This week we will be concluding our study of To Kill a Mockingbird, with focus on discussing themes in the novel and how the other literary elements we've covered contribute to the development of meaning in the novel. Think beyond our class discussion on theme, characterization, plot, conflict and setting and their contribution to the development of symbolism and motif to consider, "what does To Kill a Mockingbird mean to me?"
Whenever you read a novel, you experience it in two ways. First, there is the way the author intended. If you're a careful and critical reader, you'll notice how the aforementioned literary elements work together to send important messages about life to the reader. Second, there is your own personal experience with the novel. You bring your prior knowledge and your life experiences with you as you read - for example, someone who has lived in Alabama or has a lawyer for a parent will have a unique perspective on the setting or characters. Even if you're pretty unfamiliar with the south or the United States legal system, you undoubtedly had moments in the novel that stood out to you due to your own life experiences and your take on the novel is unique.
Think about your own personal reading experience with To Kill a Mockingbird. How did the novel speak to you as an individual? Think about what the novel means to you - go beyond ideas discussed in class and describe your unique perspective on the meaning of the novel. In other words, extend the theme to your own life. What lessons have you learned from the novel? What does To Kill a Mockingbird mean to you? Write several detailed, insightful paragraphs.
Feel free to write with the intent to entertain, however, your post should reflect your ability to read the novel critically and carefully.
This novel had some interesting effects on me. I began reading this novel out of the sake just to get into honors English. As i continued with the assignment I would read and try to find excuses so I could continue reading instead of having to do any written work. As I finished up the book I decided the summer assignment should be finished. So i worked on it and found myself going back to the book to reread some parts.
I experienced some different situations then other people when they read this book. My mom is a lawyer and I am constantly informed of her cases as she needs to vent occasionally. I learned quite a bit of stuff over the years. One of the main things is that someone is innocent until proven guilty. In the case of To Kill a Mockingbird that was not so. The citizens seemed focused on Tom Robinson being guilty.
