Question
Analyzing Literary Text: Apply
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Activity 1
Harper Lee conveys the events in To Kill a Mockingbird as one long flashback narrated by the character of Scout as an adult. Think about how this choice establishes dramatic irony. Then, give an example of how it does so and explain the effect (such as tension, suspense, surprise, or humor) created by the dramatic irony.
Activity 2
To Kill a Mockingbird was written in 1960, 25 years or so after the story it tells is set. In an essay of 300 to 400 words, analyze how Atticus Finch’s decision to defend Tom Robinson defied the cultural norms of early-1930s Alabama. Include examples of how Harper Lee evokes that historical context to shape the novel’s narrative, including at least two instances where she uses figurative language to signal the novel’s historical and cultural setting.
Use specific quotations and evidence from the text to support your analysis. Organize your essay clearly, and follow the rules of English grammar and punctuation. Write it like a 9th grader would and follow the instructions, thanks.
Try This
Activity 1
Harper Lee conveys the events in To Kill a Mockingbird as one long flashback narrated by the character of Scout as an adult. Think about how this choice establishes dramatic irony. Then, give an example of how it does so and explain the effect (such as tension, suspense, surprise, or humor) created by the dramatic irony.
Activity 2
To Kill a Mockingbird was written in 1960, 25 years or so after the story it tells is set. In an essay of 300 to 400 words, analyze how Atticus Finch’s decision to defend Tom Robinson defied the cultural norms of early-1930s Alabama. Include examples of how Harper Lee evokes that historical context to shape the novel’s narrative, including at least two instances where she uses figurative language to signal the novel’s historical and cultural setting.
Use specific quotations and evidence from the text to support your analysis. Organize your essay clearly, and follow the rules of English grammar and punctuation. Write it like a 9th grader would and follow the instructions, thanks.
Answers
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GPT-4o mini
### Activity 1
In *To Kill a Mockingbird*, Harper Lee uses Scout's adult perspective to narrate the story as a long flashback. This choice creates dramatic irony, as the adult Scout reflects on events from her childhood that she did not fully understand at the time. One example of dramatic irony occurs when Scout recalls her father, Atticus Finch, saying, "it's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is; it doesn't hurt you." As an adult, Scout understands the depth of this statement and its implications about morality and integrity. However, during the childhood events, she does not fully grasp the meaning behind Atticus's words.
This dramatic irony creates tension because readers are aware of the broader social injustices and the weight of Atticus's message, while Scout remains innocent and somewhat oblivious. The irony allows us to appreciate Scout's growth from innocence to a deeper understanding of her community's complexities. As a result, moments that might seem innocent or humorous take on a much more serious tone, leading us to empathize with the struggles that both Scout and her father face in a racially charged society.
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### Activity 2
In *To Kill a Mockingbird*, Harper Lee illustrates the courage of Atticus Finch when he decides to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama. Atticus's decision flies directly in the face of the cultural norms of the time, where racial prejudices were deeply rooted, and defending a black man was often viewed as social suicide. Harper Lee expertly situates this pivotal choice within the historical context of the Great Depression and the Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and inequality.
One way Lee highlights this cultural norm is through the character of Scout, who recounts, “Atticus, are we going to win it?” to which Atticus replies, "No, honey." This conversation underscores not only Atticus's understanding of the deeply ingrained racism in their town but also foreshadows the impending challenges they will face. Atticus is fully aware that, despite the evidence supporting Tom's innocence, the jury’s racial bias will likely lead to a guilty verdict. This reliance on racial prejudice over justice illustrates the stark realities of their world.
Lee uses figurative language effectively in this narrative. For instance, when she describes Maycomb as "an old town, but it was a tired, old town," she invokes the sentiment of stagnation and decay, where progress is stifled by tradition and prejudice. Another example is when she likens the trial to a "slow, heavy, fog that hung over the courtroom,” suggesting the oppressive atmosphere of bigotry and ignorance that clouds justice. These descriptions capture the historical mood and societal tensions of the time and serve to deepen the reader's understanding of Atticus’s moral dilemmas.
Through Atticus's decision to defend Tom Robinson, Harper Lee not only portrays a man of integrity standing against the tide of social injustice, but she also invites readers to reflect on the ongoing struggles against racism. His unwavering commitment to doing what is right in the face of overwhelming opposition establishes him as a moral beacon, challenging the reader to consider their own beliefs about justice and equality in their lives.
In *To Kill a Mockingbird*, Harper Lee uses Scout's adult perspective to narrate the story as a long flashback. This choice creates dramatic irony, as the adult Scout reflects on events from her childhood that she did not fully understand at the time. One example of dramatic irony occurs when Scout recalls her father, Atticus Finch, saying, "it's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is; it doesn't hurt you." As an adult, Scout understands the depth of this statement and its implications about morality and integrity. However, during the childhood events, she does not fully grasp the meaning behind Atticus's words.
This dramatic irony creates tension because readers are aware of the broader social injustices and the weight of Atticus's message, while Scout remains innocent and somewhat oblivious. The irony allows us to appreciate Scout's growth from innocence to a deeper understanding of her community's complexities. As a result, moments that might seem innocent or humorous take on a much more serious tone, leading us to empathize with the struggles that both Scout and her father face in a racially charged society.
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### Activity 2
In *To Kill a Mockingbird*, Harper Lee illustrates the courage of Atticus Finch when he decides to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama. Atticus's decision flies directly in the face of the cultural norms of the time, where racial prejudices were deeply rooted, and defending a black man was often viewed as social suicide. Harper Lee expertly situates this pivotal choice within the historical context of the Great Depression and the Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and inequality.
One way Lee highlights this cultural norm is through the character of Scout, who recounts, “Atticus, are we going to win it?” to which Atticus replies, "No, honey." This conversation underscores not only Atticus's understanding of the deeply ingrained racism in their town but also foreshadows the impending challenges they will face. Atticus is fully aware that, despite the evidence supporting Tom's innocence, the jury’s racial bias will likely lead to a guilty verdict. This reliance on racial prejudice over justice illustrates the stark realities of their world.
Lee uses figurative language effectively in this narrative. For instance, when she describes Maycomb as "an old town, but it was a tired, old town," she invokes the sentiment of stagnation and decay, where progress is stifled by tradition and prejudice. Another example is when she likens the trial to a "slow, heavy, fog that hung over the courtroom,” suggesting the oppressive atmosphere of bigotry and ignorance that clouds justice. These descriptions capture the historical mood and societal tensions of the time and serve to deepen the reader's understanding of Atticus’s moral dilemmas.
Through Atticus's decision to defend Tom Robinson, Harper Lee not only portrays a man of integrity standing against the tide of social injustice, but she also invites readers to reflect on the ongoing struggles against racism. His unwavering commitment to doing what is right in the face of overwhelming opposition establishes him as a moral beacon, challenging the reader to consider their own beliefs about justice and equality in their lives.