To Kill A Mockingbird

D and K:  your novel is to be finished this Friday, Dec. 10.  You will hand in your book to me and then take the AR test for this book on Friday.  Your journal is due Dec. 15.  Hope you enjoyed this story and came away with additional literary insight and appreciation.  Mrs. L

To Kill A Mockingbird

final assignment due Dec. 15;  write in your journal

Your reaction:

• what message did you get from this novel?  did it help you in some way?
• for whom was this book written?
• do you think the Harper Lee was successful in getting this message across?  Why or why not?
• good and bad points about this novel; include reasons why you would or would not recommend this book to a friend
• add any other comments you would like to make, make your responses personal as you summarize the story

To Kill A Mockingbird

You are to be finished reading the book by Friday, Dec. 10.  At this time, I will assign suggestions for you to resond to in your journal.  Your completed journal will be due Wednesday, Dec. 15.  Your jounal should include your individual responses you recorded as you read through the book, as well as this final assignment.

To Kill A Mockingbird Chapters 12-14

Due November 30

In chapter 12, Calpurnia invites Jem and Scout to csnohurch with her.  Discuss why this is a significant event.  Why would a black church welcome white visitors?  Expand on the minister's behavior when the parishioners didn't "give" enough.  What was Scout's reaction?

Why does Aunt Alexandra come to live with Atticus' family?  Discuss Atticus' attitude towards Alexandra's snobbish pride.

Is Dill any less loving due to his lack of "gentle breeding?"  Share your thoughts about this in your journal.  Connect this situation to your world- why do you think some kids from loving families turn"bad" and some kids from abusive families are loving, caring and compassionate?

To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 11

After reading chapter 11, you have completed part one of the story.  In part one, Scout and Jem are innocent children just beginning to understand the complex morality of the adult world.  So far, they have seen that some people may be evil.  Still evil has never directly touched their lives. 

Choose a character you have met and write a one page character analysis of him/her.  Use examples from the book to support your opinions.  Due Wednesday, November 24.

To Kill A Mockingbird - Chapters 8-10

D and K, remember to be keeping a reading journal as you read.  I will be interested in seeing it when I return. 

What was Mr. Nathan's real reason for cementing the hole in the tree?
Jem's opinion of Boo is gradually changing.  Describe an example of something happening that alters Jem's perception of Boo. 
In reference to Boo, what advice is Atticus passing on to his children?
What are your feelings about Boo Radley? 
Why do you think no one in the neighborhood helps Boo?
What is Maycomb's "usual disease" that Atticus refers to in Chapter 9?
The rest of the Finch family think Atticus is cold and aloof with his children.  Do you agree or disagree?  Give examples to support your answers.
The title, "To Kill a Mockingbird," is finally referred to in chapter 10.  Write a synopsis about the meaning of the title.
In your opinion, is Atticus a weak coward, or a gentleman?  How did he earn the name "One-Shot Finch?"

Due November 19

To Kill A Mockingbird Chapters 5-7

KG and DK: remember to keep a "journal" to write comments, questions, etc. for discussion as you read.

Were you shocked to hear Scout use the word, "nigger?"  This is a hint that the subject of racial prejudice may become important later on. 

When do you think this story is taking place?  What's going on in our country at this time?

In your opinions, what is the meaning behind the name "Scout?' the name "Atticus?" 

What does Dill mean when he says, "I'm little but I'm old."?

Who do you think is leaving the gifts in the tree, and why? 

In what way is the age disparity between Jem and Scout becoming more pronounced?

Share your thoughts and opinions with each other, and be sure to include any of your own as you read.

Due November 15