To Kill a Mockingbird: Week of 12/15/14

Prompt: Describe a character that you would like to meet (which doesn’t mean that you think you would like the character, but that you think the character would be interesting). List 3 questions that you would ask.

     One character that I would love to meet is Boo Radley. The prompt I chose reminds us that the character we would like to meet, doesn't have to be one we like, but one who we find interesting. Though, I find Boo Radley both likable and interesting. He is kind and heroic in the end, but quite humble and quiet about it. Everyone, though, seems to have the absolute worst ideas and thoughts about who they think he is. This makes the fact that he pretty much hides his identity through every compassionate gesture, so much more admirable. He could change all of the rumors, but he chooses to live with them. This leads to so many questions I would love to ask him! So, if I were to get the opportunity to meet him, here are three questions that I would be dying to ask!

      The first question I would ask Boo would be, Why have you stayed in hiding for all this time, and let rumors be told about you? There are many legends and rumors mentioned about Boo Radley throughout the story. For example, that when he was younger, he was cutting out pieces from the Maycomb Tribune, then out of the blue, drove his scissors into his parents legs. Or that he ate raw squirrels, had bloodstained hands, drooled all the time, and had yellow, rotting teeth. From these descriptions and stories, Boo sounds like a disgusting savage, who may have some mental issues. He seems insane; like a person who nobody would ever want to come encounter with. Though we later find out that he left gifts for Jem and Scout, and in the end, saved their lives! This whole time, the children were convinced that he was a horrible person, but he was really a kind man who was looking out for them all along! So, if this was all true, why wouldn't he want to come out and make that clear to the public? I would get sick of people thinking I was this menacing person, when really, I had a gracious heart. So, I would be extremely intrigued to know why Boo never came out to prove all of the rumors and legends wrong, and show that he was a thoughtful and courteous man.

     The second question I would ask Boo would be, Why did you choose Jem and Scout to look out for and show kind gestures towards, rather than the other children in Maycomb? Like I previously mentioned, Boo left the children gifts like a pocket watch, an aluminum knife, some carved soap, a spelling medal, and bubble gum, in the hollow of a tree. He also saved their lives when Bob Ewell came after them, we can assume, looking to kill them. He was kind of like the children's own little blessing, but it doesn't exactly make sense that he would do things like leave gifts and look to protect just Jem and Scout. Did he leave gifts for any other children? Was he secretly looking out for other people in Maycomb County? If not, again, why specifically Jem and Scout? Was it because they were only growing up with one parent? Was it because their father defended African Americans, and he wanted to make sure the fact that he did this didn't hurt the children in any way? Also, had he always been looking out for the children, in the time even before Scout was telling the story from? Did they just not realize it? Boo Radley really was like a protector for the children, but I'm very curious to know why.

     The third and final question I would ask Boo would be, Do you always come out at night, or was it just a coincidence that you were out when the children began to get attacked by Bob Ewell? Now, clearly this question wouldn't make sense if you didn't read the story (same with the rest of the questions) so, let's recap. On the night of the Halloween pageant, Jem and Scout were walking home in the pitch dark, with the slightest indication of where they were. It was about two months since the trial, and Bob Ewell still felt a need for vengeance against Atticus Finch for tarnishing his image in court (we can assume this is the reason for the actions he took). So, he came after Scout and Jem (Atticus's children) but Boo Radley was there to protect the children (even though they still got somewhat injured) and brought them back to their home. Now, it's pretty amazing that Boo was in the right place at the right time. So, I would definitely ask him if it was just a coincidence, or if he is always out at night, looking out for the children or not. We know his actions were heroic, but if it had only been a coincidence that he was there, imagine what actually could've happened! So, I would definitely ask Boo if he always comes out at night, or if it was just a coincidence that he was out when the children began to get attacked by Bob Ewell. 

     So, if I got to the opportunity to meet Boo Radley, those are the three questions I would ask him!

To Kill a Mockingbird: Redo Week of 10/20

Prompt: What characters have you tended to favor or admire in the Novel? Why?

