Group+5

=Kristina, Chris, Jesse, Sally, Ally=

At the end of the book, Scout says that telling people Boo Radley committed the murder would have been "sort of like shootin' a mockingbird." What does that mean? Do you agree that Boo is like a mockingbird? May. 11th,2010, 8:27pm Allie.

I think what Scout means is that if they accused Boo Radley it would be getting him in trouble for a crime he didn`t commit. I believe, based on Scout`s statement, that she thinks that Boo Radley did not murder Bob Ewell. I thought it was interesting how the author didn`t specify how Bob Ewell was killed. I agree that Boo is like a mockingbird. At the beginning of the novel Scout, Jem,and Dill bothered Boo, because they believed assumptions people had made about his character. In my opinion, this could be an example of prejudice in the novel, considering that the children pre-judged Boo prior to meeting him. Having read the novel, I believe that the children have a better understanding of prejudice, especially after meeting Boo, and their experiences with Calpurnia and Mr.Dolphus Raymond. The children bothered Boo, although he had done nothing wrong. Previously in the novel, a character mentioned that you shouldn`t kill a mockingbird, because they don`t do anything but make music. What are your thoughts on prejudice in the novel, and do you think that it played a big role in the plot ? Near the end of the novel, the children are behaving more and more like there father, and acting like what is expected of them. Do you think that the children have matured throughout the course of the novel ? Do you see any changes in Scout, Jem, or even Atticus ? May.12th,2010,5:37pm,Sally.

At the end of the novel, Atticus reads Scout a story called The Gray Ghost. As she falls asleep, Atticus begins to tuck her into her bed. She explains that she wasn't asleep, and she said a description of what Atticus had read."An they chased him 'n' never could catch him 'cause they didn't know what he looked like, an' Atticus, when they finally saw him, why he hadn't done any of those things. Atticus, he was real nice". His hands were under my chin, pulling up the cover, tucking it around me. "Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them (Lee 281)." How does this quote relate to the novel? Does this quote remind you of Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, or even Aunt Alexandria? How does this quote relate to the metaphor of "to kill a mockingbird?" Personally, I think this quote describes the message of the whole book. Now that we have finished the book, what was your favourite part? What character did you find the most interesting, or unique? If you could change the ending, what would you change? What theme stood out to you the most, for example prejudice, and justice? Overall, did you like the novel?May.16th ,2010,8:00pm,Sally.

I believe that not judging people on what you hear other then actually getting to know someone and seeing things from their point of view is what this novels moral is. In the book the theme that stood out to me the most would have to be prejudice, i've never read a book that made racism so clear. It really opened my eyes to how people used to treat colored people back then and i realized how much society has grown together since then. In general i really did enjoy this book, i thought it was interesting and always kept me looking for something new to think about. It has to be my favorite book i've had to read in school so far. May.17th, 2010, 7:45am. Allie

When the case started, Jem and Scout didn't understand why Atticus was defending Tom Robinson. The children got into frequent arguments with their father, because the majority of people in Maycomb county believed Tom Robinson was guilty. Later, Scout heard someone talking about Atticus."Lemme tell you somethin' now, Billy, you know the court appointed him (Lee 163)." Why do you think that Atticus didn't tell the children he was appointed to defend Tom Robinson, even though it would have been in his defence? How did Atticus know Tom Robinson was innocent? May.3rd,2010,5:15pm,Sally.

I dont think that he told the children that he was defending Tom Robinson, because maybe they wouldnt fully understand why he was doing it. Atticus knew that Tom was innocent because Toms left arm was injured and there was no way that he could leave bruise on the right side of Mayela's face. May 5th, 2010, Kristina

I don't think Atticus told his children, because even though he was appointed, he believed in the case he was taking. He wanted his children to know that every one should have a fair chance, guilty or not. Atticus knows that Tom Robinson is innocent because Tom is left armed is physically injured so that it is not able to move, and Mayela's bruise is on her right side of her face. This proves that what Mayela has been telling us is false. Even though the court knows Tom is innocent will he be charged as not guilty? Chris, May 5, 2010

