Level 4 Module To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Name: Period:

Please have the following items in the following order in your portfolio.

MT 1

- Key Terms Cornell Notes (in order by chapter)

- (2) Usage-in-Context Tasks

- (2) Etymology Tasks

MT 2

- Historical Context “Great Depression” Questions

- (2) Book Review Rhetorical Précis statements

- Compare & Contrast Modes Paragraph of Book Reviews

- Op-Ed “In Defense of Mockingbird” Rhetorical Précis statement

- Novel Comprehension Chapter Questions (in order by chapter)

- (1) Literary Techniques & Comparisons Task

MT 3 & 4

- (1) Dialect, Slang & Figurative Language Task

- (1) Rhetorical Mode Essay (all drafts, final draft on top)

- (1) Timed Argumentative Essay (all drafts, final draft on top)

MT 5- (1) Text & Oral Presentation Scoring Rubric

ALL MTs- Final Exam (scored)

Module Reflection Page

ELA 11A Level 4 Module- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Date Begun: Date Finished: Name / Period

MT 1: Vocabulary Acquisition MT 2: Reading & Response MT 3: Syntax & Structure MT 4: Argumentative Text

MT 5: Range of Reading

Analyzes a word’s use in context, etymology Employs in writing, with a focus on technical and discipline-related terms

Analyze two or more themes through research & multiple sources and formats Respond to socio-historical context, author information, genre & literary time period, literary techniques & text comparison Demonstrate novel comprehension

Analyze how language functions in contexts Apply variations of language in analysis and composition Construct argumentative responses to text utilizing multiple sources

Apply fluency skills and demonstrate mastery of

grade level reading in oral format

EVID

ENC

E C

HO

ICES

Key Terms Cornell Notes. See website for key terms.

See task directions.

Historical Context The Great Depression

Comprehension Questions

Author, Genre & Literary Time Period Book Reviews (New York Times & Smithsonian) Write a rhetorical précis of each

Compare and contrast modes paragraph on how the book reviews present the novel, the writing and its positive and negative aspects Op-Ed “In Defense of Mockingbird”

Write a rhetorical précis

Dialect, Slang & Figurative Language Choose ONE.

Chapters 5 & 6 Dialect & Slang Chapters 12 & 13 Figurative Language Chapters 20 & 21 Figures of Speech

CHOOSE ONE.

Choose a 20 sentence passage and memorize and recite it.

Memorize a 20 sentence portion of Atticus’ final speech to the jury and deliver it.

Compose and deliver a book review of the novel (mirrored after those used in MT 2).

Usage In Context Choose ONE. Chapters 3 & 4 Context Clues

Chapters 9 & 11 Vocabulary In-Context

Chapters 16 & 17 Courtroom Terminology & The Judicial System

Written Texts (must utilize a minimum of 5 sentence patterns) Rhetorical Modes Essay – CHOOSE ONE. Compare & Contrast- Explore the relationships between parents (or parental figures) and children in To Kill a Mockingbird. See task directions. Compare & Contrast- Compare the movie to the book. See task directions. Cause & Effect- Explore the influence and important of church and religion in Maycomb. Definition- Define “hypocrisy” and discuss how it is relevant to the novel. See task directions. Narrative- Write a journal about the trial from Jem’s point of view. See task directions. Module Assessment (must utilize key terms & sent. patterns) Timed Argumentative Essay

Etymology Choose TWO. Chapters 1 & 2 Word Parts

Chapters 5 & 6 Word Origins

Chapters 7 & 8 Word Roots

Chapters 24 & 25 Word Origins

Novel Comprehension Chapter Questions. See task directions.

Literary Techniques & Comparisons Choose ONE. Chapters 7 & 8 Characterization

Chapters 20 & 21 Rhetoric

Chapters 14 & 15 Analyzing Poetry

By the end of your module, you should be able to fully answer the following: What characters and events dominate the novel? How did socio-cultural forces shape the characters and events of the novel? How does the novel serve as an integral part of American literature? How does Scout’s telling of events portray and reflect controversial issues in American culture, such as race, rape, and morality?

