Group+4

=Kris, Benia, Nathan, Jon, Ben= Scout refers to herself and Jem as Boo's "children". What does this image suggest about how she has matured since the days when she played the Boo Radley game?

I believe that this shows that Scout has matured greatly. At the begging of the novel she referred to Boo as a monster who ate cats, which was very childish. She also played the Boo Radley game were she, Jem and Dill acted out the Radley's life as they saw it. This I believe was an example of prejudice on Scouts behalf. Now however she is comparing Boo to a parent figure which represents loving, caring and respect. Jonathan 05/13/10 8:02 PM

I agree with you Jon. Throughout this novel Scout has called Boo an evil, rodent eating monster. Scout, as well as Dill, and Jem, also play the Radley game. The Radley game is where they act out the Radleys life, or what they think to be the Radleys life but is nothing but gossip and rumors. So yes in this part Scout has greatly matured. Now when Scout refers to herself and Jem as Boo's children, I believe that this shows that she has completely switched her feelings about Boo and realized who he really is. Nathan 05/14/10 7:15am

It seems we both agree that Scout has changed her views about Boo that shows how she has matured. Jonathan 05/16/ 11:25pm

Well just for the sake of adding another sentence/paragraph I would like to elaborate on the relationship between Jem and Scout and Boo. At the beginning of the book the general thought of the Radleys (Boo), was that they were freaks, monsters, and outsiders. To continue on with what Jon was saying, the 'Radley game' was when the three of them would imagine what goes on in the house from rumors and act it out, which is very rude and "childish". But at the end of the novel, we see a whole paradime shift, from a peeping tom/cat eater to Boo's children. Nathan 08/4/1914

This shows her understanding of Boo's efforts to keep them safe. She used to believe that Boo was a scary figure of the neighbourhood, always out to harm people; now she has learned that he hasn't done anything wrong, and she has mentally chosen to be one of his "children". I believe that Jem matured quite some time before Scout did, which is very understandable considering Jem is older than her. But by the end of the book/movie it shows that they have both payed respect to Arthur Radley. Benia 19/5/2010

If this trial was to happen in 2010 do you believe the affect it had on the Finch family would have been the same, and would Tom Robinson even be put in jail? Jonathan. No, I highly doubt that Tom Robinson would be put in jail simply for an assumption that he raped a girl. Especially now that the racial issues in society have somewhat subsided in comparison to those of the days when the Finches were growing up. The court case in Maycomb county back then, was probably a little bit more fueled by the fact that Tom Robinson not only "raped a girl" but he was coloured. Nowadays, race would not be a contributing factor of guilt in crime. If he really did rape a girl, the case would be different but yet, not racist. Benia May/4/2010 5:14 pm

No, i dont think Tom would be put in prision, but jail, yes. Anyone would be now, they would be there only if the evidance was enough for an arrest, but there wasnt enough persented. In 2010 race wouldnt be a factour in this supposed "rape". The finch family wouldnt have been "hazed" by the county and the people. Who really took it that hardest in the family was Jem and Scout for the other kids at school, and even family members. And its quite appernt that he DID NOT rape her. Kris May 4th, 2010. 6:51pm

I agree with both of you. This alleged rape was not founded on evidence, but on racism, and just for someone to blame. If you wanted to blame someone for a rape back in the 1930's, who better to pick than a colored man. I todays society we do not throw people in jail because of their skin color, it is based on evidence (forensic or not). The affect of the on the Finch family would be much different. You would not be ridiculed for standing up for or defending a black person in a court of law. Over all I would say that this alleged rape would be found inconclusive and he would be released. Nathan 05/04/10 9:48pm

Another thing that I wanted to touch on was the logic of this. Tom Robinsons left arm was practically unusable. But on the other hand, Bob Ewell was left handed. So how could a man with basically one arm subdue her, beat her, and rape her. A person could hold her down with one arm and beat her with the other; but not in Toms case. So to answer the question would Tom be sent to jail, and eventually to the chair, if all this circumstancial, and inconclusive evidence...no. Conviction requires (for a rape), DNA evidence, reliable witness(es), logic, and no alibi (for the raper). In all I would say that Tom would be found innocent and set free to insufficient evidence. Nathan 05/05/10 6:47pm

