TKAM Flashcards
To Kill a Mockingbird (TKaM) was first published in 1960. What difference does that date make to the story, and how we should approach it?
By understanding the time period in which the novel is set and the historical context in which it was written, readers can better understand and appreciate the story and the challenges and experiences of the characters. The novel offers a glimpse into a specific time and place in American history, and it sheds light on the social, political, and cultural issues of the era which deals with issues such as racism, prejudice, and social inequality.
At the end of Part I, Chapter 8 (pp. 116-121 in our edition), the “Boo Radley” storyline comes to an end. At the start of I.9 (p. 121), Scout has her first schoolyard fight over Tom Robinson. Why that sequence, that transition?
At the start of Chapter 9, Scout has her first schoolyard fight over Tom Robinson, who is on trial for a crime he did not commit. This transition highlights the contrast between the children’s fantasy world and the harsh reality of the world in which they live. The fantasy world of Boo Radley is a safe and innocent one, where the children’s imagination can run wild. The real world, on the other hand, is a much more complex and dangerous place, where racism and injustice are prevalent. It also shows how the children’s understanding of the world around them evolves and matures as they grow up.
Comment on Atticus’s parenting
Atticus’s parenting style is characterized by his emphasis on honesty, empathy, and personal responsibility. He encourages his children to think for themselves and to challenge their own assumptions and beliefs. He also teaches them the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, regardless of their background or circumstances. He seeks to provide them with a safe and loving environment in which they can learn and grow, and he strives to be a positive influence in their lives.
- Strong moral compass
- Raised kids to be open minded
- Relaxed parent (not overbearing and excessively shielding them from the reality)
- Was against prejudice (eg. Scout used a racial slur while repeating classmate words and Atticus told her that it was not okay)
“This whole novel could be called ‘How Jem’s Arm Got Broken’.” Explain and comment.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” could alternatively be called “How Jem’s Arm Got Broken” because the event of Jem’s arm getting broken is a key turning point in the novel and a catalyst for the major events and themes that follow. Jem’s arm getting broken also symbolizes the loss of innocence and the introduction to violence and injustice into the world of the children. Up until this point in the novel, the children have lived in a relatively sheltered and idyllic world, where their biggest concerns are the adventures they have with their friend Dill and the mysterious Boo Radley. However, the attack on Jem and Scout shatters this innocence and exposes them to the harsh realities of the world around them.