***You must take, and pass with a score of 3 or higher, a final exam on the novel.

MT 1: Language of the discipline: Using your novel by your author, complete a set language of the discipline exercises. Language of the discipline means words that are listed as the key terms for your novel. Your Language of the discipline words must:

Come directly from the text

Formatted in Cornell Notes with an essential question and closing summary

Be a minimum of 20 words for the whole text

Be defined as used in the text (not necessarily what dictionary.com says)

Be provided in the direct quote and page number

Be provided in an analogy (a minimum of 4 types of analogies throughout)

Have an analysis of its connotation, usage or other relevant study

Meet the requirements of the rubric below

4 3 2 1 - Uses 20 or more relevant LOD words -Uses multiple definitions to demonstrate range in complete sentences -Provides direct quote and chapter and page citation for each word -Employs an analogy for each LOD word using at least 4 or more variations -Provides extensive connotative or usage analysis (including rhetorical effect) -Meets formatting requirements -Has no errors in conventions

- Uses 20 relevant LOD words per -Provides relevant definition in complete sentence -Provides direct quote and page citation for each word -Employs an analogy for each LOD word using at least 3 variations -Provides relevant connotative or usage analysis -Meets formatting requirements -Has no errors in conventions

- Uses 20 LOD words, some may lack purpose -Provides somewhat relevant definition which may or ,ay not be in a complete sentence -Provides direct quote and page citation for each word -Employs an analogy for each LOD word using less than 3 variations -Provides limited connotative or usage analysis -May or may not meet formatting requirements -Has minor errors in conventions

- Uses less than 20 LOD words -Provides no relevant definition -Provides no direct quote and citation -Provides no analogy for each LOD word -Provides no connotative or usage analysis -Does not meet formatting requirements -Has major errors in conventions

Analogies

16 kinds of relationships that analogies may express:

1. Antonyms – up : down

2. Synonyms – great : wonderful

3. Part : whole – trunk : tree

4. whole :part – school : classroom

5. tool : its action – crayon : draw

6. tool user : tool – carpenter : hammer

7. tool: object it’s used with – hammer : nails

8. category : example – dog : Golden Retriever

9. effect : cause – flood : rain

10. cause: effect – practice : improve

11. increasing intensity – unhappiness ; misery

12. decreasing intensity – hot : warm

13. action : thing acted upon – read : book

14. action: subject performing action – teach : teacher

15. object or place : its user – chalk : teacher

16. noun: closely related adjective – elephant : enormous

Published: July 10, 1960Copyright © The New York Times

Published: July 10, 1960Copyright © The New York Times

MTs 2/3: whole work comprehension: Using your book, complete leveled questions and answers for the whole text. These questions must;

Be formatted as Cornell Notes

Be in question form with answers in complete, and thorough, sentences

Have a 5 sentence summary per set of questions (4 total)

Meet the requirements of the rubric below Leveled Questions for the whole text- Write a minimum of six level 1 questions; five level 2 questions; four level 3 questions; three level 4 questions. The set of questions should end with a 5 sentence summary of the book’s main points, your own interpretation of its purpose, and answers the essential question. These questions should demonstrate your understanding of the following:

Level 1- Basic chapter information: Character names, relationships, events o i.e. Who was Scout Finch’s father and what was his job?

Level 2- Comparison of characters, events, and outcomes o i.e How did Scout’s view of Calpurnia differ from Jem’s view of her?

Level 3- Analysis of characters, events, plot details o i.e. How did the experience at night at Boo Radley’s house change

Scout’s view of her neighbor? Level 4- Connection of text to other context, time, idea, period, event

o How does Tom’s courtroom experience portray the realities of how African Americans are prosecuted within the American criminal justice system?

4 3 2 1 -All questions relate to the particular text -There are 3 questions (minimum) -Level 4 questions provide significant and specific answers with elaboration - All questions are answered with sophisticated insight and complete sentences -Answers cite extensively from the text -A 5 sentence summary that takes a position on the essential question

-All questions relate to the particular text -There are 4 questions of (minimum) - All questions are answered in full detail and complete sentences -Answers cite some direct evidence from text -A 5 sentence summary that successfully answers the essential question

-All questions relate to the particular text -There are 5 questions of (minimum) -Questions may lack full detail and complete sentence structure -Answers do not cite direct evidence from text - Summary lacks 5 sentences or may not successfully answer the essential question

-Questions may not relate to the particular text -Minimum amount of questions not met -Questions lack full detail and complete sentence structure -Answers do not cite direct evidence from text - Summary lacks 5 sentences or does not address the essential question

# of Questions: 6

Answer: 1 sentence

# of Questions: 4

Answer: 3 sentences

# of Questions: 5

Answer: 2 sentences

# of Questions: 3

Answer: 5 sentences

Written Texts: Rhetorical Modes Essay- Choose ONE

Compare & Contrast- Explore the relationships between parents (or parental figures) and children in the novel. Look at the relationship between Atticus and Jem and Scout, Calpurnia and the children, Bob and Mayella Ewell, the Radley family, Dill's relationship with his family, and the Cunningham family. What do they all have in common? What differentiates them? How important to family is each?