Like I've said in many previous blogs, there are so many incredible characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, though there are three characters that I absolutely love the most; Calpurnia, Scout, and Tom Robinson.

     To begin, I truly admire Calpurnia. She is an African American woman, and even though most African Americans were discriminated against, she always seems to act proud and confident. Despite the color of her skin, she is a strong woman, who knows how to be polite and courteous at all times. Whether she's at Church, or simply working in the Finch household, she always conducts herself like a proper lady. She is very respected by all of the Finch's and most of the people in the neighborhood, even though she was of color. She is a very hard working lady, as she takes care of the cooking, cleaning, and well being of the Finch's home, and the Finch's themselves. She's always there when someone needs her. She was there when Atticus needed someone to help break the news to Helen Robinson that her husband died. She was there when Jem and Dill were excluding Scout, and she needed someone to talk to and hang out with, so she wasn't so lonely. Though most importantly, she is there to be a mother figure to Jem and Scout. It's very hard for children to live with only one parent, disciplining them, taking care of them, and teaching them. With Calpurnia there to be with the children, she can take care of them and be there for the children when their father can't be there, or in situations where only a woman can really be of assistance. She truly is a wonderful woman, despite her occasional tough love and slightly harsh discipline, and I truly admire her in To Kill a Mockingbird.

     Another character that I admire and have found a love for, is Scout. Scout's very intelligent and aware. Even from a very young age, she could both read and write, something some people in their 30's still were unable to do at this time in History. As time progresses, she is able to understand situations better, and gain stronger insights on events. Her growth is incredible, as I don't think that by the time I was 8 or 9, I was able to put myself in other's shoes and imagine their feelings, something Scout finds herself being able to do around this age. Besides her intelligence and understanding, I also admire how she is subtly but surely able to make the transition from an immature Tomboy, to a Lady. She surely does not make this change overnight, as I don't think anyone could, but you can slowly see the change. She goes from being too outspoken constantly saying the wrong things at the wrong times, to being able to compose herself in a court case, and have tea with her Aunt and neighbors while having appropriate and lady like conversations. She really matures over the course of the book, and that's where we can see her greater understanding of life and people. As at one point, she was completely critical of Boo Radley, believing every rumor she heard about him. Though, towards the end of the novel, we see her able to see things from his point of view, and realizes that the rumors she heard may not be true after all. Scout is an amazing young girl, and is pretty inspirational in her growth in my opinion!

     One last character that I really admire and find myself favoring, is Tom Robinson. Actually, I admire pretty much all African Americans during this time period! People of color were discriminated against, and we can obviously see this during the Trial of Tom Robinson, and how the African Americans are treated and spoken about in the book. Tom Robinson was accused of raping a White Woman, a crime that (once the trial was through) was clear that he didn't commit. Though, he was not found "Not Guilty" the case was appealed to a higher court. It amazes me though, how strong he was, even though he knew the cards were stacked against him. He knew he wasn't going to win the trial, because he was African American, but that didn't stop him from doing his best on the witness stand. He never cracked until the end, when he tried to escape, but he truly did put up the best fight he could. I couldn't imagine knowing that I didn't commit a crime, but being convicted of it anyways, knowing I wouldn't get out of the situation as "Not Guilty". I would be fearing for my life, I wouldn't be able to stay sane, I would be scared, and I wouldn't want to face anyone in court. Even if Tom was feeling any of these things, he really didn't show it! He conducted himself properly, didn't show anyone that he might be nervous or scared, and laid it all out. In the end, it didn't really pay off, as he was killed, but I will always think that he was the bravest, strongest, and frankly one of the most admirable characters in the Novel.

     So, those are some of the characters that I have found my self favoring and admiring in the Novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

To Kill a Mockingbird- Found Poetry

"What we Have Come to Understand About Atticus Finch"
By: Julia Swicionis

Was the bravest man.

Consider things from his point.

Not a man with a gun,

...a nigger lover.

He believed,

...love everybody.

It's not okay to hate anybody.

Atticus was right!

Hold your head high

...for goodness sake!

Use your mind,

...no matter what.

Try fighting with your head,

...fists down.

