrong Atticus doesn't get as mad as some parents do instead he tries to make them understand what they did wrong. For example on page 65 Jem and Scout wanted to give the Radley's a note through a small opening in a window when there father catches them and explains to them that it is wrong to do that and that it is a persons choice if they want to stay inside or outside. Atticus is one of the only people in the city of maycomb who is not racist and sees good in all people. Jem and scout were embarassed of there father during the begining of the book but later they realize there father is idolized.

In chapers 9 and 10 Jem and Scout encounter Arthur Radley without even noticing it. Arthur Radley doesn't seem like a harmful or scary person for example when Jem sneaks into Arthur's backyard his pants get stuck in some wires so he left his pants there than later on he goes back to get them when he notices his pants were laying there folded and the holes were patched up. Another example is when scout was out her house standing there when Arthur comes up to her and puts a blanket around her and she doesnt even notice it. From these interactions i dont think Arthur Radley or his family are unusual. They probably dont come out because they dont want to get into the rumors.

Hopefully as the story goes we will know more about the Radley's and they might come out of there house and tell us more about themselves. Maybe the Maycomb community could understand what Atticus sees in Tom Robinson and to ignore the skin color of a person.

To Kill a Mockingbird : 2nd Entry

As I continued reading, the book seems to amaze me even more and more each time I pick it up. Its honestly a novel that could get me locked on throughout the night. The language and the way it is presented keeps me interested because its easy to understand.

From reading the beginning of the second part I began to respect Atticus even more and more because he is so different from the rest of the community in Maycomb. He does not carry the discrimination on blacks, but continuously fights for them and there rights. Atticus is a very strong and intelligent character in this book who doesn't care about what other people think, but focuses on what he needs to get done. For example the trial of Tom Robinson. The author describes the trial very clear, that I can visually see it in my mind such as the thoughts and feelings of each witness, Mr. Heck Tate, Robert Ewell, and Mayella Violet Ewell. Atticus seems very well prepared for the trial and carries no worries when asking questions to each witness. I noticed he repeats and didn't really focus on asking questions that deal with what happened between Tom Robinson and Mayella Ewell, but used questions that had no relation to determining a verdict. Such questions would be, "Didn't call a doctor." (224) "He answered the questions three times, Atticus." This is how I know that he was repetitive and everyone was very curious why his questions were so irrelevant and continually repeated throughout the trial. I couldn't really understand how his plan would lead to the verdict.

Suspense is killing me because I want to know if Tom Robinson is guilty or not.

"Our father didn't do anything. He worked in an office, not in a drugstore. Atticus did not drive a dump-truck for the county, he was not a sheriff, he did not farm, work in a garage, or do anything that could possibly arouse the admiration of anyone...He dd not do things our classmates' fathers did: he never went hunting, he did not play poker or fish or drink or smoke." (118) In the beginning of the novel, Atticus was described as very ancient. He was not like the rest of the men in Maycomb, because he was always so serious and had hard work ethics since he worked in his office most of the times and kept to himself. He was not like any other individual out there, but became his own person. Atticus was always said to be "...sitting in the livingroom and reading." (118)This is recognized throughout the trial of Tom Robinson. His cleverness and knowledge played a big role in the trial. His ethics when it comes to questioning witnesses is way different, unlike Mr. Gilmer.

Overall I strongly believe that Atticus can win this trial for Tom Robinson. He seems to know what he is doing and isn't breaking a sweat while doing it. I can't wait to see the results on the verdict. Will people's views change after Tom Robinson wins the trial? Will the Maycomb community grow more angry and start a riot? What will change?

Through The Eyes Of A Child

I finished the book and I understand why To Kill A Mockingbird is a classic. It is interesting and discusses heavy topics, such as racism, seen through the eyes of a child who doesn't quite understand everything that's going on. Despite the troubles Scout goes through because of Atticus defending Tom Robinson, she still can't comprehend why people would convict an obviously innocent man.

As she watched the trial, Scout had no doubt that Mr. Robinson was innocent and not just because Atticus was defending him. Scout had remained neutral in whether Mr. Robinson was guilty or not until her father showed exactly why he couldn't possibly have done it: Tom Robinson's left arm was crippled and the person who had hit Mayella was left-handed. But even though all of the evidence against Mr. Robinson was circumstantial, he was still found guilty.

Even after the trial was over, the case in some ways still confused Scout. Her teacher, Miss Gates, was telling her class about how Adolf Hitler was a bad man for persecuting Jews even though they "contribute to every society they live in". Miss Gates explains that prejudice is a bad thing and that "over here we don't believe in persecuting anybody" but she's being hypocritical. At the Robinson trial, Scout had overheard her telling Miss Crawford, "It's time somebody taught 'em a lesson, they were gettin' way above themselves, an' the next thing they think they can do is marry us." Scout can't understand how Miss Gates can hate Hitler for being prejudiced and discriminatory yet act the same way when it comes to blacks.

While the Robinson trial changed many people, Scout was left mostly just feeling confused. Those events plus others made her decide "that people were just peculiar", an observation that is more perceptive than Scout might have thought.

2nd

Atticus character can be best summed up as a man whose character is nearly the complete opposite of the general population in the town of Maycomb. He is a man without discrimination and racial-hatred. Furthermore, he is a good-hearted man with strong morals.

Atticus treat his chidren ( Jem and Scout) as intelligent young adults. He speaks to his children in a straightforward way, and anwers questions directly. He is a very fair man, such as he tries to hear both sides of an argument. Furthermore, he brings up his children the way he sees right.

Chapter 3

"if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view --" (pg. 39)

This passage demonstrates that Atticus is giving Scout a moral advice. Atticus teaches Scout important things about life. He is telling Scout on being able to put herself in the other person's place and uderstand why they act the way they do even if you don't agree with it.

Atticus always tries to do what he sees is right. For example, he does not want to take Tom Robinson's case, but he sees it as a duty. Atticus believes that he still should try to save Tom Robinson even though seeing the case as a lost.

I actually admire/love Atticus, because he do things that is right. I think that he really is a good father to Jem and Scout.

Two.

In my opinion, think it's good that Calpurnia brought Scout and Jem to her church. They were able to see life at a different point of view, at a different perspective. Despite the poverty going on, there's a little light. Even though the church is not painted and they can't afford enough hymnal for everyone, it brought the people close together and in a way, they became stronger. They had some hope. There's a lot of themes in this book and I think hope is one of them.

