TKAM. The 8th post !

2. What lessons have you learned from this book so far? What themes, lessons, or examples will you take from this book and bring into your own life? Has it changed your perspective on issues at all? How so?

Through reading this book, I realized a lot more things about life and the views of different people. I learned a lot from reading through the perspective of Scout. Even though she is only a young girl, you can really understand things from her point of view, and maybe change things from your own. I think it has changed my perspective on things because when you see through someone else's eyes, it's different and what they see is not always the same as what you see. I learned that not everyone can have what they want, and sometimes when you don’t get it, it’s for the best.

To me, it feels like you can base Maycomb off as the world, and the trial with Ewell and Robinson is just one of the many mishaps in the world, but also one of the most common. I always knew, but now I can clearly say that the world isn’t the best place, and you can’t always live peacefully. But I also realized that it’s okay to move on and keep pushing forward to make things better.

TKAM. The 7th post!!

Choice A: Most of the local people in Maycomb felt that it would be a disgrace for a black person to win in a dispute with any with a white person, so they took Bob Ewell's side. Have you ever been in a situation where someone took a side that they obviously knew was wrong? How did this make you feel?

I feel like I’ve been in plenty of situations similar to this one, but I can’t seem to name a specific time. I know for sure that I’ve experienced those feelings and it’s happened to me though. I see it happen to others too, but I was only as a bystander. It’s still not fair though.

In these kinds of situations it starts out as a small problem, or maybe not so small, but it grows and develops into something bigger.

When this happened to me, I think I was arguing with my cousin over this charm necklace that her dad found in the sofa cushions. I saw and claimed it as mine, because my mom and I went to this cultural Native American fair at Balboa Park where she had bought two of them, one as a gift for my teacher, and the other for me of course. But before I made my claim, my uncle had asked if it was my cousin’s. After I make my claim, my cousin decided to say that its hers! We started arguing about the necklace and who it belonged to, but I just couldn’t understand why. I’m sure she knew it wasn’t hers, so why even bother?

It made me so frustrated, because I lost that necklace! It was mine, and she had no right to go and claim it after I specifically told her my story. She didn’t even have one. It made me feel like such a loser afterwards, because I knew I had to give in, and there was no way I could win. But even my uncle said it was hers! Wow. It’s like Tom Robinson’s trial. I’d represent Atticus’s side, telling my whole story, and my cousin represents Bob Ewell’s, who wins by having more authority. In this case, the people of Maycomb would be counted as my uncle, who decided to go for my cousin because she’s his daughter! Maycombians voted for Ewell because of race.

TKAM! The Sixth Post!

C. How do you think the story (what you read so far) would have changed if Scout and Jem had a mother present in their lives? Would it change for the better or for the worse? Explain your thoughts.

I think the story would change in so many ways if Scout and Jem’s mother were still present. First of all, it would change how many characters there are in the story, and she would probably be added to one of the important/main characters. The whole plot would probably thicken, and change everyone. It’ll obviously affect Atticus, Jem, and Scout mostly, but it would still be different for everyone and bring so much change into their lives.

In my opinion, things will most likely change for better and worse. One good thing can happen, one bad thing can happen, or one thing can change. Like for example, if Mrs. Finch were still alive, Scout would most likely be a lot more girlish, her clothing will be more girlish, and her attitude and personality can differ too. That can be bad, because Scout wouldn’t be Scout anymore, she wouldn’t be the same at all. But, it could be good to some people, like Aunt Alexandra and other adults, because Scout would listen to them and be a good girl by doing whatever they tell her to, and not sass talking anyone.

Although I’m not entirely sure how things will change, I know that it’ll be like cause and effect. Because Mrs. Finch is alive, it will affect everyone by changing something about them, their actions, maybe even personality. I think that Mrs. Finch will be like a light in the Finch Family’s lives. She’s going to be that person to comfort everyone when they’re down, especially Atticus during the trial by bringing him some confidence and trusting him/believing in him. I feel like she’s going to be like a female version of Atticus too.

Journal #4 Chapters 10-11 Perspective of Atticus Chapter 11.

Journal #4

Chapters 10-11

Perspective of Atticus Chapter 11.

Dear Journal,

Today was a hectic one. I received a call at the office. Jem had obliterated and Vandalized Mrs. Dubose’s front yard, destroying her Camelias. I was not at all a happy person, but a disappointed one. Whatever the reason was, the boy better have a good enough explanation do have done something so undeserving to such a sick old lady.

When I arrived at the house, I called Jem over. He did look very upset. I though this was good, because I know he felt at least some guilt if not any, and he knew he made a big mistake. Jem said he did it because Mrs. Dubose said I lawed for niggers and trash. I can’t believe it. I thought Jem had much more control than that. It really disappoints me. I thought that even Scout wouldn’t do such a thing.

But now Jem has to pay the price by fixing up Mrs. Dubose’s front yard, and read to her everyday for a month. I know he doesn’t like it, but it’s the consequences he has to pay for tormenting the lady. Even though she has some nasty and snide remarks, she can’t help it. Really.

Mrs. Dubose died today. I went down to her little home to make her will. She died soon after. I went home and bared the melancholy news to the kids. I had something for Jem. It was from Mrs. Dubose. He took it and threw a little fit. Inside was a Camellia with cotton wads around it. I comforted him and told him it was her way of saying everything was alright now. I then gave them a big speech, a lesson concerning the bravest women I’ve ever known, Mrs. Henry Laffayette Dubose.