...believe firmly in integrity,

see what real courage is...

Real courage is...

Atticus Finch.

To Kill A Mockingbird: Character Relationships

     I have gotten to know and love many characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, but I would have to say that two of my favorites are Calpurnia and Miss Maudie. They both share many similarities and differences, but that's what makes their relationships to Scout even better, because she has both of them with their similarities and differences in her life to help her find her way. One of the greatest and most obvious similarities between these two characters are that they both serve as mother figures to Scout. This leads to most of their other similarities and difference because of their different influences and behaviors towards Scout. Because Scout lost her birth mother at such a young age, she grew up mostly under the influence of Calpurnia and Miss Maudie, and they have both taught her so much. They have helped her along as she is growing up and becoming more curious and intelligent everyday. Scout can really approach them about anything on her mind, and they will be there for her. Like when Dill and Jem were excluding Scout from their games, Miss Maudie was there to talk to her and serve as company. In the novel it says, “But I kept aloof from their more fool-hardy schemes for a while, and on pain of being called a girl, I spent most of the remaining twilights that summer sitting with Miss Maudie Atkinson on her front porch.” Calpurnia shows that Scout can come to her whenever she becomes lonely or needs anything, like Miss Maudie, also. When Jem seems to be growing up, Calpurnia notices that Scout seems to feel lonely as she can't really play or talk to Jem at this point. Calpurnia then says, "He's gonna want to be off by 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." Calpurnia and Miss Maudie surely always do seem to be there when Scout feels desolate or lonely. Another similarity between the two are the fact that they both take pride in the way that they look, and when they are cleaned up, they look quite incredible. We can see this from Calpurnia in the novel when Calpurnia makes sure herself and the children are extra clean and well dressed for church, and when Miss Maudie is described as a "magisterial beauty" once she has cleaned herself up. They both make sure they look exceptional, as they do not want to be misconceived by the way they look.

Now, with the many similarities between Calpurnia and Miss Maudie, there are also many differences. To start off, Scout, though loves them both dearly, views them both with different perspectives. Calpurnia is seen as being more strict, giving tough love, and having great power over the children. Though, Miss Maudie is seen to be more gentle and kind towards the children, showing her love a little more explicitly towards people, unlike Calpurnia, who might be showing love in a way that is not seen by the naked eye. We can see these ideas about these characters through multiple instances, but we know that Scout feels this way about the ladies when she describes Calpurnia as having a "Tyrannical Presence" while she describes Miss Maudie as having a "Benign Presence". Regardless of how they are perceived or show their love and affection for not only Scout but people in general, they are both commonly compassionate women. Another difference between these two characters is that Calpurnia actually lives with the Finch's as their Cook and Maid, while Miss Maudie is simply a close family friend and neighbor. So, Calpurnia has probably been seen as more of a mother figure, as she physically lives in the same house as Scout, and can have more of an influence on her at home than Miss Maudie can. One last difference between these two characters are that Calpurnia is African American, and Miss Maudie is White. Skin color might not seem like a very big difference now a days, but in the 1930's, it showed great diversity. African American's were discriminated against at this time in history, and received a lot of prejudice and racism. So, Miss Maudie was most likely treated with more respect than Calpurnia, because she was White skinned, and did not receive any type of prejudice like Calpurnia might have.