Scout is also starting to see the other side of things. She's starting to see the truth behind what's happening. She sees the lives of two different people and how they act. For example, Calpurnia acts and talks differently with people at church and the family she serves. Aunt Alexandra acts different from how Calpurnia acts. She has a sophisticated air to her.

As I read on more to the book I start to see, i think what is the main theme. There are a lot of themes in this book.

"To Kill A Mockingbird" was a story i absolutely loved. I had finish it a few days ago and i really enjoyed the story.

When i finished i thought about the important message that this book brings to the audience. Racism is never acceptable and it should be avoided. The book really spoke to me about the importance of justice. Racism was common in the south during that time and i questioned myself, how could someone think different about someone based on their color? How could an innocent black man be accused and be found guilty on a crime he never done in the first place? I was astonished that little children in the story such as Scout and Jem had to live around this topic. Their father would be criticized that he was a "nigger lover". I felt bad that Scout and Jem had to live in this type of environment because it's not suitable or appropriate for children. I felt that Atticus knew what his children were being raised around and he quoted "There's a lot of ugly things in this world, son. I wish i could keep 'em all away from you. That's never positive".

Atticus was my favorite character in the story because he was very unique and different. Atticus was very patient. "You never really know a person until you consider things from his point of view-until you climb into his skin and walk around it", Atticus quoted this and showed that he was an understanding person who knew how to treat people with respect. He would not criticize anyone for their behavior or look. I remember reading a part in the book when Mrs. Dubose was very harsh with Scout and her father was very respectful of her and understanding her situation that she was very old and ill. Atticus was a caring character. When he began to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus defended him because he knew that Tom had never commited that crime.He was willing to stand up for what he believe in which was equality.

I wasn't surprised that Tom Robinson was found guilty around the end of the story. It was predictable because it was being foreshadowed when mobs would try to kill Tom as well when Atticus was being criticized. Throughout the story, it got me thinking what will Scout and Jem learn about this? Till then in the end when Scout finally meets boo Radley, she figures it out. She learned that Tom Robinson was the Mockingbird. I believe it was a GREAT symbol. At first i did not understand why the book would be called "To Kill A Mockingbird" or why it was relevant to the story. When i finished it however, i was not disappointed because it made me love the story even more. I believe it's a story about respect, family, racism, injustice and love. It is a outstanding book that i would consider reading again and it has taught me more than any book i have ever read. Harper Lee did a great job creating a book that is one of a kind, and should be shared with people all over the world.

The case of Robinson v. the Ewells

The trial was absolutely mind-opening, and the history and tightness of the Maycomb community played more of a role than I thought. (:

Beginning in chapter 17, the attorneys gathered the basics: Mayella Ewell was found on the floor with a black right eye and bruises on her arms and neck, they blamed Tom for rape, and they didn't call a doctor (strange, right?). This being the most unbiased part of the trial, I say that each attorney sufficiently made sure all facts were established (for legal proceedings, lawyers aren't allowed to use information unstated in the trial).

During Bob Ewell's cross-examination, the circumstantial evidence gained turned the trial around; by giving Ewell confidence, Atticus easily revealed that the Ewells lived off of relief checks and that he was left-handed (a blow to the right eye is most likely caused by the left hand).

The sense of community established in Maycomb gave Atticus the upper hand. During his cross-examination, Scout stated that you should "never, on a cross-examination, ask a witness a question you don't already know the answer to" (177). However, Atticus knew what he was doing; Maycomb is so closesly bound together that everyone knows the characteristics and details of a family -- like the way the Ewells lived off of government funding and even the little details like Bob being a lefty -- and Atticus brought his outside knowledge into the trial clearly for his advantage. This allows readers to begin siding with Tom in the case.

From Mayella's cross-examination, Atticus further projected an image of the Ewells into the case: the majority of them were uneducated, they lived a poor living by the dump and by blacks, and Bob had eight kids. He also showed Mayella as extremely lonely when he asked her about friends, and that Bob isn't good to her when he drinks (183). Along with delineating that the family wasn't well-off and had an irresponsible father, making Tom show his crippled left arm countered suspicion of Tom beating her. The long-term proximity between families in Maycomb again aided to Atticus's knowledge of the Ewells and, ultimately, his argument.

What I found was most clever in Tom's examination was that Atticus previously addressed Mayella's loneliness, poverty, and family members to each prove a point: the poorness and children was relevant when Tom said "she [Mayella] didn't have nobody to help her" and when Mayella sent them out for ice cream with saved money, and her loneliness provoked her to kiss Tom. The sense of community -- through social hierarchy and distinction -- also played role in this examination and provided for a believable story on Tom's part: Tom ran away in fear -- not guilt -- because, in the Alabama society, any black person thought to be misbehaving caused more hurt than just a run through hell.

In his closing argument, Atticus sums up these points and more: he addresses racism within Maycomb as a community and the way they judge a man simply because of his race, even when a white woman was also at fault. All of his beliefs lead up to this point: his respect for all people -- disregarding age, gender, or race -- shines through at this point to show the wickedness and bias of the society he lives in. The case ultimately symbolizes the evil, corruption, and prejudice of the normal man in society. With such, Atticus is not just defending Tom: he's defending the symbol of innocence and the idea of equality for all people.

The momentum and belief in Tom that Atticus built up through the trial ultimately causes the emotional bang that a reader receives when he pleads guilty. But overall, it was stunning how smaller details in the story played a huge part in this trial. And on a side note, it really inspiring me to go through with the notion I had of going to law school :D

2nd post

I just finished the book and it has been intense. I did not expect how the ending would end and it got me confused at some parts then it explained further reading the story. This book has a lot of adventure to it which keeps me reading :]

In chapter 20 the white people in the town of Maycomb do not accept Mr. Dolphus Raymond, an elderly and wealthy man, because he married a black woman. Mr. Dolphus pretends to be a drunkard so his voice would tone down. He always carried a bag with something in it . The drink he carries is not alcohol but coke. He offers Dill a drink from his bag. Dill drinks from the bag while Scout warns him not to drink much. Dill tells him it is only coke.
In chapter 25 when jem and dill witness helen the bad news who is now a widow, she collapses before Atticus has the chance to tell Helen the bad news. He tries to be gentle in breaking the news but Helen can't hold in her emotions. Tom's death becomes the town's topic for gossiping.

The part i liked was when the kids get sort of beat up because one of their neighbors tries to hurt them but ends up standing himself. At the end there was a lot of suspense. When Scout and Jem stands on Boo's front porch for a moment looking far down. they realizes that Boo is able to see the large neighborhood from where she is standing. She knows that Boo was able to watch them growing up for all those years. Scout gives Boo a hug and then walk back to her home.