I agree with you guys, in 2010 although racism is still here I don't belive it would be present in a court of law. Also they just did not have enough evidence to suggest that Tom commited the crime, infact they have evidence that he didn't. I belive if this trial was to happen today the Finch Family would not have been harrased and Tom would not even have went to court. Jonathan 09/05/10 10:57pm

There is not much more to add to this, because I believe that everyone has stated the obvious, and then some. I agree with everyone, and I especially agree on the aspect of logic in this all. I mean, logic is not always a substantial source of evidence in most criminal case because there can be psychopaths that think in every way but logically. Although despite the fact that times have changed, there are still sometimes minor elements or prejudice and racism in our society, especially involving crime. Benia may/11/10 5:42 p.m

In the book, Atticus and his children have been attacked by relatives and neighbors. Why are the Finch's being attacked for defending Tom Robinson in a court of law? Nathan I believe the family is being attacked because during this time there was racism. We see that the white people do not associate with the black people they have a different church and the white families have black maids and house workers. Atticus and his children are being harassed because he is defending a black man against a white man, even Atticus believes they can't win. This just shows how strong racism was, even in a court of law racial factors are used for evidence. Jonathan 04/27/10 7:44 pm

This is true, also, I believe its more deep than just the racism. I think its about knowledge and values. Whenever Atticus poses the question: "do you really think so?" it means he knows what he is fighting for, and he can back himself strongly. The symbolism of not killing a mockingbird is directed upon Tom Robinson's case. Atticus genuinely believes that Tom Robinson did not do anything, therefore there is no sense in jailing or harming him. The Finch family gets attacked by relatives and neighbours because they feel that the Finches are a threat to Maycomb county... in the sense that they could very likely be embarrassed by somebody smarter than themselves, and somebody that depicts equal and respectful values. Benia 04/28/2010 9:40 pm

Very good comments to both of you. I agree with both of you in the aspects that race seemed to to affect the jury/judges decision. The time that they are in now, back in the 1930's, racial influence is very heavy. Even in CHURCH'S, you see racial separation; blacks have their church, and whites have theirs. So if you ask me, if racism is in the church, it is in the courts. Atticus and his family are taking this scruteny because Atticus is defending a black man, and in this society, this is just not done. Nathan 04/28/10 10:00pm

It seems we all agreed that racism is a part in this case and is effecting the Finch's. I also agree with Benia the symbolism between the case and To Kill A Mocking Bird. I don't feel it's fair the children are being attack for their fathers actions of defending an innocent man. Jonathan.Kennedy 02/05/10 7:44PM

It's very evident that racism within that society at the time was quite prominent, although it is comforting to me that there WERE people who didn't subside to the racist behaviour on behalf of both races. Calpurnia was not embarrassed to bring them to her church because they were white, she did want them to look tidy but that is not racism ha, ha. Reverend Sykes also accepted them into the First Purchase Church. Then on the other side, the finch family is very equilibrial. Especially Atticus, he understands true acceptance. Not many other people at that time were accustomed to this at that time, and judging by the scenarios in this novel, they didn't like it very much. I wonder if towards the end of the book, Atticus will "save the day" per say. Maybe Maycomb county will unite. Benia 7:57 pm May/02/2010

How do you think Scout is valued by the men in her family and friends, and and how do you think she values herself? Why? Benia 04/20/2010. I think Scout is treated differently as the novel progresses, in the beginning scout is treated by Jem as an equal, we this because Jem and scout always hang out with each other in the tree house and participate in the same activities such as acting out book's. How ever, farther into part one and part two Scout is treated more like a girl. Her Aunt is brought to live with them to teach her how to be "ladylike". Scout is often told to be more like a lady and Jem parts with scout on most activities he does. I believe scout values her self as an equal to Jem and Dill and does not see that she should be treated differently than boys.Jonathan 04/21/2010 Jonathan

Scouts behavior and how she dresses is much different than you would expect from this time and age. During the time they are in girls even as old as Scout were expected to use their manners, wear dresses, and help around the house. Now when you look at Scout you see a totally opposite person. Jem and Dill are gradually starting to let her go, and exclude her in their activities. Atticus even lets their Aunt stay at their house to give Scout a feminine figure. I believe Scout values herself as no different than Jem and Scout and that she should be allowed to do anything that they can do. Nathan 04/22/10 7:00am