I agree with both of your explanations as to why Atticus didn't tell the children he was appointed to defend Tom Robinson. I believe that Atticus believed Tom Robinson was innocent, and that both sides should be considered. I believe part of the reason Atticus didn't tell the children was that they would be too young to understand. The Tom Robinson case is quite mature, dealing with older concepts. Although Jem and Scout think that they understand the case, there is only so much someone of that age can understand. As the children grow older and become exposed to different events, they will furthur understand Atticus's intentions. In chapter 20, near the end of the case, Atticus says a final speech. He directs the speech to everyone in the court room, addressing why he thinks his client is innocent. Atticus explains that he hopes the outcome of the case won't be based on skin colour. "The witnesses for the state, with the exception of the Sheriff of Maycomb County, have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court, in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption- the evil assumption- that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber (Lee 203) ." Do you think that Atticus's speech was effective in showing the audience a different perspective on the case, and on Tom Robinson? Were there any other passages in Atticus's speech that you think could have impacted the audience? May.11th,2010,8:58pm,Sally.

Sally, I believe Atticus's speech was genius, it was put together so the jury would be able to see the racist way of thinking for what it really is, meaningless. Atticus's ability to persuade is a true gift, and is paying off. He is making the audience who is very racist, think about their ways, and question their beliefs. Hopefully the speeches Atticus performes transforms their minds to think of reality instead of skin colour. After all the speeches and all the evidence proving Tom Robinson innocence, why does racism take the life of an innocent man (Tom Robinson)? Even though they know their mindset (racism) is meaningless, why do they still practice it, in the end? Do you think Atticus had any effect on the jury's mindset of Tom Robinson being guilty? Does this court case change the point of views of some white people on black people? May 10, 2010, 11:13PM, Chris

Calpurnia's church is described in Chapter 12. What is unique about First Purchase Church. How did it get its name? What is ironic about how it is used on weekdays?

What I believe is unique about the First Purchase Church, is that it is the only church in Maycomb with a steeple and a bell. The church is called First Purchase because it was payed for from the money earned by freed slaves. During the week, white men gamble in the church, and on sunday's African-Americans worship in the church. It is ironic that men gamble in the church, because it is a place of respect. What do you think of the church Calpurnia attends? In this novel, when Jem and Scout walk into the church, Scout feels welcome."When they saw Jem and me with Calpurnia, the men stepped back and took off their hats; the women crossed their arms at their waists, weekday gestures of respectful attention (Lee 118)." Do you think that Scout was surprised from the reaction she recieved inside of the church? What kind of reaction was Scout expecting, if any? Due to the fact that racism occured in society in the 1930's, would Scout and Jem be expecting a different reaction upon entering the church? What are your thoughts on Calpurnia? I find that as the novel goes on, she becomes more understanding of Scout. Calpurnia was the first to mention that Jem was growing up, and she tries to help Scout understand why. It almost seems as if Calpurnia is becoming more involved in the children's lives. Do you agree or disagree? April.27th,2010,7:40pm, Sally.

I agree with Sally when she says that it's ironic that white men gamble in the church throughout the week, I found that this would be something the people who attened the church on Sunday would find insulting. Also, I find that Calpurnia is seemingly putting more of an effort to be in the childrens life and help them through the tough time the family is going through. I think she understands that Scout is having trouble adjusting to Jems' new behaviour and is trying to let her know that even if Jem isn't always going to let her tag a long with him, she is always welcome to spend time with her in the kitchen. April.28th,2010, 6:29pm, Allie.