Journal #3 Chapters 8-9 Perspective of Uncle Jack

Journal #3

Chapters 8-9

Perspective of Uncle Jack

Dear Journal,

What a surprise! Scout and Jem sure have grown since the last time I’ve seen em’. But oh! That Scout, I’ve come and she starts using the words, “Hell”, and “Damn” in her sentences. I don’t like it one bit. It’s not lady like, and she’s 5-years-old for pete’s sake! It’s just Fanatical. I decided to have a talk with her, and make sure that she wouldn’t use those words anymore, or at least when I’m around.

We decorated the tree after that, up until it was bedtime for Scout and Jem. The next morning, Jem and Scout dived for the presents. It was exactly what they had wanted, Air Rifles. They were from Atticus, who had written me to go an’ get ‘em. Apparently, I’m supposed to teach them to shoot!

Later, we arrived at Finch’s Landing. There, we met Aunt Alexandra, Uncle Jimmy, and their grandson Francis. It was nice seeing them. I was greeted with a kiss from Alexandra and Francis. Things started getting crazy by the end of the day though. There I was, sitting in the living room with everyone, then I hear Francis yelling outside in the yard. I run out, and I see Scout give ‘em the old one, two! I pinned her arms against her sides just in time. Alexandra follows and aids the bawling boy. I just look down at Scout and asked her, “You know I told you you’d get in trouble if you used words like that? I told you, didn’t I”. She’s in for some trouble. After I finished with her, she ran off and said something very hurtful towards me. It upset me and made me feel a bit guilty. She left after that without saying goodbye. I left after them, and went to go talk to scout. I told her that she had it coming, and she knew it. I tried to reason, but she caught me by surprise when she said that it wasn’t fair. I didn’t understand children. I hadn’t heard her side of the story yet, either. Scout proceeded to tell me her side of the story, and I was furious at Francis! I wasn’t gonna let him get away with calling Atticus a “Nigger-Lover”. I was going to head over to the landing right at that minute, but Scout stopped me, saying that she didn’t want Atticus to know about her being upset because of that. She told me to keep quiet about it. And I did. I talked to Atticus after. We talked about everything going on, and the case with Tom Robinson. He also gave me advice on children, Jem an Scout. I mentioned that I was never going to marry, for I could possibly have kids!

Journal #2 Chapters 4-7 Perspective of Miss Maudie Atkinson

Journal #2

Chapters 4-7

Perspective of Miss Maudie Atkinson

Dear Journal,

Nothing out of the ordinary happened today. Scout just stopped by again. We were just sitting out in the front porch, in fine view of my glorious Azaleas. I quite enjoy the time spent with Scout, she’s a fine young girl! Even though she don’t act much lady like. Anyways, we were basking in the delicious warmth of the sun, and suddenly, Scout asks a rather interesting question. “Do you think Boo Radley is alive?” I just give a little laugh and tell her yes, he is. Oh that girl must enjoy quibbling, ‘cause she asks me how I know, and I tell her I haven’t seen ‘em carried out yet, as you can tell. We start going a lil deeper into the conversation, and I tell Scout that my theory is that Boo was a victim of a “Harsh” father, a foot washing Baptist who believed pleasure to be a sin. I also added that Boo had always been polite and friendly as a child, and most of the rumors about him are false. Really though, I wish everyone would just stop tormenting him. Just the fact that no one really knows, but tends to assume is unanimous. If Boo wasn’t crazy as boy, he probably is now. I decided to end the conversation, and my evasion was to ask if she’d like some fresh pound cake to take home. I watched as she teetered on home.

A few days later, I hear a loud noise ring throughout the neighborhood. It sounded like a gunshot. Sure gave me fright! I jumped from my spot on the rocking chair in the front porch, and look down the street. It seems like that sound came from the Radley Place! Curiosity got the best of me, and well, I decided to head over and see whats going on. Everyone’s there too. Atticus, Miss Stephanie Crawford, too. The Neighborhood gossip. A few minutes later, the kids, Jem, Scout, and Dill come hobblin’ over in what seems like feigned curiosity, or at least from what I can tell. They look a little shooken up though. I told them that Mr. Nathan Radley shot at a negro in his yard, and he’s waiting to shoot the next sound he hears. I decide to head back home after that. It was getting rather dark!

Journal #1 Chapters 1-3 Perspective of Dill! - Vanessa P.

Journal #1

Chapters 1-3

Perspective of Dill!

- Vanessa P.

Hello, young world! I’m in Maycomb County, staying with my aunt for the summer. I thought it would be boring when I got there, but its good. There are other kids who live next door to Aunt Rachel. Their names Scout and Jem. We played all kinds of games and I told them about some things I’ve experienced. Like the picture show! When I told ‘em, Jem wasn’t impressed, that I could tell! But as we played more with each other, it wasn’t bad at all. I dared him to do something big one day.I can’t believe he did that! I dared him, and he actually did it. Sure, I was a little irked with him when we met. And sure, the dare may have been a little Malevolent, but he acts so unsure of me and so unimpressed! These town folk sure don’t know much about the outside world. They think that Radley Place be so scary and crazy, but they haven’t seen much yet! Jem and Scout be so scared, so I dared Jem to go up to the house and touch it. It honestly wasn’t so bad, but he still seemed intimidated by the idea. To tell the truth though, I’m also a little peeved by that house too. The siblings told me some things about that family, and the one that was most unnerving to learn about was Boo Radley. They made him sound like a crazy serial killer who was released from an insane asylum! Stabbing his father in the leg and then continuing to continue his scrap booking or whatever. What a creep. I just couldn’t help the fact that the place was so intriguing. I actually dared Jem to make Boo Radley come out at first, but he was just so scared and started making up excuses. So I went with the other dare instead. And I bet he just felt so high and mighty. He started acting all cool afterwards. But all in all, that was still pretty exciting! Oh boy am I gonna miss Maycomb!