To Kill A Mockingbird: 2nd Entry

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, I realized the conflicts are really insignificant. You have the misadventures of sneaking into the Radley's house and also the misadventures of school. But, when you read further into this novel the plot thickens and the real conflict emerges. I started to realize that Maycomb is not really so simple and innocent town I thought it was. In chapter 15, Tom Robinson, an African American that Atticus has to and wants to defend in an upcoming trial. A gang of Maycomb's citizens visits the local Jail to teach Robinson a lesson. But, thankfully Tom Robinson had good people to defend him. These people were going to hurt him. This problem started because of racism. Racism, is the real conflict of this story. After witnessing in chapter 15 what they were about to do to Tom and the trial Atticus lost in (chapter 21), was unfair. Racism is the realistic conflict in this novel.

Atticus Finch, a humble and righteous man. Humble because of his everyday actions such as the the incident with the dog (pg. 111 chp. 10). During the incident with the craxy dog, Jem and Scout just realize that their dad is the best sharpshooter in Maycomb. Atticus has never boasted how well he can shoot a gun. You can tell because even his own kids never knew about it. Being the best gunner is something everyone would brag about once in a while if you had the skill. But, Atticus would never. Also, another way he examplified his humbleness is when Mrs. Dubose, in chapter 11, spoke to Atticus so rudely, but he always he kept his manners. Atticus is righteous because of the large scale decisions he makes. For example, when Atticus defended Tom Robinson in jail (chapter 15) and also when he had to defend Tom Robinson in court (chapter 20). These were righteous actions because even though mostly everyone in Maycomb was against Robinson because if his ethnicity, Atticus defended him because it wasn't right for people to treat others unfairly because of their skin. And Atticus expressed this unfair treatment, on pg 233, through the words of Thomas Jefferson. Even small things that would anger others Mr. Finch would still hold his righteousness. For example, in the end of chapter 22, Mr Bob Ewell spat in Atticus's face. Atticus didn't violently respond. He kept his composure and simply walked away.

Second Post :)

I'm not quite finished with the book but so far its really good and for some reason, I'm not being able to put it down. The way this book is constructed reminded me of another book, House of Mango Street. In both stories every chapter holds a different story (sort of), and each chapter the author talks about someone different. For example, in chapter 10, Lee talked about Atticus and in chapter 11 Lee talked about Miss Dubose. Similarly, Cisneros writes about a different character in each chapter. :)

In the story so far, my favorite character is Atticus. He is very understanding and has so much to offer. He has seen a lot in his past years but always believed that there was something good in everyone. "Mr. Cunningham's basically a good man... he just has his blind spots just like the rest of us" (179). Through his years, he has learned to appreciate the good qualities in people and to help them come through their bad qualities. He told Jem to continue reading for Miss Dubose after the month was over because he knew that Miss Dubose just wanted a little company to keep her mind off the pain she went through. He is the only man in Maycomb that is not racist towards the colored people. "... some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women. But this is the truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men" (232). He is a good teacher when it comes to Scout and Jem. He teaches them not to hold a grudge against anyone and to always be respectful to the elderly. Although at first, Jem and Scout are embarrassed of him since he is growing old and doesn't get as involved as other kid's parents. I really liked one of quotes when he was talking to Scout: "...before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself" (120).

As I read on, my opinion of Mr. Arthur is beginning to change. He doesn't' seem that harmful as everyone had mentioned. For instance, when Scout was cold (during the fire) Mr. Arthur brought her a blanket and she didn't even notice. I think he probably doesn't come out much because of all the rumors and stories everyone made up of him. Maybe he's too ashamed to come out since everyone thinks of him as the antagonist. Everyone in Maycomb is like a family. Whenever someone new comes along, they all give the new person a warm welcome. Maybe Mr. Arthur feels as if he doesn't belong to that family since everyone is afraid of him. Whatever it may be I think that Mr. Arthur is just socially detached from the rest of the society and hopefully he will come out and talk to others later on in the story.

When the jury made its decision about Tom Robinson I was not expecting them to find him guilty. It was not fair. Grrr. Obviously this was a lie and the jury should've given the person who really deserved to be punished a punishment. I thought it was weird how the children saw the unfairness in the trial rather than the adults. This, perhaps, shows the innocence and heart in a child. For example, Dill came out crying from the courtroom and Jem saw injustice happening. This also, I guess, proved one thing to Jem: the society isn't fair and that life isn't always fair to those that are innocent. He was really upset about the whole decision because he was confident that his father was going to prove Mr. Robinson innocent. Hopefully he doesn't blame his father for what had happened in the courtroom.

Since I have a few chapters left I'm going to keep reading. Happy Reading to everyone else. :)

~Sharena

second part

Well I'm finally done with the book and I could honestly say that the book was okay. The ending was definitely not what I expected. I definitely got lost in some parts of the book though, but I eventually figured out the parts I didn't get because thankfully it explained itself as I kept reading the story. The story did end up what I thought it was gonna be about which was racism, but the idea was displayed throughout the story in a different way I guess. Like how the trial where Mayella's father was clearly the culprit, but because of his skin color, he was guilty to the jury's eyes. I was so mad when I was reading that part because I couldn't believe stuff like this happen so many times back then. Also when Scout and Jem's aunty came in to leave with them. I mean how could you put your family's status first before your family's happiness? I get that she's just trying to teach them about the kid's background but it's no use to teaching kids who already has some sense of what their family's like. Plus, having a woman-figure for Scout so she could have a model to look upto is kinda useless too because you can't teach an old dog new tricks;I mean like she's already used to wearing overalls and if she's comfortable in them, then let her do what she wants especially if she already has a mind of her own. But otherwise it was an okay story. My favorite part was when Jem and Scout were getting harrassed by Mayella's father because that scene was so intense;I had no idea who it was! It was pretty cool to read that it was Boo Radley who helped them at the end. Like when Harper Lee was describing him, I was thinking, "Who is this?? And I wonder why he's so pale." But I was kinda wondering why would he helped them out and then I realized that Boo Radley kinda thought of Jem and Scout as if they were his children. He was always there when the kids were in trouble;he was their unknown savior. I thought it was kinda weird how Atticus kept saying his son was the killer of Mayella's father because he clearly wasn't paying attention to the clues. But the end was a little more weird because I thought there was gonna be something more like I thought the story was gonna keep going. But all stories eventually come to an ending and that ending was just not expected. This story was about Jem, Scout, and Atticus's lives growing up and I've never read something that was so descriptive. I definitely would read something from Harper Lee again ahah.

part deux. intensity.

