Spenser+S

Chapters 1-3 Activity 1 1). Time Era- During the Great Depression of the 1930's Season- During the summer Age/Period of Time for Scout, Jem, and Atticus Scout- Young child, 6 Jem- Pre teen, 10 Atticus- Middle-aged, 30's or 40's 2). Geography Location- Maycomb, Alabama, United States Climate- Temperate, Warm Summers and Cold Winters Landscape- Buildings- Maycomb has few buildings, notable ones include the court house, the Radley house, and the Finch household 3). Environment Occupation- Atticus is a lawyer Lifestyle- All of the Finch family lives the leisurely and poor southern lifestyle of the depression Religion- Prodestant Customs- Children go to school, fathers work, mothers stay at home, most families own colored help Family Life- The family is highly valued in the old southern lifestyle, however the Finch household is somewhat dis-functional because of the lack of a mother Education- The education is considered neolithic compared to present day and alot of people do not even finish school. All of the grades are in one building. Chapters 4-6 Activity 2- Journal Task: Choose one of the following questions to respond to in a journal form. This is informal writing, and your response should be 6-8 sentences. Please type the question you are responding to above your response. 2). I Dare You Recall a time when you were dared to do something you felt was dangerous. How did you feel about the person/people who made the dare? Did you carry out the dare? Why or why not? Once when I was but a young grasshopper, I was dared by one of my best friends to eat five dandelions. Most people would agree that this probably was not the most dangerous thing in the world I could be doing, but at the time I thought they were poisonous and I thought I might get sick. At the time of the dare I was with a group of friends and I felt that they would think poorly of me if I did not carry out the dare, so obviously I was intimidated. More than the intimidation though, I felt challenged and l thought it would be really good for me to take on a dare for once. In the end, I did eat the dandelions, and I did get sick. I got heartburn and it took quite a few "TUMS" to calm down the rage that was my stomach. As I devoured the medicine I felt good about myself, even though in reality I had only eaten a few flowers. Chapters 7-9 Activity 3- Journal Task: Respond to the following question in a journal form. This is informal writing, and your response should be 6-8 sentences. Please type the question above your response. 1). You Take that Back! What type of insult would most provoke you? – An insult about your dress or appearance – An insult about your character or action – An insult about a friend or family member Explain your reasons and suggest ways to deal with insults. I feel that the type of insult that would provoke me the most would be one about my charachter or action. The reason for this is because as far as my charachter goes, I can do nothing about my shortcomings that people say I have. For example, someone calls me stupid. The only way to retaliate would be to prove to that person that I really am not, and the type of person that would give that insult in the first place is stupid, so in the end, its not possible. It is hard to argue with a stupid person. However, you can use this to your advantage as a way to deal with an insult. The way you could do that would be to think and remind yourself how stupid that person is in your head, so that you know deep down that anything they say is worthless and stupid. If the person that insults you is more intelligent, then your best bet is to make them feel stupid by saying things like, " are you really smart enough to use that language?" or "stop using such big words, your going to hurt your brain."In the end though, the best way to retaliate in any situation that insults are dealt is to ignore. Chapters 10-12 Activity 4- Linking Experiences There are many structural and thematic links between Chapters 11-12. The children, in many ways, begin to enter the adult world. Task: Seven themes are listed below. For each theme find 1-2 examples of this theme in Chapter 11 and 1-2 examples in Chapter 12. You may organize your findings in any way you would like—such as a chart, outline, etc. Full sentences and direct quotations are not necessary—you may put the examples in your own words. Themes Courage Jem’s Maturation Hidden Identities Discovered Concern for Others Prejudice Illusions give way to Reality Scout’s Maturation Courage Jem was able to face his father when asked about Mrs. Dubose Jem was able to read for Mrs. Dubose, and not be scared Jem's Maturation Jem was for the most part able to take everything that Mrs. Dubose threw at him Jem did not deny his crimes, he took it like a gentleman Hidden Identities Discovered Mrs. Dubose as a Morphine Addict Calpurina as a typical african-american Concern for Others Atticus's concern for Mrs. Dubose Jem's concern for the well being of scout Prejudice The general prejudice of the whites to blacks The prejudice of Lola too the Finches Ilusions give way to reality Scout and Jem see the poverty of the blacks at the church Scout sees the real Jem Scout's Maturation She is less of an anoyance to Jim She realizes when to stop asking about certain things. Chapters 13-15 Activity 5- Journal Task: Respond to the following questions in a journal form. This is informal writing, and your response should be 6-8 sentences. Please type the questions above your response. 1). Mob Rule o How would you define a mob? o How does mob behavior differ from individual behavior? o How would you handle an angry mob as opposed to an angry individual? A mob is something that many people may involve themselves with during there lives, rather it be in a mob, being the object of hate by a mob, or watching one come down your street. A mob is defined as any group of people with a set objective, and this is clearly indicated. Many times mob's goals are none other than to create terror, destroy things, and vent pent-up anger. Mob behavior is often times more violent and more demanding then individuals. The reason that this is true is because people feel stronger in a large group. They feel like they have a way they can meet their goals and make demands. Often times, the people that make up the mob are totally different then they are in real life, a person in a mob may not be responsive, or may seemingly not care about anything but the objective at hand. A mob must be handeled differently than a person that is angry, they must be treated with care and the best tactic to use would be to have the mob adress the root of their cause and shame them into breaking up, such as illustrated by what Scout did in chapter 14.

