Friday, April 30, 2010
Theme
Your literature book defines theme as "the insight about human life that is revealed in literary work." Themes are usually not directly stated in the work but must be inferred by the reader after thoughtful reflection. To Kill a Mockingbird , however, directly states a courage theme and a compassion theme. Can you find these direct statements of theme? Additionally, can you come up with your own education theme? I.e., what message about education does the book convey?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
While explaining to Jem why he made him read to Mrs. Dubose, Atticus says "I wanted you to see what real courage is." The importance of understanding true courage was stated directly in Chapter 11.
When Scout and Jem talk at the end of Chapter 23 they discuss how your background and social status depend on "how long your family's been readin' and writin'." Scout says "everybody's gotta learn, nobody's born knowin'." Education is respected in Maycomb, and the rest of the world.
A courage theme that comes from the book is Tom Atticus' ability to defend an African American in and out of Court; The compassion theme that goes along with this courge theme is Atticus' childrens ability to stand beside him inside and outside of court.
The educational message I received from the book is that education is not only something you learn and gain in school. Education is all around you. You learn from the people you spend your time with: family, friends, neighbors. You learn from the books and blogs you read, but most importantly you learn from your own life experiences.
An expression of a compassion theme can be found at the end of the book when Atticus states that most people are nice once you see them.Also the courage theme can be expressed when Atticus takes the case of Tom Robinson and at least tries to win.
If i had to take an education theme from the book, it would be that education is vital because in the book itself, it clearly conveys(when Atticus explains why the teacher tells her to stop learning so fast)that a good education is vital in life.
One courage theme in the story is Jem always trying to protect Scout, even if they fight or disagree. When Scout starts school, Jem tells her it will get better and when Bob Ewell attacks them, Jem tries to get Scout to run to save her, but they both get hurt in the process. Atticus shows the most compassion in the story. His willingness to defend Tom Robinson even though Tom is black and then telling his kids not to judge people, but to walk in their shoes shows his compassion. Another thing you can learn from this story is about all the racism and how people reacted to it. You see it from a persons point-of-view as a young child and as an adult. You get to see both sides and understand the thoughts in Scouts time.
Courage was when Boo Radley stood up and saved Scout and Jem from Bobb Ewell. He did what he felt was necessary.
Compassion was when Scout and Atticus were having a talk about the different kinds of people in the world.
The education theme I got from the book was that no matter what, education will always be an important figure in your life. No matter where you are, education is everywhere.
The theme of compassion can be found in how Atticus continues to represent Tom Robinson evem though he knows that it is very likely he will loose.
The educational thing i gained is that you learn every day for every day people.
Post a Comment