I agree with Allie that Scout is having a hard time adjusting to Jem's new maturity. Jem is growing older, and Scout notices changes in his personality. Jem and Scout always used to play, but as Jem grows older, he has little interest in playing with his little sister. Scout is maturing gradually, but not at the rate Jem is. Jem tells Scout that he thinks she should act more like a girl, and she gets upset. "It's time you start bein' a girl and acting right (Lee 115) !" In this novel, Jem and Scout seem to be coming more aware of gender roles, and how they should act in society. As Jem will no longer play with Scout, she talks to Calpurnia in the kitchen, or visits Miss Maudie. "I just can't help if Mister Jem's growin' up. He's gonna want to be off to himself a lot now, doin' whatever boys do, so you just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome. We'll find lots of things to do in here (Lee 115)." Calpurnia is becoming somewhat of a motherly figure to Scout as the novel goes on. She cares deeply about the children, and allows them to learn for themselves like Atticus. It almost seems as if Aunt Alexandria is pushing Scout to become a lady, while Calpurnia is letting Scout grow into a lady on her own. Do you think that Scout is becoming more feminine, or remaining her old self? Do you think that Scout is feeling pressure to change? May.2nd,2010,2:32pm, Sally.

I must agree with Sally on the fact that Calpurnia is becoming a motherly role for Scout. When she and Scout had a discussion in the kitchen about Jem maturing, Calpurnia really stepped in for support for Scout. Scout in the beginning has a really hard time trying to adjust to Jem's new behaviour, but eventually Scout adapts, and starts visiting Miss Maudie, or hanging out with Calpurnia in the kitchen. So I believe Scout is becoming more feminine. Sally I think Scout is feeling pressure of becoming more lady like, by Aunt Alexandria and Jem especially. Do you think Jem and Scout's relationship is going to keep growing apart? Is Calpurnia having an affect on Jem, or is it Atticus? 10:04PM, May 2, 2010 Chris

When Atticus talks to Scout about his new case in defending a black man (Tom Robinson), Scout asks Atticus "Atticus, are you going to win it?" Atticus says "No, honey." Why does Atticus think this? Why does he say it? How much will racism come into to play during the entire court case? How is this going to effect the Finch's relationships with peers and neighbours? Finally why is Atticus taking the case if he expects to lose? Chris 11:59PM, April 19, 2010

I believe Atticus thinks he isn't going to win the case because his client, Tom Robinson, is of a different skin colour. During the time the novel took place, racism commonly occured in society. Atticus thinks he will lose, not because his client committed the crime, but because his client is African-American. I think racism will be a part of this novel during the case, because Tom Robinson is the person Atticus is defending. There will probably be other characters in the novel who disagree with what is happening with the case, or with the outcome of the case. I think the Finch's will only be somewhat affected by the case, considering Atticus's openmindedness, and non-judgemental thoughts of others. Either way, despite what friends and family think, Atticus will do what he believes is right. I think Atticus is continuing with the case because he believes in equality, and the fact that innocence is not based on skin colour.What are your thoughts on Atticus's choice? Do you believe he made the right decision to continue with the case? What does the reader learn about Atticus when he chooses to continue defending Tom Robinson in the case? April.20th,2010,7:30pm-Sally.

Atticus seems to be unlike other's in the sense that he considers their position before he decides what he thinks about them. In the Tom Robinson case, he clearly believes that his client is innocent. It would be unlike Atticus to defend another who he suspected committed the crime. Atticus is extremely honest as a person, but it is also required of him in his job. Whether Atticus wins the case or not, at least he can say he tried, instead of trying to predict what could have happened. I believe that the subject of the case is too mature for Jem and Scout to be watching. What do you think about Jem and Scout watching the case? I find the case deals with many mature themes that the children are being introduced to. Do you think that Atticus shouldn't allow the children to watch the case, or do think that the children are old enough to be exposed to the case? I find Jem and Scout are both very sure of themselves, but watching the case might drastically affect what the children see in the world. Scout generally has a positive outlook on life, but would being surrounded with negativity affect her? I personally think that hearing such negative thoughts about my father would be hard to deal with, but especially for Scout being young. She often appears as if she can cope with anything, or is that just something she would like to portray? Do you think that Scout will continue to grow and evolve as a person throughout the case? April.25th,2010,6:00-Sally.