Im not exactly done with the book but it's been intense. It was hard to get away from the book.

Dill running away really interest me cause of his reason to run away. He left cause his parents didnt want to hang out with him. I thought he like leaving home because he made sure he left home for the summer every year. Then again, there are some kids that dont like to be ignored by their parents. It wasnt too surprising that he wanted to sleep with his little girlfriend Scout. But i when i first read it, i was thinking that that was super awkward because even if im a kid i'd be questioning why would a boy sleep with me.

I thought it was funny how Calphurnia left it to Atticus to explain what rape was to Scout. That is definitely an awkard conversation to have with a kid.

I thought it was lame how Aunt Alexandria had to move in. She's a lame character because she's a killjoy and Scout was perfectly fine with the way she was. I dont see why Alexandria had to be there.

I really thought that the trial was unfair. It really looked like Atticus was going to win because who would really listen to the dirty, hill billy Ewells? Just a couple of rascists that wants to stir up trouble. I didnt understand though why people are surprised that Scout, Jem, and Dill watched the trial. They understood and what was going on wasn't really scary or something children shouldn't be listening too. I didnt believe Tom Robinson died just like that after the trial. For someone that was so polite, it was hard to believe that he would just bolt away when he was in prison. Its just a story to me.

I cant wait to finish the book. I still havent heard anything about Boo Radley though.

say no to racism =]

Hey guys. Man, I’ve been so busy. I have SAT classes every fricken day, with excessive amounts of Homework. This class is even more intensive than Mr. Soeths Eng Class!! Is that possible? Haha. Well anyway, what I am trying to say is that I didn’t get to read as much as I wanted to. I did read though. I’m sorry if I am not up-to-date as everyone else. I’m just apologizing in advance.

Okay, so, lest start with some interesting correleations I observed. Alrite, so remember the fire that happened during chapter 9? I never really noticed the powerful symbol it contained. I also never realized the significance of the scene until now. “ smoke was rolling off our house and Miss Rachel’s house like fog off a riverbank…” (93) If any of you guys noticed, before the fire, the story is mainly focused on Scout and Jems childhood life. The games they played with Dill, the adventures they had, and the imaginations they had about the Radleys. After the fire, however, the narration of the story started to change. Scout begins to have more conflicts. The innocent theme of the story begins to diminish. The drama starts to begin…

So in a way, the fire kind of foreshadows the darkness of the events to come. It acts as some kind of transition.

Right after the fire, the case of Tom Robinson arises. Racism becomes even more of a prominent part throughout the story. Jem and Scout are criticized for being “nigger-lovers,” just because Atticus is helping Tom. For example, Cecil Jacobs states, “ my folks said your daddy was a disgrace an’ that nigger oughta hang from the water tank.” Obviously, racism is evident. Lets go a little further into the book. On about chapter 12, the author takes us into the black community. Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout into the black church. You could guess how Jem and Scout assumed black people were like, after hearing all the prejudice from the white community. However, surprisingly, the lack community is mannered and very sympathetic. People also stated that Tim was a very decent man, accused for a fault that he never committed. Lets think about this for a while. People beieved Bob Ewell, a rude son of a….( sorry for the language) over a very decent man named Tom Robinson. What does this tell us? It tells us how powerful racism can be. Racism stands prominent over personality. It seems as if the people would rather believe a white prisoner than a black doctor.

Furthermore, the black church is very poor. “ to our amazement, Reverent Skyes emptied the can onto the table and raked the coins into his hand. He straightened up and said, ‘this is not enough. We must have ten dollars.’” (162)

I feel bad for the blacks in this community. I feel bad for all the discrimination they have to go through.

Finally, I want to talk about Atticus. He is a very interesting man. He stands out from all the other denizens of Maycomb. Hes the only one who is not actually “racist.” Do you guys have any opinions of why he is like this?

Anyways I have to read further to discuss more themes of the story. Ill be posting more. Thanks guys!!

Random Thoughts

I came across a less popular theme of the book represented in the characterization of Scout. Influence plays a big part in the city of Maycomb, in both the young and the old. In Chapter 9, Scout says, "'Aw, that’s a damn story'" (90), and later tells the readers, "'if Atticus discovered I had picked them up at school ... '" (90), which shows the influence of her peers on her actions and words. Cursing is definitely a negative thing that Scout learned from her schoolmates; her characteristic of easily being influenced will most likely play a notable role later in the plot, where her opinion of the Tom Robinson case could easily be manipulated.


Although, Scout bears a volatile sense of individuality and is a bit scrupulous. Her choice to "hang with the boys" - in that time very rare - and of her not conforming to society's expectations of her being a "lady" makes her a free soul. Their conversation goes, "'You want to grow up to be a lady, don't you?' / I said not particularly" (90), which shows Scout's opinion of being a lady. I strongly predict that Scout's easily being influenced and her strong sense of self will both play a huge role in the trial and rest of the novel.


Lee uses a slight comedic approach to her novel to lighten up the serious subjects that this story introduces. The not too comedic that it loses its significance, not too serious that it makes you want to stab yourself, perfect and unique combination of the two are what won this story the Pulitzer Prize.

To Kill A Mockingbird (second post)

I haven't gotten so far in the book; but with what I have read, this is what I've come up with... So far throughout the book, I've become more open to it. As I read along the lines, I realize that all the children are just like us. Wanting the life and whatever else we seek. For example, adventure. Don't all kids/teenagers/young adults seek adventure in their lives? Well, these kids have gotten to that&have experienced alot throughout their adventure.

In Chapter 18/19, while the trial is still under the whole is just breathing down each others necks to find out what's going to happen. Mayella is being testified next. She is a considered clean; by the Ewells’ standards. She says that she was taken advantage of. Although, Atticus does an extra examination. Mayella states that her life is full unhelpful siblings, a drunken father, and no friends. Atticus starts to question Mayella because, why wouldn't she fight for herself? How could have Tom bruised her left side of her face? Atticus pleads to Mayella that there was no rape. That her father had just beat her. Mayella burts shouting across the room and burts into tears following up without answering anymore questions. The reason she blames Tom Robinson, is because--- he's a witness.... -- As the trial yet continues.. Tom claims that he's always passing by the Ewell house and does house chores for Mayella. One day she asked if he could come inside and fix a door that was having problems. He says that the door was having no problems. He was asked to get a box off of her dresser. Mayella grabbed his leg, and Tom responded by jumping down. Mayella hugged Tom and told her to kiss him. Moments later, Mayella's father appears in the window and calls her a whore, threatening to kill her. Tom has a employer, who rises from the crowd and states that he has never had a problem. The judge gets Tom to admit that he is strong enough to choke a woman and throw her to the floor.