Even though Calpurnia, Miss Maudie, and Scout are all very kind, intelligent, well spoken people, I wouldn't say any of them are direct alter egos of each other. Scout reflects Calpurnia and Miss Maudie more in this aspect, than they reflect Scout. This is because they were the two women that helped Scout to achieve these qualities. So, I don't think that Miss Maudie or Calpurnia are exactly alter egos of Scout, but I do think that Calpurnia serves as a foil to Scout. Calpurnia is pretty stern and proper. She's not obnoxious in this way, but she makes sure that she acts correctly at all times, and has a stricter way of living life. Though, Scout seems to be very outspoken, and doesn't always make sure she has a filter. She occasionally says things that could offend another, and Calpurnia would never allow things to be said without a filter. So when Scout does say something offensive, it's very obvious by the way Calpurnia reacts that she in fact shows to be opposite of this trait of Scout's. We can see this come out in one instance when Walter Cunningham comes over for lunch, and Scout questions the fact that he pours syrup all over his meal. The novel says, "Walter lured Syrup on his vegetables and meat with a generous hand. He would probably have poured it into his milk glass if had not I asked what the Sam Hill he was doing. The silver saucer clattered when he returned the pitcher, and he quickly put his hands in his lap. Then he ducked his head. Atticus shook his head at me again. 'But he's gone and drowned his dinner in syrup,' I protested. 'He's poured it all over.'" Then Calpurnia pulls Scout aside and says, "There's some folks who don't eat like us," she whispered fiercely, "but you ain't called on to contradict 'em at the table when they don't. That boy's yo' comp'ny and if he wants to eat up the table cloth you let him, ya hear?" Then Scout responds, "He ain't company Cal. He's just a Cunningham." Finally, Calpurnia says, "Hush your mouth! Don't matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house's yo' comp'ny, and don't you let me catch you remarkin' on their ways like you was so high and mighty!" From this predicament, we can clearly see that Cal and Scout are Foils of each other due to the fact that Scout is very outspoken and opinionated; not having a filter, while Cal acts more polite and filtered, and would never say something disrespectful to someone it might offend.

To Kill A Mockingbird: Photo Analysis

Store with false front. Vicinity of Selma, Alabama

• Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print

     When I first look at this photograph, I see a ramshackle building that is very run down. I see a lone gas pump, that doesn't look like it's been used in a while. I see just a few people standing around, but for the most part, it's vacant and empty. This building seems to be standing in the middle of a field with other farmhouses in the background. There are a couple of trees, and the ground mainly consists of dry, tufts of grass in disarray. There's a bunch of litter/trash around the porch of this building, and it doesn't look like anybody has worried about keeping this area in order. From all of this, I can infer that this may be a small place where people meet to possibly hang out, and relax. It may be a convenience store, and a place where people can come to get gas, and little things they may need (food, water, cigarettes, etc.). Though, it doesn't really look like anyone's buying anything. It's right in the middle of fields and a few other farmhouses, so it's most likely a common area for this area of land. Though, because there are very few people around, we can assume that it's pretty tired and vacant. It's not very crowded, or busy. With all of the trash also, it looks like it hasn't been well taken care of. After, looking at this photo, I am wondering, Who took this picture? What importance did they see in taking this photograph? Is this building actually something along the lines of a convenience store? I ask this because there's really nothing to prove that it is one, I am simply assuming. Also, why is it in the middle of fields and other houses? I would think it would be a little but more separated. I am wondering as well if it was common for buildings like the one pictured to be vacant and tired. You would think more people would be there to get necessities and such, or to just get a break from work. One final thing I would want to know would be, is this considered a common area for the residents of this area? I mean, you would think because it looks like it's a place where people could go to get gas, food, water, etc. and chill out, out of the hot sun. Though, it doesn't look like many people are there to get these things and or take a break and relax. That's what I could see from this photo, what I can infer, and what I'm still wondering

     I believe this could be Maycomb County, Alabama because they describe the town square in the novel, very similarly to how this picture appears. In the book it says, "People moved slowly then. They ambled across the square, shuffled in and out of the stores around 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, nothing to see outside the boundaries of Maycomb County." This small description sounds like it could be describing something similar to the photograph above. The building looks like it could be a shop or store in a small town square in the middle of Maycomb County. The people around look like they are in no hurry to go anywhere, and though are near the shop, aren't buying anything. Also, the book says that outside of the town square, there was really nowhere else to go, which is what it seems like in this photo. Outside the shop, there are only fields and a couple houses, there really doesn't seem like there's anything or anywhere else to go where people could possibly enjoy themselves or simply go just to hang out. The photo just looks like it could be the slow moving town square described in To Kill A Mockingbird. It's in a central area where I would assume most town squares are, there are few people walking around and don't seem to be in a hurry or buying anything, just like the book describes the people in the town square and the town square itself.