Compare & Contrast- Compare and contrast the book and the movie version (starring Gregory Peck). How well did the director capture the important moments and themes in the novel? How do some parts differ in events, narration and portrayal? What parts seem the same? What parts did the movie put in a different order, add or leave out?

Definition- Define "hypocrisy" and discuss its role in the novel. Miss Maudie says, "Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets." What does this mean? What does it mean to be a "hypocrite"? Who in the novel are "hypocrites" and how do they behave? What effect does their hypocrisy have on themselves, those around them, and the town of Maycomb?

Cause & Effect- Explore the influence and importance of church and religion in Maycomb. Who is "accepted" and why? What role does the Missionary Society play? How does religion and spirituality affect Maycomb and its residents?

Narrative- Write a journal about the trial from Jem's point of view. Your journal should have 7 entries. Entries should focus on major events of the trial and how he would respond to that event. Remember- you are Jem while you are writing this diary.

Brumley 1

Brittany Brumley

Guss

ELA 11

December 10, 2013

To Kill a Mockingbird

The families in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, have a range of approaches to parenting

and the child-parent relations. In some families, parents and children are openly respectful of one

another, while in others, genuine respect is displaced by stern authority. Nevertheless, parents

within all of these families seem to feel some call to protect their children, though how they each

choose to do varies greatly.

The relationship between Atticus and his children, Jem and Scout, is both tender and

direct. In some ways, Atticus treats his children with an unusual amount of respect, almost as if

they were adults. He does so by sharing details about his work and trusting them to make many

decisions on their own. Yet at the same time, it is clear that he is the authority figure in the house

and his children do respect him as a parent rather than as a peer or an equal. Conversely, Bob

Ewell’s relationship with his daughter is far from tender, not nearly as mutually respectful, and

certainly authoritarian. These two families represent two extremes of familial relations in the

novel: the Finch’s trusting and honest respect on one hand and the Ewell’s authoritative

harshness on the other.

If the Finch’s and the Ewell’s are on opposite ends of the parenting spectrum in the

novel, then the makeshift family of Calpurnia and Jem and Scout lies somewhere near the

Brumley 2

Finch’s. Their relationship, too, is open and respectful, so much that Aunt Alexandra worries

about the children’s ability to interact in what she considers “a proper way” with African-

Americans. Still, the children do respect Calpurnia, but not in a way that suggests they fear her

like Mayella likely fears her abusive father. Closer to the Ewell’s family relationship may be the

Radley’s family. The lives of the Radley’s are most often shrouded in mystery and speculation;

there is some belief that Mr. and Mrs. Radley are abusive and force their son Arthur Radley,

most commonly referred to as Boo Radley, to stay inside. Boo’s response to his parents by

stabbing his father certainly suggest some dysfunction in the family rather than respect.

At the same time, though, all these parents do act on some impulses to protect their

children. Atticus protects his children with sage advice on handling differences between his

kids and their peers, and attempts to shield them from falling victim to the same ignorance that

the rest of the town suffers from in various aspects. Bob Ewell beats his daughter to teach her not

to consort with Blacks, which is motivated by a racially charged idea of protection present during

this time in history. Even the Radley’s alleged confinement of their child to the house is a

protective act of their son, Boo Radley, although it is considered to be a misguided one.

Calpurnia, as the maid of the Finch’s home, became very protective over Jem and Scout. When

she took them to the “Black peoples” church, a member was less than enthused with Calpurnia

and made sure the two children (Jem and Scout) knew that they didn’t belong, and Calpurnia

stood up for them and made them feel welcome with the help of the rest of the church members

present.