Thats as far as I've gotten into the book. It's starting to become really good. Realting to alot that happens in life. I'm ready for a big thrill, just waiting for it to come. I've just had a busy schedcule so far so I'm just waiting a little for my time to clear up. Thanks for reading!

-Eljae (:

To Kill a Mockingbird (SECOND POST)

Wow! I absolutely love this book! To Kill a Mockingbird is filled with love, drama, family, suspense and saddness! How can you not love a book with all that! So for starters, I was extremely suprised that Atticus could shoot a gun so well. He let his brother teach Jem and Scout to shoot so of course I thought he couldn't!

As I was reading the part on the trial, I was really moved. I really related to Dill and Jem and their emotions. But let's start at the beginning. Atticus is extremely smart and I knew that before the trial, but as he was grilling the witnesses it really struck me! I thought it was unfair that Tom Robinson was on trial, he didn't do anything! But as I am doing my US history homework, I really get why he didn't win. Anyway it was a good move when Atticus called Tom to the stand. When Atticus had Tom talk about why he did work for Mayella, he was showing the jury what a good man Tom was. As the trial ended, I really thought, like Jem, that Tom had a shot. But it goes to show how much racism can affect a person. That brings me back to when Atticus was sitting outside the jail and the mob came to hurt him and Tom. It was because of Scout that they went away. Atticus says later to Scout, "So it took an eight year-old child to bring 'em to their senses, didn't it?" said Atticus. "That proves something- that a gang of wild animals can be stopped, simply because they're still human. Hmph maybe we need a police force of children...you children last night made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute. That was enough." Because Scout talked to Walter and reminded him of his son, Mr. Cunningham saw himself in Atticus's shoes and what would happen if he were to be hurt.

At the end of the book there was a lot of suspense. As Jem and Scout were walking home from the school and Jem said he heard something, at first I thought he was joking around because it was Halloween. But when Scout also heard the footsteps I knew something bad was going to happen. The whole struggle was a bit confusing, but when Scout described the figure holding Jem, and she said his arm was dangling, I really thought he was dead. So before I got all choked up about it, I read on and was so relieved when Atticus said Jem wasn't dead! But imagine my suprise when I read that it was Arthur "Boo" Radley that save the day, well technically night!

When Scout was stepping into Boo Radley's shoes, the whole time she was describing Boo's thoughts it was his children. He thought of them as family, his family! I love how Harper Lee makes Scout innocent of hatred and prejudice. She accepted the man she once feared. She wasn't like the jury that convicted Tom Robinson. Everyone knew that TOm was a good honest man, and they knew, because he was cripple that it would be almost impossible for him to force Mayella. But they let racism get in the way of their vote. Because he was black, he was already condemned. Scout didn't let her past knowledge of Boo Radley condemn him. She was thankful for him and knew what she learned about him was false. She is an innocent child, and I agree with Atticus, I don't get how someone can hurt a child.

Harper Lee wrote and excellent book and I am so happy that I read it. It is probably one of the few books I will read over and over again in my life. Though I admit I wish it would have gone on and on, and told us what Jem's reaction to having Boo save his life or what would happen later on between Scout and Dill. I have to say I love the way the book ended.

Atticus was putting Scout to bed and she was mumbling about the book he read. She says the guy in the book was real nice, and Atticus responds, "Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." Scout always thought Boo Radley was a mean old man, but when she finally saw him, he turned out to be pretty darn nice. :)

One

I haven't had much time to read this book a lot this summer because of all the activities going on, but so far this book is brilliant. I love some characters and dislike others. This book feels very real which is one thing I like most about it. I'm only half-way through the novel and there's already suspense building up between characters. It makes me want to read even more.

I'll admit, that at times I don't understand what is going on and that I get confused on what some characters are talking about. Sometimes I have to read the page over and over again to understand it.

As I read the book, I couldn't help but find similarities between Scout and a find of mine back in elementary school. They're both stubborn children, but very adventurous. In the beginning of the novel, when Scout goes to school, her teacher finds her to be a very intelligent girl and get irritated with her. Just like Scout, my friend was also very intelligent. I felt pity for Scout when her teacher lectured her on her education.

Overall, this book is very enjoyable. I'm excited to read what will happen next.

To Kill A Mocking Bird

This book truly does fascinate me, in many ways more than one in short the description sometimes seems so hard for me to analyze. The many details of the story of Harper Lee is indeed worth your while of analyzing. Though sometimes I wonder why the characters sound sad. The description sometimes confuses me when i read or feel anything of what feels like a sad emotion is being described in the way the characters tell it. The time of when this story is being told is also quite interesting to me. The description of what i read tells that many times at that time certain obstacles are formed and they need to be handled with care along with a good mind since in this book the emotions sometimes get out of control and Jem gets angry with Scout and so on and so forth.

The time and place is also so very sad and the way the characters describe it sounds so sad and almost to where the character feels lonely even with another character beside them. That's what makes me question my opinions and interpretations on this book but i must say "To Kill A Mocking Bird" has really opened up a lot of thinking and a lot of well what i like to call 'a more observatory mind' although i know there are probably more books just like this one maybe even more detailed and more interesting. Though sometimes i wonder if there will ever be yet another kind of chapter book such as this one that can catch my interest. This book is really such a lovely detailed piece of art and work.The literature is quite breath taking and very much enjoyable if u are interested in the many details that books carry with them in there beautiful pages of detail.

An Amiable yet Sad Ending

I am extremely surprised to say that the best book I have ever read so far has been To Kill a Mockingbird. The use of foreshadowing, symbolism, and a bit of irony is greatly portrayed throughout the story.

In the first few chapters of the novel, Dill is the one who started the idea of making Boo Radley come out (1). Since the beginning of the book, Lee foreshadows that Boo would play a significant part in the children's lives. In the end, he saved Scout and Jem from Mr. Ewell killing them. As Quinci Woods predicted, Arthur "Boo" Radley is the guardian angel of Jem and Scout.

Secondly, Uncle Jack shows the children how to shoot with their air-rifles (90) and not Atticus. It is ironic that as you read on, Atticus' nickname was 'Ol' One-Shot' as a child. The reason behind it is that as Atticus grew up, he probably found out that violence is not something you can resort to as a leisure or to vent out problems. He possibly did not want his children to grow up thinking this belief as something that is okay to do. This leads to Atticus not wanting to teach Jem and Scout how to shoot. His civilized disposition provides a sense of foreshadowing in the future.

