To Kill a Mocking Bird: Chapters 9-11

HAMBURGER PARAGRAPHS:

“But remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

 This is a significant line in the book. Atticus teaches Jem and Scout that it is a sin to kill a mocking bird. Ms. Maudie then backed up Atticus’ point by telling Scout: “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us.” That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” A mocking bird is a symbol of innocence and all of Maycomb believes so. They believe that such a harmless creature should not be persecuted. I believe that the author (Harper Lee), wrote this to produce an ironic statement. Tom Robinson and Boo Radley can be seen as “mocking birds.” Although they are seen as guilty to the majority of Maycomb, while actually they are both innocent. The author is trying to get the point across that Boo Radley but more importantly, Tom Robinson are being persecuted while they have done nothing to deserve the isolation.

“Uncle Jack Finch”

Uncle Jack Finch attempts to make a positive influence on specifically Scout. He instructs her to refrain from using vulgar language unless used at an appropriate time. Although he does want Scout to become more of a Lady, he doesn’t want her to change entirely. Uncle Jack struggles when he attempts to discipline Scout and Scout says: “Well, in the first place you never stopped to gimme a chance to tell you my side of it—you just lit right into me. When Jem an‘ I fuss Atticus doesn’t ever just listen to Jem’s side of it, he hears mine too...” Uncle Jack becomes disappointed in himself when he realizes that his young niece was right. He even told Atticus that he will never marry due to the fact that he may have children. Jack feels that he is unable to raise any children.

Visual Representation: Literal and Symbolic

This is a picture of a dog walking down the street, resembling Tim Johnson. Jem and Scout were out hunting when they noticed Tim Johnson, but, he didn't look normal. They decided to alert Calpurnia. When Cal saw the dog from a great distance, she alerted all of the citizens on the street (including the Radley's) and she alerted Heck Tate and Atticus, who ended up shooting Tim Johnson. Although it was not the "season" for rabid dogs, it was assumed that Tim Johnson was rabid, not just sick or tired. This symbolizes that the people of Maycomb are eager to address or punish something/someone as guilty without fully knowing.