The spirit of open, honest, direct and respectful communication is at the very heart of the

Finch family and is very important to them; it is what holds them together. It also holds

Calpurnia together with her charges—Jem and Scout—though at the same time, her employment

Brumley 3

and the liking of her allow her to continue her stay and job at the Finch’s home as well. The

Ewell’s certainly seem to be tightly knit and the strict parenting no doubt plays a part in this, but

it cannot be considered to be a happy healthy family situation. For the Radley’s, whatever

parenting goes on in their house keeps Boo at home, but it is difficult to say if this is out of

familial loyalty or otherwise due to the lack of additional information presented throughout the

novel.

Parenting styles vary as do the levels of respect between the family members in

Maycomb County. Regardless, many parents seem to feel the drive to protect their children from

harm, though the different ideas vary widely on what is considered to be harmful and not. It

seems that members of families who value and respect one another more seem to also value their

own families more. Parenting that is driven by the ideas of stern authoritarianism seems to result

in families whose members seem to value their own families less.

Brumley 1

To Kill a Mockingbird (Rough Draft)

The families in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird have a range of approaches to parenting

and the child-parent relations. In some families, parents and children are very openly respectful

of one another, while in others genuine respect is displaced by stern authority. Nevertheless,

parents across all these families seem to feel some call to protect their children, though how they

each choose to do varies greatly.

The relationship between Atticus and his children, Jem and Scout, is both tender and

direct. In some ways Atticus treats his children with an unusual amount of respect, almost as if

they were adults. He does so by sharing details about his work and trusting them to make many

decisions on their own. Yet at the same time, it is clear that he is the authority figure in the house

and his children do respect him as parent rather than as peer. Conversely, Bob Ewell’s

relationship with his daughter is far from tender, not nearly so mutually respectful, and certainly

authoritarian. These two families represent two extremes of familial relations in the novel: the

Finch’s trusting and honest respect on one hand and the Ewell’s authoritative harshness on the

other.

If the Finch’s and the Ewell’s are opposite ends of a parenting spectrum, then the

makeshift family of Calpurnia and Jem and Scout lies somewhere near the Finch’s. Their

relationship, too, is open and respectful, so much so that Aunt Alexandra worries about the

children’s ability to interact in what she considers a proper way with African-Americans. Still,

the children do respect Calpurnia, but not in a way that suggests they fear her like Mayella likely

fears her abusive father. Closer to the Ewell’s might be the Radley’s. Those much of their lives is

shrouded in mystery and speculation, there is some belief that Mr. and Mrs. Radley are abusive

Brumley 2

and force their son Boo to stay inside. Boo’s response to his parents by stabbing his father

certainly suggest some dysfunction in the family rather than respect.

At the same time, though, all these parents do act on some impulse to protect their young.

Atticus protects his children with sage advice on handling differences between his children and

their peers, and attempts to shield them from falling victim to the same ignorance that the rest of

the town suffers from. Bob Ewell beats his daughter to teach her not to consort with Blacks,

which is motivated by a racially charged idea of protection. Even the Radley’s alleged

confinement of their child to the house is a protective act, although a misguided one.

The spirit of open, honest, direct and respectful communication is at the very heart of the

Finch family and is very important to them. It is what holds them together. It also holds

Calpurnia together with her charges--Jem and Scout--though at the same time her employment

keeps her there as well. The Ewell’s certainly seem to be tightly knit and the strict parenting no

doubt plays a part in this, but it cannot be considered a happy healthy family. For the Radley’s as

well, whatever parenting goes on in their house keeps Boo at home, but it is difficult to say if this

is out of familial loyalty or otherwise.

Parenting styles vary as do levels respect between family members in Maycomb County.

Regardless, many parents seems to feel the drive to protect their children from harm, though

ideas vary widely on what might be harmful. However, it seems that members of families who

value and respect one another more seem to value family itself more. Parenting that is driven by

stern authoritarianism seems to result in families whose members seem to value their own

families less.

Brumley 1

Brittany Brumley

Guss

ELA 11

December 19, 2013

To Kill a Mockingbird-Controversial Issues

Bullying, profanity, racism and discrimination. To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel written by

Harper Lee, is diverse in its ability to cover these controversial issues present throughout

American history, and continuing to be an important message concerning issues still present in

society today. Throughout her novel, Lee is not afraid to cover and discuss these issues and give

various points of views on each of them. The characters in the novel represent a large spectrum

of character personas ranging from Atticus Finch to Bob Ewell. The elements throughout the

novel are important to understand throughout society in order to be able to positively influence

the people around us. To Kill a Mockingbird sends many messages to the audience members and

“hitting home” with the important, yet controversial issues of bullying, profanity, racism and

discrimination.