In my opinion, Atticus' beliefs in being civil and treating everyone as if they were no different than the next person rubs off on Jem and Scout. In the opening of chapter 25, Jem tells Scout to not hurt the roly-poly and to take it outside. Scout does not quite understand why Jem does not want her to "mash it" (238) when he says it is because they do not bother anybody. Symbolism is exemplified in this part of the story as the roly-poly is the black man that is constantly being oppressed by the white man, who, in this case, is Scout as she almost kills the bug.

Atticus' beliefs rubbing off on his children is highlighted when Jem knew it was not right that Tom Robinson was guilty (212) after enough evidence was supplied to prove that Mr. Ewell was the one who beated his own daughter, Mayella Ewell. Still, white supremacy ruled in all of Maycomb county and even though Atticus gave a compelling speech before the jury, the racism during the 1930s gave them reason to put an innocent black man in jail.

As Jem learns what is right and wrong, so does Scout. She finally sees what Boo Radley is like as she stands in front of the window on the Radley porch: "Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough." (279).

I agree with Charlene Asuncion and Jacob when they said that Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are like the mockingbird, respectively. Both characters would never hurt anybody without a reason and both are kind, respectful men. They are the outcasts in Maycomb as they don't follow conformity. Boo Radley helps the children when in need such as giving a blanket to Scout during the fire (71) and when he carried unconscious Jem home to Atticus (263). Tom Robinson's acceptable mannerisms are demonstrated as he is questioned by Atticus during the trial (190-198). This proves that they both "don't do one thing but make music for us" (90).

My favorite quote out of the whole book was when Atticus was talking to Scout after Jem ruined Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes: "...before i can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." (105). Your thoughts reflect your choices and beliefs in life.

As I read the last few pages of this fantastic novel, I found the ending to be depressing rather than pleasant because I thought there would be more to the story after Atticus took Scout to bed. I wanted to know what was going to happen in the morning when Jem and Scout woke up. Would Scout run to see Jem in his bed and then eat later? Would Scout gloat about seeing Boo Radley to Jem, causing them to try to visit Boo in his house? Whatever the circumstances, I am glad that the story ended on a high note. :]

When Gursimran blogged about how the beginning was boring, I could not have agreed more. This intrigued me into reading the beginning again and I made an astonishing found: the beginning connected with the ending. In contrast to what I said in the previous paragraph, I felt assured that I got my answer of what happened next based on the first two paragraphs of the book.

However, I was confused when Atticus was talking to Heck Tate on the porch. Did Atticus really think Jem stabbed Mr. Ewell? I believe that either Mr. Ewell accidently stabbed himself or Arthur killed him, but no one in the story resorted to that thought. Although, probably Atticus was defending Arthur Radley by saying Jem stabbed Mr. Ewell instead, but only Harper Lee knows.

To kill a mocking bird

Between football and camps I finaly found time to read this accursed thing, and they don't call this a timeless classic for nothing. The characters seem more real than most of the people I know in real life. I also like how far into the minor characters they get into. I honestly thought this book would get boring, because I fell asleep half-way through the movie. I'm glad I was wrong.

to kill a moking bird

Im going to be blunt, I've read as far as i could from time to time reading this book and when i read it i get this interpretation of the old west when people would mostly pay attention on the males and less on the females and when i read this book from where i stopped i found out that it revealed some of my true thoughts as well. This book is well written both in theme and in description and that really attracts me to continue reading it and i feel that if i finish this book i will have found some meaning in this litertature of great value. Though not many might share this opinoin of mine i feel that this book is very tall telling it shows the hardships of the many characters in its story and when i hear or feel or see the description in the words i feel as if i too am one of the characters. Feeling what the characters feel seeing what they see, kowing what they know and so on, i feel as if though this story has captured me and has put me inside its pages and when i realize what i feel thats when i think this book is truely worth reading.

Although that sometimes i feel i will never understand the theme nor the meaning of this story i feel that i can interpret the story in my point of view as if it was my short story to tell and hopefully that can also help others who may be in the same situation as i am. This story is truely worth reading and i hope in the future we could perhaps have more of this author's magnificent work to read tell and share to/with others. If this does come to play i will gladly enjoy reading another one of her great tales. To be perfectly honest when i saw the title of this book "To Kill a Mocking Bird" i thought that this book was gong to be apart of how a poor bird was killed and how they were going to tell abput it but as i read more of this book i began to think something is going to happen that relates to the title though i didnt wish to find out so soon for its best to keep your mind more interested in wanting to find out why the title sounds so sad. That was one of my most objectives when i began reading this book and i hope that im not the only one who thought this and if so oh well. This has been a very interesting and descriptive book though i do sometimes wonder why the details sound sad sometimes.

2nd Blog Post (Mockingbird) (YAY!)

After days and days of forgetting and remembering about posting on this blog I finally have the chance to get on the internet. Anyways, I am recollecting the time when I was reading the trail part of the novel and I must put out that I felt a lost, and I meant LOST, in the beginning. Not lost as in getting lost in the "LOST" show but just lost due to the large words that were used especially when Atticus was speaking. I'm not a lawyer nor am I studying law and I don't watch shows that deal with the law so probably if I did any of these things I MIGHT have understood some of it. I understand the summary of the whole trial: an black man accused of raping a white woman.

So like I said before, the court talk was a little confusing but I was able to get the jiff of it all. When Atticus was doing the questioning against Bob Ewell, Mayella Ewell and Heck Tate, I was confused as to why he was asking about the doctor to check the right cheek of Mayella. He kept asking the question over and over again that I was saying to myself, "What does this have to do with anything?" but I decided not to question Atticus since he is awesome like that. When he brought up Tom's problem I understood EVERYTHING that he said up until that point and I felt very unintelligent. I really loved how Jem was really into the trial and I began to think if Jem wanted to be like his father but then thought 'nah!'. Scout was still too little to understand what was going on, according to Jem, and I agreed to that but Jem could have been less mean to her. While reading Atticus's speech I was very bored since I was having trouble understanding the words but because of my lack of knowledge towards the court vocabulary I was engrossed with the literature. Which reminds me that while browsing through the channels I found the movie and was surprised when I saw the court scene. This must be known now: GREGORY PECK IS THE MOST AWESOME ATTICUS FINCH!! I felt so absorbed watching him and what kept me glued to the movie was his voice. I mean his voice is so nice to listen to it's ALMOST like listening to Morgan Freeman but the guy is white. Anyways it was such an awesome movie but I really wished I would have seen it from the beginning. D:

Now I must ask: DID ANYONE ELSE SCREAM AT THE EMPTY ROOM WHEN THEY READ TOM'S VERDICT?? (Or at least scream in their head?) I was so angry at the jury! After hearing all the stories and showing all the obvious evidence all that conquered was the power of racism! CRAZY! I was honestly hoping for him to be free since Atticus is an awesome lawyer and all that but I guess Mrs. Lee needed to be realistic since it was the 50's afterall. But what knocked the wind out of me was the sudden death of Tom in jail. Atticus DID say that they had a chance didn't he? I wondered what was going through Tom's head when he was running towards the fence.
'I'll never make it out.'
'Atticus was wrong.'
'It's because I'm black.' I was just guessing but he did lose hope. If only he held on to that small hope... It was very sad.

