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. in a few sentences

Question

__ The main idea or purpose of the essay is clearly
stated.
___ The response is fully relevant to the prompt.
___ The response considers all aspects of the prompt.
___ The response is analytical rather than personal.
(4 possible)
_________
Analysis
___ The response contains a fully developed analysis of
Atticus Finch's opposition to cultural norms and ideas.
___ The response references the novel's narrative
within its historical context.
___ The analysis includes at least two examples of
figurative language that signals the novel's historical
and cultural setting.
___ The response incorporates specific quotations and
evidence from the novel.
(4 possible)
_________
Organization
___ There is a clear and effective organizational
structure.
___ The introduction connects the essay to the
requirements of the prompt.
___ Ideas are organized logically to show the
significance of Atticus Finch's choices and actions within
the novel's historical and cultural context.
___ A conclusion sums up the essay's ideas.
(4 possible)
_________
© 2023 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Comprehension
___ The response shows a strong knowledge of the
novel.
___ The response shows understanding of the novel's
historical and cultural context.
___ The response shows understanding of connections
among Atticus Finch, the novel's historic context, and
the events of the narrative.
___ The response shows understanding of the author’s
choices.
Name Date


(4 possible)
_________
Grammar,
Conventions,
and Spelling
___ Transition words and phrases connect ideas.
___ Language is sophisticated and sentence lengths
vary.
___ Correct punctuation and spelling are used
throughout.
___ If dialect is cited, it matches that shown in the text.
total 20
__ The main idea or purpose of the essay is clearly
stated.
___ The response is fully relevant to the prompt.
___ The response considers all aspects of the prompt.
___ The response is analytical rather than personal.
(4 possible)
_________
Analysis
___ The response contains a fully developed analysis of
Atticus Finch's opposition to cultural norms and ideas.
___ The response references the novel's narrative
within its historical context.
___ The analysis includes at least two examples of
figurative language that signals the novel's historical
and cultural setting.
___ The response incorporates specific quotations and
evidence from the novel.
(4 possible)
_________
Organization
___ There is a clear and effective organizational
structure.
___ The introduction connects the essay to the
requirements of the prompt.
___ Ideas are organized logically to show the
significance of Atticus Finch's choices and actions within
the novel's historical and cultural context.
___ A conclusion sums up the essay's ideas.
(4 possible)
_________
© 2023 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Comprehension
___ The response shows a strong knowledge of the
novel.
___ The response shows understanding of the novel's
historical and cultural context.
___ The response shows understanding of connections
among Atticus Finch, the novel's historic context, and
the events of the narrative.
___ The response shows understanding of the author’s
choices.
Name Date


(4 possible)
_________
Grammar,
Conventions,
and Spelling
___ Transition words and phrases connect ideas.
___ Language is sophisticated and sentence lengths
vary.
___ Correct punctuation and spelling are used
throughout.
___ If dialect is cited, it matches that shown in the text.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD SUMMARY:
1-5
Its happening during the great depression (1930’s)
The kids were raised by Calpurnia The story is set in Maycomb, Alabama
"When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem's fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious about his injury."
The rumors that Boo drove the scissors into his parent’s leg, pulled them out, wiped them on his pants, and resumed his activities.
THEIR MOTHER DIED WHEN SCOUT WAS 2 THEY WAS RAISED BY THEIR HOUSEKEEPER
Their friend charles baker (dill)

Atticus is their father , (, Atticus Finch, who is a lawyer.)
the children are fascinated by their neighbor, Boo Radley

6-11
Dill must return to his mom in Mississippi , on dills last night they try to catch a glimpse of boo radley.
They try to trespass and someone fires a shot at them as they escape. Jem retrieves his trousers. Someone had folded them up neatly on the radley fence.

Natahan Radley , Boo’s older brother.
Mr.Avery the mean guy

Atticus huls the children out Miss Maudie's house burns down

A AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN Tom Robinson ATTICUS TRIES TO HELP knowing he will lose.
SCOUT FIGHTS SOMEONE
The dog had rabies
Mrs.Dubose she was dying , she died a month later free from Morphines grip

12-16
Scout is 9 now , Dill can't come for the summer. Jem’s no fun because of his puberty. Atticus is out so Calpurnia is taking care of them and brings them to her church but lulu tries to stop them but Calpurnia stands her ground
Tom is accused of r Mayella Ewell
Aunt alexandra has come to stay , she has convinced atticus that her stay was a must.

Jem and Scout find their aunt to high and might
Scout actually starts to cry and Atticus takes it all back
The trial of tom robinson was about to start. Atticus children was targeted by mean comments and weird looks.
Dill harris has traveled all the way from mississippi to see Scout.
A group of men come to speak to atticus as Tom is being transferred. Trouble comes the following night a group of angry men come during the night.
Scout jumps right into the middle of the group then jem and dill show up. As atticus are in serious danger. As a man grabs jem scout kicks the man. Atticus clients. The guys dad Walter Cunningham is apart of the mob.

ITS THE FIRST DAY OF TOM Robinson's TRIAL
The children are giving front row seats. The first witness is called mr Heck Tate

I think they choose scout as the narrator because , so people can see it through the eyes of a child perspective. Maybe to be able to relate to her in some way.

As a young white girl, her experiences are surrounded by different attitudes of her community especially with the town not liking the fact her father atticus is defending a black man especially for sexual assault , which often include racism and social class discrimination. This influences her understanding of the events around her, such as the trial of Tom Robinson, which she grapples with through her innocence and curiosity
use evidence from (to kill a mockingbird )

Answer 1

In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch’s decision to defend Tom Robinson is a courageous stand against the entrenched cultural norms of early-1930s Alabama, a time marked by systemic racism and societal prejudice. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the novel reflects a community deeply rooted in racial inequality. Atticus's choice to defend Tom, an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman, symbolizes his commitment to justice and moral integrity, contrasting sharply with the prevailing attitudes of Maycomb, where racial injustice is the norm.

Lee evokes this historical context through the portrayal of Maycomb’s societal fabric and the implications of Atticus's choice. The townspeople’s reaction to Atticus’s defense illustrates the racism entrenched in their culture. For instance, when Scout and Jem face hostility at school because of their father's actions, it highlights the social repercussions of standing against racial prejudice. The children are referred to as "nigger-lover," emphasizing the community's disdain for any challenge to the racial status quo. This use of derogatory language signifies the deep-rooted racism that pervades their environment and signals how Atticus’s decision alienates him from many of his peers.

Harper Lee further employs figurative language to capture the cultural tensions of the time. In one instance, she describes the trial as a "kangaroo court," a term suggesting a lack of justice and the inherent biases against Tom Robinson. This metaphor not only underlines the flawed legal system but also critiques the broader societal mindset that prioritizes race over truth. Additionally, when Scout reflects on the adults around her, she notes, “It was like watching a black and white movie,” suggesting a stark division between right and wrong, innocence and guilt, that was dictated by the color of one’s skin. This imagery effectively encapsulates the moral dichotomy and the complexity of human character within the polarized context of 1930s Alabama.

Atticus Finch stands as a beacon of morality in a world rife with prejudice; his defense of Tom Robinson is a defiance of the cultural norms that dictate social behavior in Maycomb. Through Atticus’s character and the struggles faced by his children, Lee not only explores themes of racial injustice but also critiques the societal values that allow such injustices to flourish. In conclusion, Atticus's decision to defend Tom Robinson serves as a catalyst for the children’s growth and understanding of morality in a racially segregated society, making To Kill a Mockingbird a poignant reflection on justice and human dignity.