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To Kill a

Mockingbird

KWL ChartWhat do you know about To Kill a Mockingbird? Find the K on the chart below and write

down everything you know about To Kill a Mockingbird. Next, in the column labeled W,

write down what you want to learn about To Kill a Mockingbird. Do not write in the L

column. A sample is provided for you.

KWhat I KNOW

WWhat I WANT to Know

LWhat I LEARNED

     

Someone in the novel kills a mockingbird.

Why did the author write a story about a dead bird?

Bloom’s: knowledge

Historical Background

Another startling event that occurred during Harper’s youth was the trial of the Scottsboro Boys.

In March 1931, nine African American youths were arrested and charged with raping two white women.

Over the next five years, a series of trials were held.

In spite of evidence of the men’s innocence, eight of the nine men were found guilty and sentenced to death.

Not until 1937 were four of the defendants freed.

Describe a time when you were accused of doing something you did not do.

The Scottsboro Trials share several similarities with the fictional trial in To Kill a Mockingbird. Like the Scottsboro defendants in Lee’s novel a man is charged with raping a white woman.

By the time Harper Lee was old enough to read a newspaper, the famous Scottsboro Trials had been in the news for several years.

Comprehension Check

1. Who is the author of To Kill a Mockingbird? a) Amasa Coleman Lee b) Scottsboro c) Harper Lee

c) Harper Lee

2. During the Great Depression the homeless made homes out of a) tin b) cardboard c) wood a) tin

3. The Scottsboro Boys were accused of a) robbing a bank b) cheating on a test c) raping two white woman c) raping two white woman

Directions: select the best answer to each question

Objective

1. IDENTIFY THE SETTING OF TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Bloom’s: knowledge, comprehension

“Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it... A day was twenty-four hours long, but seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with…” (Lee).

The Setting

The courthouse in the town of Maycomb is wherethe climax of the story takes place.

Here is where the weakness of the judicial system is apparent as well as the people’s inability to overcome their prejudice.

Objectives

1. DETERMINE THE NOVEL’S GENRE

2. IDENTIFY THE THEMES OF THE NOVEL

3. IDENTIFY LITERARY DEVICES

Bloom’s: knowledge, comprehension, analysis

Genre

Yup, Scout is pretty darn funny at times.

Look for these as you read the story.

The novel is considered a drama; a genre, or kind of literature that is a serious narrative work. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the narrator Scout, tells a story that shows conflicts and emotions through the actions and dialogues of the characters.

While the topics and events of the story are serious, the reader can easily identify the narrator’s sense of humor.

What other books or movies have you read that are drama?

Literary Devices

Symbols

Symbols are colors, characters, figures, or objects used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Remember, it is a sin to kill a mockingbird; this line will be easier to understand while reading.

Identify the characters in the story who you believe symbolize the mockingbird.

Plot Elements ClimaxThe jury’s decision as well as the understanding that prejudice and hatred prevail.

Rising ActionThe events that Scout relates regarding Boo Radley, Atticus defending Tom Robinson, and the trial itself.

IntroductionThe narrator, Scout, introduces the characters and Maycomb, the setting.

Falling ActionTom dealing with the verdict, Boo saving the children, and Jem struggling with injustice.

ResolutionThe children discover who Boo really is and the lessons learned force them to grow up faster than anyone wanted.

Objectives

1. IDENTIFY THE CHARACTERS IN THE STORY

Bloom’s: knowledge, comprehension

The Characters

The narrator of the novel, “Scout” as she insists on being called is a tomboy who tries not to act like a girl by wearing overalls and beating up other children who make her mad.  Scout is very smart for her age, and often voices her opinions, freely.

"Jem" is Scout’s older brother, friend and protector.  As the novel unfolds, Jem matures as he is forced to deal with issues of racism and intolerance.  A protective big brother, Jem helps

Scout in school and in life.

The Characters

Tom Robinson is a crippled, black, church going father of four accused of rape. Tom’s only crime is occasionally helping his neighbors with chores and chopping wood.

Aunt Alexandra is Atticus Finch’s sister. She is very strict, with traditional ideas of how society works and the role Southern woman should play.

Objectives

1. IDENTIFY AND PREPARE FOR THE ESSAY PROMPT

2. READ AND INTERPRET THE NOVEL

Bloom’s: knowledge, comprehension, analysis, application

Chapter 1Scout, the narrator, remembers the time when her brother Jem broke his arm. She also looks back over the events that led to the climax of the story.

Scout meets Dill who becomes her best friend. Scout, Dill, and Jem are curious about their mysterious neighbor, “Boo”. Because they are curious, Scout, Jem, and Dill plan an adventure to knock on “Boo” Radley’s door.

Remember Scout is recalling the events of her childhood – a flashback.

What qualities does a best friend have? Do you remember your first best friend?

Remember what curiosity did the cat?

Chapter 20Dolphus Raymond gives Dill Coca-Cola. The people of Maycomb think Mr. Raymond is a drunk. He explains it is easier to let people think that way so they can excuse his behavior. The narrator tells the reader that Mr. Raymond lives with a black woman and has children with her.

Dill and Scout go back to the courtroom. Jem remains confident that Atticus is going to win the trial.

In his closing argument, Atticus asks the jury not to use racial discrimination in their decision against Tom.

Calpurnia comes in to the courtroom with a note for Atticus from his sister, informing him the children are not at home.

What do you think about the way Mr. Raymond deals with the prejudice of Maycomb?

Do you think Atticus is going to win the case?

Do juries today find people innocent or guilty because of their race? How have things changed since the 1930s? How are they the same?

Comprehension Check

1. Which character gets a job with a depression work program? a) Tom Robinson b) Heck Tate c) Bob

Ewell c) Bob Ewell

2. True or False: Bob seems to have something against everyone connected to the Tom Robinson case.

a) True b) False

a) True

3. Which character attacks the Finch children? a) Tom Robinson b) Heck Tate c) Bob Ewell

c) Bob Ewell

Directions: select the best answer to each question

Objectives

1. DEMONSTRATE AND APPLY KNOWLEDGE

Bloom’s: knowledge, comprehension, analysis, application, synthesis

Character’s Chart What actions tell about the characterhot-headed tomboy, curious, fearless, proud

Identifying Characters in To Kill a Mockingbird

Jean Louise “Scout” Finch: narrator of the story, Jem’s younger sister

Jeremy “Jem” Finch:

Atticus Finch:

Calpurnia:

Charles Baker “Dill” Harris:

Arthur “Boo” Radley:

Robert Ewell: