Literature can be either a mirror or a window. In other words, sometimes we can relate literature to

Question

our own lives and learn more about ourselves. Other times, literature helps us better understand
people who are different from us.
In a full 5-8 sentence paragraph, choose one of the reading assignments from this unit
and explain how it was either a mirror or a window for you. That is, explain how the selection
either related to your own life or helped you better understand someone else. Use at least two
supporting details or pieces of textual evidence to support your answer.

Answer 1

One of the reading assignments from this unit that served as a window for me was "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. This novel helped me better understand the experiences and struggles of African Americans during the time of racial segregation in the United States. As a person of a different race, I have never faced the same level of discrimination and injustice that the characters in the book did. However, reading about the unfair treatment of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of a crime he did not commit, allowed me to empathize with and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

One piece of textual evidence that supports this is when Atticus Finch, the protagonist's father, states, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." This quote highlights the importance of stepping into someone else's shoes to truly understand their experiences. Through the characters and their struggles in "To Kill a Mockingbird," I was able to gain insight into the harsh realities faced by African Americans during a time of rampant racism.

Furthermore, the character of Scout, the narrator, undergoes a significant transformation throughout the novel. Initially, Scout is naive and unaware of the prejudices and injustices that exist. However, as the story unfolds, she slowly becomes more aware and starts questioning society's norms. This mirrors my own journey of learning and growing, as reading the novel made me question my own biases and understand the importance of actively challenging discrimination.

Overall, "To Kill a Mockingbird" was a window for me as it helped me better understand the experiences of African Americans during a time of racial inequality, and it encouraged me to examine my own thoughts and beliefs.