I LOVED THE ENDING! Especially finally seeing 'Boo' Radley (Arthur). He striked me as such an adorable character. Through the whole story I pictured a more scary man that was described just how the children described him and how the rumors claimed him to look like but it was a complete contrast that was a joy to read. All he wanted was a friend and it just so happened that the friends he was trying to make wanted to be he friend as well, especially Scout. The relationship between Scout and Arthur felt as if they were friends fom the very beginning; as if they have known each other for such a long time and technically they did. I bet Jem would have been scared till he peed his pants but he is a big boy now. GOOD JOB HARPER LEE! Even though the beginning was a slow read the rest was the best. I only wished the ending was that simple but it still had much meaning.

I wish I was given gifts through a tree.

Surprised

I must say as I finished the whole novel I was quite surprised on how it ended. But, before I get to that one of the best parts of part two of the novel, is the event that takes place in the courthouse when the jury determines whether Tom Robinson was going to be proven guilty or innocent. Even if he were innocent, since he is a black man he had no fight against a white man. What had me hooked was when Atticus was questioning the people that were on the witness stand. He knew that they were lying and they knew themselves they were. As he asked them questions after questions they couldn't even answer, becoming so overwhelmed if one story didn't match the other, it will all go downhill from there. At certain moments they would slip, but couldn't take it back because the damage had already been made. Especially when Mayella Ewell was on the stand. It was quite funny to me how Atticus manners were an insult to her. She was slowly loosing focus, and at certain moments she didn't even know what was coming out of her mouth. There was point in the chapter where I thought she was going to finally admit the truth, but because she was scared of what might happen to her if she were to tell the truth. So once more she told another lie, leaving an innocent young man to suffer for something he had nothing to do with it. I could really imagine being in that same courthouse listening to Atticus as he interrogates them one by one.

When all of this finally came to an end I thought that the last few chapters were going to be peaceful and filled with happy moments. Yet I was wrong. That night that Jem and Scout decide to walk home instead of accepting the offer of getting a ride home, I already sensed something terrible was going occur next. At first I actually thought it was just their friend Cecil again just messing with them. The first person that popped in my head was that it was Bob Ewell, since he had threatened Atticus getting back at him through his kids would probably kill him if anything bad had happened to them. But, karma acted quickly when the sheriff told Atticus that Mr. Ewell was dead. But, if it weren't for one special person so would Jem and Scout. Mr. Arthur "Boo" Radley. I thought that he was completely out of the picture. Out of all the people in their town it was "Boo" who came out to help them. I was so shocked as I read the last sentence of chapter 29, " 'Hey, Boo', I said." (310)

As I read that last sentence, I couldn't help but reading it again once more. For some reason I had thought that I just imagined reading it. It was certainly a surprise to have Mr. Arthur "Boo" Radley come out in the flesh in the novel. He was always there keeping an eye on them, and when they were in a need of help, he was there in quick second to help them. Who would've thought that all the stories about Mr. Arthur "Boo" Radley was more like the opposite.

I have to admit before I read this novel I heard many great feedback's about it, but I never would've thought I'd be one of those people to give it one. Though the novel doesn't capture your attention by its cover doesn't mean its one to overlook. True, the beginning also doesn't grab your attention, but do most books? But, like many great novels you have to keep reading. Its like trying a new sport, if you don't give it a chance and try to learn it, you'd be missing out on a lot.

Finished

So I have just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird and the ending was nothing what like I expected. I thought that Tom Robinson would definitely be set free because of Atticus convincing argument. The fact that Atticus showed that Ewells daughter was beaten by a person who is left handed. He then continued to show everybody present in the court that Mr.Ewell was left handed. In the end, even with all the proof that Mr. Ewell did beat his daughter, they still put Tom Robinson in jail because of the fact he was African American. Due to the trial and Atticus breaking all his credibility with the citizens of Maycomb, Bob Ewell became furious and threatened Atticus. Atticus took it lightly saying that he would get it all out of his system but that was not the case. The last few chapters showed us that Mr.Ewell tryed to kill Jem and Scout, Atticus' kids. Luckily Scout and Jem were saved by Boo Radley.

Troughout the entire book we could see Jem and Scout becoming more mature slowly. Their adventures in the beginning were what anybody would expect from children. As time goes on the age gap between Jem and Scout becomes more defined. Jem sees that and starts telling Scout that she will not understand the stuff Atticus and he talk about until she is mature like he is. Scout, despite her stubbornness, does mature. Some examples of her being mature is when Scout went up to the mob of guys threatening Atticus and starts a conversation with them. This shows them how childish they are being and how mature Scout is becoming. Another example of her becoming more mature is when she talks with Boo Radley.

Maycomb seems like a tight knit community where gossip runs wild and racism runs high. Because of the close community, the fact that Atticus made Bob Ewell look bad in court was an enormous deal to him because everybody would know what happened. Having a close community is not always bad though. When Miss Maudie's house caught on fire all of Maycomb helped to put it out.

A theme that seemed to be apparent throughout the novel were mockingbirds. In the book Atticus and Miss Maudie tell Jem and Scout that it is bad to kill a Mockingbird because all they do is make music for us to enjoy. Jem, later on in the book, says that to hurt boo Radley would be like killing a mockingbird. In the end, Tom Robinson is killed for trying to escape. His death and Boo Radley are compared to killing a mockingbird because they are both innocent and have a disability. For Tom robinson his arm is his disability, for Boo Radley it is his lack of social skills. The community affects this because they were the ones who wrongly accused Tom Robinson, for raping Bob Ewell's daughter, and Boo Radley for creating absurd rumors about him and why he is never outside. In a way the community were the cause of the deaths.