To continue on what I have already stated above, Scouts value in society and among Jem and Dill is turning from a 'tomboy' (what scout still sees herself as) to a girl/lady. We still see in the book when Atticus and the Aunt are debating in the livingroom Jem tells Scout to be quite. Scout is taking Jems orders as that he thinks that she is lesser than him (kind of like being male dominant), and trys to settle it be getting in a fight with Jem. Scout does not want to conform with societys rules about women wearing dresses, and staying in the kitchen because she does not believe it is 'fair'. Nathan 04/25/10 8:30am

I see what you are saying. She does slowly show signs of subsiding to what society tells her, but she is still stubborn. Scout it definately not a typical lady with girly manners and everything else the stereotype holds although a girl will never completely be a boy, ha, ha. She does as em tells her, which does show male dominance.. another stereotype during that time, that the man had the power. Though there is a lot of foreshadowing about what she will turn into, it is not very clear. I think we will have to read further to see how Scouts behaviour evolves. Benia 04/25/2010 2:09 pm.

I agree Benia that scout is "stubborn" I belive she will never become what society tells her to be. Scout has grown up her life with male influences, she lives with her brother, Dad and Dill in the summertime. From what we see she never plays with any female children and the only person who tries to chnage her is Ms Duboise and her Aunt, both of which she despises of. Unless scout follows the orders of her Aunt and wants to chnage to a girl she will always be a tomboy in my opinion. Jonathan 04/25/10 4:31pm.

What does Atticus' management of Scout's problems at school suggest about his strengths as a parent? Comment on Atticus's parenting in the novel thus far. ​ Atticus is a very 'laid back' father. I believe this is because he is a lawyer and does not have much time. Atticus does not seem to want to argue with his children. He will make a threat to them and hope it does not carry on. I find this odd because back in the 1930's discipline was strictly enforced. For Example: Scout is not what you would call a 'lady'. Scout likes to wear jeans and do boy stuff. But one thing Atticus does value is his childrens education. At one point Scout wanted to quit school but Atticus convinced her otherwise. He also is teaching Scout how to read, this is another example of Atticus' value of education. Nathan 04/14/10 4:30pm

Atticus's management of Scout's problems at school suggest that he wants an education for his kids. I agree with Nathan that Atticus is a very laid back father however he also is a great reasoner, he can change his kids mind or discipline them without raising his tone or using force. Atticus believes strongly in respecting others, we see this when he is mad that Jem ,Scout and Dill are playing a game about the Radley's life as they see it. I think that Atticus is respected by his kids/Dill because when Jem loses his pants in the Radley's yard he would rather risk getting killed by retrieving them then his father knowing the truth. Jonathan 14/04/10 9:06pm

I can see that. Considering the fact that Mr. Radley said he had another barrel left for anyone coming into his garden/yard. Supprisingly enough, he chose to lie to his dad and go and get it at risk of life and limb. In the book Atticus' parenting is attacked many times, by many types of people. But they are missing the point. Without even raising a hand, Atticus can get to the truth, and keep his family in order. The towns people say he is not strict enough. But when a fathers children would rather take a chance at getting shot than going to their father first, I say his parenting and disiplinary skills are just fine. Nathan 04/18/10 8:40am

I agree, Nathan, we see that his kids love their father and listen to him. His presence can be felt by his children even when he is in town. Atticus is always level headed and his skills as a parent are often questioned but they seem to work. His children never do anything they think their father would disapprove of. Overall I believe Atticus is a great parent even though he is hardly home and his skills should not be questioned. Jonathan 04/18/10 9:36pm

Hm. I find it interesting that you say "His children would never do anything they think their father would disapprove of", not because I think you're wrong, it's simply because they do SO many things that you aren't supposed to let your parent know about.. or should I say: so many things that Maycomb county wouldn't approve of. There's no doubt that Atticus cares about his children immensly, but the way he expresses it is a little bit cold I find. Towards the end of part one, he stands up for scout and shows that he can be very protective. So I think his parenting skills end up balancing out. Benia 04/19/2010 7:17 am.

I agree that Attics children do things that he would “disapprove of” but he doesn’t actually really disapprove of the things they do, at least not in the way that Maycomb County does. Attics will stand up for his kids actions, even when he doesn’t approve of them 100%. He shows Jem and Scout that he is there for them, even if he doesn’t agree, he’ll still be there. Being the single father that he is, he greatly accepts the help from his cook, as he trusts her with Scout and Jem enough for her to parent his kids. Kris April 29th 2010-04-29 8:24pm