to kill a mocking bird 1-12 Flashcards
setting
- may comb alabama
- the great depression: 1932-1935
initial circumstances
scout retelling the events that led to hens broken arm
initiating incident begins when the children befriend a boy named dill and become fascinated with the radley mystery and decide to make boo come out
rising action
atticus takes time robinsons case and the kids continue with their fascination with boo
protagonist
scout
antagonist
maycombs prejudicial ways
3d and 2d characters
have good and bad qualities, goals and values change
- scout - her growth is shown
- jem
2d characters
also have good and bad qualities
-
1d characters
static, only have one or two striking qualities, usually all good or all bad
-bob ewell
foils
- character that provides contrast to the protagonist
- bob ewell to atticus
- aunt alex to calpurnia
character analysis
- says
- does
- others say
- thinking
- direct discription
- name
satire in formal education
- lee is satirizing formal education
- education truly comes from role models and experiences
- major theme: scouts growth relies on the contrast between scouts official classroom instruction and the education provided by her father
- stressing the importance of discovery, trial and error
prejudice
- unreasonable hostility toward a particular person
- it is a learned behaviour
- passed thru interaction with the world and being exposed to such views
types of prejudice
racial/cultural discrimination discrimination linked to appearance scapegoating judging based on economic religious discrimination ageism sexism
causes of prejudice
influence of society
upbringing
fear
scapegoat
boo radley defying the myth
- superstition around boo
- novels action is driven by the children’s attempt to make him come out
- once they realize he’s not as scary he fades into the background
things we learn about boo
- responsible for leaving the gifts for the children
- fascinated with the children
- concerned about scout and jems wellbeing
- atticus and maudie don’t believe in myths- most likely aren’t true
caste system
- townspeople with background and land (finches)
- hardworking white citizens (heck tate)
- white farmers (cunningham’s)
- white trash: refuse to work
- black community: hardworking but can’t find work
caste system is based on what
transmits prejudice because it’s division segregates individuals based on wealth, ethnicity and status
physical courage
willing oneself to physically overcome fear or danger
- atticus shoots the dog
- jem touches the radley house
- mr avery goes into maudies house
- mrs dubose beats her morphine addiction
moral courage
having the internal courage to do what is right in the face of adversity
- mrs dubose beats morphine addiction: dies free
- atticus defends tom robinson
- scout uses her head instead of fists
- calpurnia stands up for scout and jem at the church
mocking bird motif
- represents those victimized by prejudice (boo radley, tom robinson)
- they aren’t bound to the same rules to which others might blindly adhere
- want to play their own tune but are victimized for it
bird motif
- finch: ability to adapt, evolve and thrive in spite of their surroundings
- mockingbird: innocent and beauty
- crow: arrogant and destructive
tim johnson
- dog is a symbol of racism prevalent both inside and outside the novel
- if prejudice is not eliminated, it can be as dangerous as a rabid dog
- racism, similar to the growth of johnson grass can spread if left unchecked
camellias
- represent racism: jem simply cutting off the heads doesn’t resolve the issue as they can grow back and even thrive
- represent resiliency and courage: mrs dubose dying free
azaleas
-they can grow/ thrive in adverse or difficult conditions
-open their flowers all at once, symbolizing openness and fearlessness like maudie who speaks her mind and upholds what she believes to be true
i
scouts key learnings
- respect people no matter their difference
- not everyone in may comb has equal wealth
- see other people’s perspectives
- compromise
- don’t make fun of differences
- integrity
- violence isn’t the way
- courage comes in all shapes and forms
who is victimized by prejudice
scout: sexism tom robinson: racism mrs dubose: ageism walter: scapegoating boo: his decision to stay inside atticus: helping an innocent man ewells and cunningham’s: economic status
5 characteristics of maycomb
- thriving: slavery, decaying
- religious
- much gossip
- atticus is related by blood to many
- sleepy town
why is scout telling the story
- innocent eye perspective
- inside the characters thoughts
the mob
- men from the old serum who come to lynch tom robinson
- mr cunningham is one of the leaders
- scout disperses the men by placing mr cunningham in atticus’ shoes
difference between an individual and a mob
- man acts according to his values
- a mob acts according to the mob mentality. which is a collective set of values