Scout is a fighter and a very stubborn young girl; she and her brother Jem are very close

to each other. When they learn of their father, Atticus Finch, being the lawyer in charge of Tom

Robinson’s court trial, their peers begin to bully and make various malevolent comments towards

them based on their father’s actions. Tom Robinson was a black man who had been falsely

accused of raping a white woman. The people of Maycomb County did not agree with Atticus’

decision to follow through with this court case and often took their anger and disappointments

Brumley 2

out on his children, making it difficult for them to get past it. Throughout the novel, both Jem

and Scout are able to overcome this obstacle, learning and growing from the ill-behaviors the

others had towards them.

Profanity is a large controversial issue discussed throughout the novel. This type of

language is used by members of society of all ages, even Scout. Some would see this as

offensive and inappropriate in most novels, but in this novel, many would argue that it fits in

quite well with the time period and setting of the novel as well as the messages Lee is trying to

send. During the mid-1900’s, profanity and foul language was very popular and still remains to

be widely disputed among disagreeing parties. There are many people who practice the use of

foul language, and many who have conflicts with it being used for any reason whatsoever. Aunt

Alexandra comments on Scouts foul mouth often, trying to break the habit of her before it

becomes an obsession that is unable to be controlled or monitored. The issue of profanity

remains in today’s society—whether or not it is appropriate, and when—issues that have not yet

been successfully resolved and may never have a “correct” or “final” resolution.

Racism is one of the most dominating controversial issues discussed thoroughly

throughout To Kill a Mockingbird. Calpurnia, the Finch’s house maid, is a black woman who

takes care of the white Finch family. When Atticus is away, she offers to take Jem and Scout to

church with her on Sunday, and they are happy to go, especially since they are young and most

likely do not fully understand the issues and spites among the whites and blacks of Maycomb

County. When they arrive, another black woman made sure they were well aware that she did not

respect the two white children coming to an “all-black” church. Many members of Maycomb

County also did not agree with blacks being present within their own surrounding areas. Many

were very upset with Atticus for standing up and protecting Tom Robinson—rightfully protected

Brumley 3

due to his innocence—and released their anger through throwing out very racial and crude

comments toward Atticus and Tom. Despite these odd situations this rare pair of men had to

endure, they remained tranquil and persevered through the court case, even though there were

very few possibilities of Tom Robinson breaking free of the curse that was bestowed upon him.

To Kill a Mockingbird is filled with controversial issues and various views throughout the

novel of each of these issues presented. This is important to the novel because each audience

member is able to somehow relate to the novel on a much deeper level and truly understand what

is going on throughout. On the other hand, many audience members would struggle getting past

the fact that the issues that are discussed are serious and largely debated issues going on in

America today. The views perceived in the novel vary widely from character to character, but do

not cover every possibility a person may or may not have. Many people would disagree with

many of the viewpoints in the novel. Many would argue that the comments shouted at Jem and

Scout were not forms of bullying because they were not directed at the two children, but at their

father; others would argue that profanity belongs throughout the novel and the characters should

not be monitored by other family members—or may even argue that profanity and foul language

does not belong and should not be included; arguments of the racism and discrimination may be

too much or unwelcomed as a controversial issue to be discussed thoroughly throughout. These

are valid arguments for many people; however, the characters in the novel are developed around

these values of how to handle the issue of bullies being present, issues of profanity being present,

and issues of racism being present. Without these values and various forms of knowledge of

these topics, the characters would take on much different views and ideas.

Bullying, profanity, racism and discrimination are still highly debatable topics of today.

There are multiple views on each of these issues and Harper Lee is able to balance them well,

Brumley 4

without overpowering any of the small, yet important issues presented. Also, she is able to

combine them and provide the thoughts of people on both sides of the issues at hand, providing

the audience the pleasure of understanding both sides more clearly rather than solely depending

upon the side and viewpoints of Scout (the main point of view throughout the novel). In order to

be able to clearly understand To Kill a Mockingbird, the reader must have an open mind and be

able to understand that there are more than just two dimensions to every discussion presented.