Chapters 16-18 Activity 6- Journal

Task: Respond to the following questions in a journal form. This is informal writing, and your response should be 6-8 sentences. Please type the questions above your response.

1). Protecting the Innocent

What is your view about shielding children from unpleasant truths?


 * Is it important for a child to know the truth or to keep a child in the dark?
 * Is it right for a parent to lie to a child to shield him or her?

In most situations people deserve to know what is going on around them, I think that this is also a good rule to follow with children. There are exceptions to this rule, such as if the information to be told is to graphic or can not be conveyed. Children have fragile minds, and from personal experience, should not know things like finance, political views of parents, disputes between spouses and the like. It does nothing but harm the child and cause stress in the family for the child to know these things. In my mind, I have been kept in the dark about some things, and I can say that at the time I was upset about it, but now as I look back on it, I am pleased that my parents are so good at judging things like that. I think that lying is always wrong and should never be used for anything. Lying does nothing but loosen the bond between child and parent and cause hurt later in life.  Activity 7- Building a Case

 Good arguments follow certain rules. Three which are important in the court room are brevity, clarity, and thoroughness.

 Task: Review the way that Atticus and Gilmer handle Tom’s case. You goal is to provide evidence from the trial to support each statement. Hints have been given throughout to help you.

 Atticus’ Argument


 * 1) Mayella Ewell was probably injured by a left-handed man; therefore, Tom was not involved.
 * 2) There are marks on the right side of her face
 * 3) She was being choked
 * 4) Tom has no function in his left arm


 * 1) No medical evidence exists to prove a rape occurred.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Heck Tate did not call a doctor
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bob did not call a doctor, therefore there is no evidence


 * 1) <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">The Ewells are not credible witnesses.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It took Bob a while to get his story right
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bob is left handed, which coincides with Mayella's injuries
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mayella has conflicting facts with herself about her story, (lie)
 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mayella locks up when asked wether or not her father did it to her


 * 1) <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">Tom Robinson’s previous arrest was unimportant.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It was not a serious crime and it was not his fault
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">He served his time


 * 1) <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">Tom is a gentle, compassionate, hard-working man.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tom has good manners
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tom is a hard worker, and does things often on kindness alone, like helping Mayella
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tom says that he never would want to hurt Mayella

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;"> Gilmer’s Argument


 * 1) <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">Mayella looked as though she was physically abused.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">She had bruises all over her face
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mayella had marks on her neck like someone was choking her


 * 1) <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">Mayella was raped by Tom.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tom came in her house and "took advantage of her"
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mayella says she was raped, and Bob says he saw and heard her


 * 1) <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">Tom acts in a shifty, dangerous, and criminal way.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tom has been in trouble before
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tom glances around nervously sometimes


 * 1) <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">Tom is insolent and doesn’t know his place.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tom openly denies thing that are accused to him
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tom is crippled and fits in no where

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">Chapters 23-26 <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;"> Activity 8- Journal

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;"> Task: Respond to the following questions in a journal form. This is informal writing, and your response should be 6-8 sentences. Please type the questions above your response.

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;"> 1). Closing the Gaps

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;"> Why do people feel prejudice against whole groups of people? n <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">insecurity? n <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">result of bad experiences? n <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">automatic acceptance of old attitudes? <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;"> How can we overcome prejudice?

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;"> I think that in the most general of terms, people are predjudice towards other groups because of insicurity. People just think because someone is different physically, that they are different in every way. This is not completely so though, as you can see in //To Kill a Mockingbird.// Tom Robinson is a very pure, kind, and gentle person, but is unfairly treated because of his skin color. In the book, he is given an unfair trial based on prejudice alone. I think that we as people, will never overcome prejudice to some degree. It will always exist in our lives to a degree, but I think one thing that we must all keep in mind is that all people have the ability to be good, and that we should not hold other peoples failures to them.

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;">Chapters 27-31 Activity 9- Discussion Questions

Task: Respond to the following questions regarding the conclusion of the novel. This is informal writing, and your response should be 6-8 sentences. Please type the questions above your response.

1). Atticus says that he sometimes feels he has been a total failure as a parent. Drawing examples from the novel, contradict or support his remark.

In //To Kill a Mockingbird// the Finch family is going through a hard time, and I think that being a parent trapped in all of the drama going on, all the while trying to be a supportive and beneficial single parent is tough. Atticus seems to do a good job at it in most respects, but still considers himself a failure. I think that many would consider him a bad parent, but I think unorthodox is a better description. He does not stick to the regimens of the normal lifestyle. When Scout beat up a classmate because he called her dad a "(bleep) - lover" Atticus did not regiment her, he did not physically punish her, he did not scorn her. He told her that she was to never do such a thing again, even though it may get worse. She respected him so much, that she listened to every word he said like it was the law, he didn't even raise his voice. That's good parenting. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;"> 2). Scout is finally able to meet Boo Radley, walk him home, and “stand in his shoes.” How does the actual meeting differ from her expectations? What does she learn from the experience?

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif;"> Towards the end of the novel, Scout and Jem are attacked by an insane drunkard who almost kills them. The neighborhood recluse, whom Scout has been fantasizing about for a long time about their meet, saves them. Scout does not even realize it until after the fact, and she walks him home. The actual meeting is much more impromtou then the one she has been dreaming about, as she did not see him on the porch and nonchalantly say her greeting. She simply walks him home. She learns that he is not as scary as she expected, and is just reclusive. Just by standing on his porch, she fears him no more.