Sally, I think the Finch's will be hugely affected by the case that Atticus took. Scout will be affected by it at school, as well as Jem, and Atticus at work, with his neighbours, and with his friends. Even though nearly everyone in Maycomb might think what Atticus is doing is wrong, I still believe it is right. Atticus is going against the typical trend and doing what is right. When Atticus accepted the we learned that he doesn't care about other people's thought on him. I think Scout and Jem watching the case is a right decision. Even though it is going to drastically affect the point of view, Sally, it is changing their typical Southern way of thinking, to a more openminded point of view. Finally I believe Scout will grow and evolve through the case and become more mature and openminded. Chris 7:46am/April 26/2010

What are your likes and dislikes of the book so far? Kristina April, 12, 2010. ​ In this novel, I like how there are numerous characters. It makes the story diverse and interesting. I find "To Kill a Mockingbird" is also very unpredictable, which makes me want to continue reading. I think it is cool reading about the time period that the characters are in, and comparing it to our generation. In this novel, I liked how the author went against the typical southern girl, and created Scout's character as a tom-boy. Although as I continue to read, it seems as if her personality is changing. Scout is "engaged" to Dill, and during the summer she spent less and less time with Dill and Jem. Do you think she acts the way she does because she lives with her father and brother? Or do you think she acts the way she does because she doesn't have a strong motherly figure in her life? An aspect I don't like about this novel, is that there is often many different events happening at once. Sometimes I find it hard to follow the story, and have to re-read some of the parts. What do you think of the fast pace of the novel, or do you disagree? Can you follow all of the family connections the story makes, or do you find it hard to follow? April.13th,2010,7:30pm-Sally.

So far in "To Kill a Mockingbird" I have enjoyed the way Harper Lee (the author) wrote the novel through Scout's eyes. This aspect of the novel intrigues me because I am growing up with Scout and going through her problems in life. By this I am questioning other characters lives in the novel and what is ahead for the future, just like Scout. A negative aspect in the novel currently is that there is a lack of conflict. This can make the book feel long and boring in the beginning. I just feel that book has too much description on the smaller more unimportant items. Personally I'd rather the novel to be more concise. Does anyone agree with me that the novel drags out in the beginning on unimportant items? The way Harper Lee wrote the novel through Scout's eyes gives you a chance to see the way Scout changes throughout the course of her life, does anyone else agree? Chris 11:07pm, April 15, 2010

I think this novel does have conflict, but it doesn't seem as if there is conflict because the character's problems are relatively small. I can understand why you think that Chris, that the novel describes the smaller issues in greater detail. I consider that Scout is only six years old, and that is why her problems don't appear big to us, being older. A part of being a child is having fun with your sibling, and learning from your mistakes. Most of the memories I have as a child that I considered "a problem", seemed like a big deal then, but now they seem like nothing. Scout only knows what she has experienced, and as she experiences other things, she'll realize that her problems, really weren't so big. I agree that the novel is following Scout's childhood, and is showing how she continues to grow and develop as a person. This novel is very detailed, but I think what Scout experiences is a part of her, and how she was raised. As I continue to read the novel, I notice many changes in Scout. From her personality, to her outlook on life, to how she treats others. I think if the reader didn't know about all of her experiences, we wouldn't necessarily see the constant changes in her personality. April.18th, 2010, 1:30pm- Sally

Personally Sally I think that Scout acts the way she does to get closer to Jem, since she has such little family. Also Sally I do agree with you that Scout not having a motherly figure has effect on her being a tom boy, but I believe the main reason is for her to get closer to Jem. My logic on choosing this is that Scout is constantly hanging around with Jem, and when Jem says to Scout "I declare to the Lord you're gettin' more like a girl every day" Scout quickly changes her into a more boyish attitude, by pretending not to worry as bad. Sally I also agree that the novel can get really confusing at times, especially with the family connections and family history in the beginning of the novel. Scout's personality, point of view, and her relationship's with others do change as the novel progresses, so I must agree with you Sally. Chris 5:41pm, April 18, 2010