Brumley 1

To Kill a Mockingbird Argumentative Essay Rough Draft

Bullying, profanity, racism and discrimination. To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel written by

Harper Lee, is diverse in its ability to cover these controversial issues present throughout

American history, and continuing to be an important message concerning issues still present in

society today. Throughout her novel, Lee is not afraid to cover and discuss these issues and give

various points of views on each of them. The characters in the novel represent a large spectrum

of character personas ranging from Atticus Finch to Bob Ewell. The elements throughout the

novel are important to understand throughout society in order to be able to positively influence

the people around us. To Kill a Mockingbird sends many messages to the audience members and

“hitting home” with the important, yet controversial issues of bullying, profanity, racism and

discrimination.

Scout is a fighter and a very stubborn young girl; she and her brother Jem are very close

to each other. When they learn of their father, Atticus Finch, being the lawyer in charge of Tom

Robinson’s court trial, their peers begin to bully and make various malevolent comments towards

them based on their father’s actions. Tom Robinson was a black man who had been falsely

accused of raping a white woman. The people of Maycomb County did not agree with Atticus’

decision to follow through with this court case and often took their anger and disappointments

out on his children, making it difficult for them to get past it. Throughout the novel, both Jem

and Scout are able to overcome this obstacle, learning and growing from the ill-behaviors the

others had towards them.

Profanity is a large controversial issue discussed throughout the novel. This type of

language is used by members of society of all ages, even Scout. Some would see this as

Brumley 2

offensive and inappropriate in most novels, but in this novel, many would argue that it fits in

quite well with the time period and setting of the novel as well as the messages Lee is trying to

send. During the mid-1900’s, profanity and foul language was very popular and still remains to

be widely disputed among disagreeing parties. There are many people who practice the use of

foul language, and many who have conflicts with it being used for any reason whatsoever. Aunt

Alexandra comments on Scouts foul mouth often, trying to break the habit of her before it

becomes an obsession that is unable to be controlled or monitored. The issue of profanity

remains in today’s society—whether or not it is appropriate, and when—issues that have not yet

been successfully resolved and may never have a “correct” or “final” resolution.

Racism is one of the most dominating controversial issues discussed thoroughly

throughout To Kill a Mockingbird. Calpurnia, the Finch’s house maid is a black woman who

takes care of the white family. When Atticus is away, she offers to take Jem and Scout to church

with her on Sunday, and they are happy to go, especially since they are young and most likely do

not fully understand everything too well. When they arrive, another black woman made sure they

were well aware that she did not respect two white children coming to an all-black church. Many

members of Maycomb County also did not agree with blacks being present within their

surrounding areas. Many were very upset with Atticus for standing up and protecting Tom

Robinson—rightfully protected due to his innocence—and took their angers out through

throwing out very racial and crude comments about Atticus and Tom. Despite these odd

situations this pair had gone through, they remained tranquil and persevered through the court

case even though there were very few possibilities of Tom Robinson breaking free of the curse

that was bestowed upon him for something that he did not do.

Brumley 3

To Kill a Mockingbird is filled with controversial issues and various views throughout

the novel of each of these issues presented. This is important to the novel because the audience

member is able to somehow relate to the novel on a much deeper level and truly understand what

is going on throughout. On the other hand, many audience members would struggle getting past

the issue that these issues that are discussed are serious and largely debated issues going on in

America. The views in the novel vary from character to character, but do not cover every

possibility known to man. Many people would disagree with many of the views given in the

novel. Many would argue that the comments shouted at Jem and Scout were not forms of

bullying because they were not directed at the two children, but at their father; others would

argue that profanity belongs throughout the novel and the characters should not be monitored by

other family members—or may even argue that profanity and foul language does not belong

throughout the novel and should not be included; arguments of the racism and discrimination in

this novel may be too much or not welcome as a controversial issue to be discussed thoroughly

throughout. These are valid arguments for many people; however, the characters in the novel are

developed around these values of how to handle the issue of bullies being present, issues of

profanity being present, and issues of racism being present. Without these values and knowledge

of these topics, the characters would take on much different views and ideas.

Bullying, profanity, racism and discrimination are still very controversial topics of

today’s society. There are multiple views on each of these issues and Harper Lee is able to

balance them well, without overpowering any of the important issues presented. Also, she is able

to combine them and provide the thoughts of people on both sides of the issues at hand, giving

the audience the pleasure of understanding both sides more clearly than solely the side of Scout

(the main point of view throughout the novel). In order to be able to clearly understand the views

Brumley 4

in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the reader must have an open mind and be able to

understand that there are more than just two dimensions to every discussion.