Team Atticus :]

I had just finished reading chapter 21, where the jury had reached a verdict that Tom Robinson is guilty. This does not only infuriate me, but it also makes me question the morality and ethics of the so called “upright and civilized” southerners of the 1950’s. The white southerners, who consider themselves superior and more respectable, contradict themselves in that they abide by the holy Bible which stresses that all are equal in God’s eyes; yet they fail to practice what they preach when it comes to Negroes. In chapter 11, Atticus says, “Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience- Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man” (pg.139). This reveals what kind of man Atticus is; he is honorable and principled. Unlike the rest of Maycomb, Atticus believes that justice extends far beyond race. In the very essence, Atticus encourages the mockingbirds to sing their songs.

It was perfectly clear and evident that Tom Robinson was innocent; but in this case, the color of a man’s skin dictates his consequences. In chapter 21 Judge Taylor says, “This case is as simple as black and white…In the name of God, believe him [Tom Robinson]” (pg. 271-273). Even the judge solely believes that this black man is innocent, but it doesn’t matter; all that matters is that he is black. Tom Robinson sums it up when he says, “Mr. Finch, if you was a nigger like me, you’d be scared too” (pg.261). What makes me even angrier is that this type of discrimination and racism happens today. In our world, many are victims of prejudice and discrimination because of their race and ethnical background. It surprises me how we are not much different from the generations before us and how we have the tendency to judge others because of their skin color.

Tom Robinson is symbolically the mockingbird of the novel. Tom Robinson is a kind, genuine man who does no harm and just like a mockingbird, he is completely innocent. Killing a mockingbird is like sentencing Tom Robinson to die, a sin backed by no reason.

Throughout the novel, I took note of the times both Jem and Scout would be ashamed of their father, Atticus. Although Atticus is not the strongest or the youngest father, he is the most respectable and courageous man. In chapter 11, Atticus says, “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do “(pg. 149). Atticus is the best example of courage; to defend a Negro with no chance of winning and to do it with integrity while surpassing adversity is true courage. TEAM ATTICUS all the way! :D

To Kill A Mockingbrid

When I found out that we had to read a book over the summer I thought it would be a drag and too complex to understand. But then I went to go buy it and told a few of my cousins that i had to read To Kill A Mockinbrid, by Harpeer Lee they said it was a really good book; all though I had my doubts when I started to read the first chapter. It was boring and so hard to keep reading but as the story progressed it got interstening and hard not to want to read on.

As I read the novel I noticed that I could relate to Scout in some ways, such as having an older brother. Even though Jem is only four years older than her and my brother is seven years older than me- but it's all the same. Jem is a character who is very confident in himself, very proud, and protective of his sister. All of which my brother is as well. such as when Jem takes up Dill's dare to go and touch the Radley house, even though Jem is scared he's not about to let his pride down or any dare. My brother on the other hand would do anything but swallow his pride, he doesnt care what anyone says. He thinks he's so smart and going to be a millionaire in the near future- a fact i deny and think will never happen. I think all older brothers can be overprotective and jerks, when it comes to their little sisters. For example, when Scout dares Jem to jump off the roof he accepts but turns to Scout and asks her what would happen to her if something were to happen to him. Also the fact that Jem went up to Scout at school and asked her how her first day was going. When she answered that she hated it, he tried to make her feel better by telling her that it was the same for him to but that school got better as you got older. Just like Jem by brother can be all caring, sweet, and smiles when he wants; which is great because we have a great time when we hang out together (that is most of the time :D). My brother can be so overprotective and noise of the things i do with my life, yes at times it annoys the hell out of me but all the same it tells me that he's always going to be by my side. For the long run i think I can say that all older brothers can be jerks when it comes to hanging with their friends. In the story Jems starts to hang with just Dill and tells Scout that she's acting too much of a chicken and a girl, so she can't play with them. Just like when my brother always did when i was younger 'No, you can't play but why don't you go get us some food?' ugh! Guess he was too embarassed to get beaten up by his little sister in a viedo game in front of his friends. It was such a piss off that all of a sudden just because his friends or our older guy cousins were over I couldn't even chill in his room!.

Scout on the other hand also reminds me of myself at a younger age at some points. Such as when she tells Jem not to go to the Radely house, that if he did she would tell their father. When I was young and my brother was up to something I always confronted him and told him that I would tell mum if he even tried to do it. Of course like Jem my brother would threaten me by say something, so I would tell him to let me in on the task- just like Scout. Also just like Scout I was always out with the boys, tagging along and doing whatever they did or hoping they would let me at some point. :]

I think this book so far is a great read [other than the blah opening], and I can't wait to read on and find out what happens next in Maycomb.

~Sim ;]

To Kill a Mocking Bird (=

Before I started reading this novel, I have to admit, i judged it by its cover. I honestly thought it would be one of those boring books I would read just because I had to.

Like every novel, the start of it didn't really catch my attention. As I continued reading, I realized this wasn't one of those books where I would bore myself, instead it was a novel where I could interact with emotionally and mentally. I reminisced about the days I had when I was younger when I met the characters in the story. Scout, Jem, and Dill each had something about themselves that influenced me from my past to my present and that is probably why I continued reading.

When i started reading chapter three, all I can remember were those stress out times I would have and enter the school yard irritated. But then, there was always someone to straighten me out and make my day just like Jem helping Walter out even though Walter deserved getting beat up by Scout. Near the end of the chapter, Scout was sure that she didn't want to bother with all the writing and reading activities because she wasn't smart enough for that. Reading that part of the novel it made me think back when I was always failing and never saw the thing i did that was wrong. It felt like going to school just to move on in life. Now thinking back upon it and realizing that was a huge mistake and I never want to bother with that feeling again.

First scanning how long chapter four was, I got kind of irritated. Giving it a chance to read the novel again, it started to come back together. I was getting more into the life of Scout and her problems. Scout, Jem, and Dill went back home and started to play a game called " Boo Radley Game" The kids were each assigned a scene to act out that they heard stories about Boo Radley. The only person who didn't want to play was Scout. Even though she kept saying no, she ended up getting peer pressured and in the end she went along with the whole game. The game consisted of many scenes that they heard about Boo Radley and his family. Near the end of the game, Boo would have to kill his father, so the kids stole sewing scissors to pretend to stab the father. They were caught by the dad, and he took the scissors away but they still continued to play the game although Scout didn't want to play anymore. I remember when my friends would peer pressure some other kids we met at the park to pick up dog waste. it was gross and I regret doing that.

I'm still in the process of reading chapter 7 but I will finish the book by the end of Summer. I enjoy the book so far, and I'm glad you've chosen this novel rather then some other boring book that I wouldn't even understand.

---Bryan (: