Choice Post

Your final To Kill a Mockingbird post must include two specific examples and at least one quote from the novel.

Choose from one of the following three topics:

1. Harper Lee had a specific message to send her readers. As a reader, what did you glean from reading To Kill a Mockingbird? What specific events in the novel probed your thought?

2. Choose a dynamic character. How has this person changed? What prompted this person to change? Was the change positive or negative? How did the change affect other characters?

3. What kind of father is Atticus? What are good elements of his parenting? What could be improved? What values does he possess?

Blog Grading

You will write one more blog entry tomorrow. There are a total of six entries worth a 100 point test grade. You will be graded on the following criteria:

1. Visual appeal--media/pictures tell more about the post.

2. Quality of the post--the post accurately answers the questions and speaks to the topic.

3. Academic writing--writing has correct punctuation, spelling, grammar, etc. Title of novel is in italics and correct capitalization is utilized. Also, it should be free of abbreviations.

*If any posts are missing, points will be deducted.

**If you haven't sent me your blog address, I cannot grade it.

Arthur Radley

What is your opinion of Arthur Radley? Explain your initial feelings about Arthur. How did you feel about him at the beginning of the book? What made you feel this way? Provide specific evidence with at least one quote.

How do you view Arthur at the end of the novel? If your feelings have changed, why have they changed? What specific evidence changed your opinion? Provide specific evidence with at least one quote.

How does Atticus feel about Arthur Radley? How do the officials feel about him? What proves these statements? Provide at least one quote.

Why do you think Harper Lee included Arthur in the novel? Provide strong justification for his presence in the novel.

Diary Entry from character of choice

Write a review of the trial (in the form of a diary/journal entry) from a character's perspective who witnessed the trial. The evidence list you created last week should be utilized to easily remember specific facts from the trial. You must include at least two quotes from the novel. The entry should accurately represent the feelings and personality of the character. However, please be conscience of the language you include. While a couple of these characters would use the "n-word" or other inappropriate language compared to today's society, please refrain from using it within your post.

Each entry should address all the happenings of the trial. This post should require most of the hour.

Please make it clear at the beginning of your post which character you have chosen.

You may choose from the following characters*:
Atticus Finch
Jem Finch
Dill Harris
Reverend Sykes
Mayella Ewell
Bob Ewell
Tom Robinson

*Scout is purposely not on this list as we have already heard from her perspective.

Role of a Minor Character

First, please remember this is supposed to be a well written work. There are several posts I've read without proper capitalization and punctuation. This is important to demonstrate your understanding of the conventions of writing. Also, posts without proper capitalization and punctuation do not appear as knowledgeable as one that demonstrates these writing principles.

We have discussed several minor characters throughout the past two weeks. These characters subtly effect other characters or often describe details from a different perspective. To Kill a Mockingbird has several minor characters who influence the young children Scout, Dill and Jem.

Minor Characters to choose from:
Miss Maudie
Dolphus Raymond
Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose
Calpurnia

Answer the following questions within your post:
Describe the minor character. What do they look like? Who are they related to?
What is their role in Maycomb County.
How did this character effect the plot?
What is the relationship between the character and children like?
Why do you think Harper Lee included him/her in her story?

Choose a part of the story where the character demonstrates one of your above descriptions. Explain this event. You should include a correctly documented quote to include in your post. If you can find a picture of this character, it would be nice to include.

Favorite Character

Who is your favorite character?

Why is he/she your favorite?

Describe this character's most endearing quality. Explain a situation where this quality can be easily seen.

What role does this character play in the novel? Protagonist/antagonist/ narrator/plausible/minor character/etc.

How do other characters feel about his character?

How does your character treat others? Provide evidence.

Anything else you would like to add :)

**Provide at least one direct reference with correct documentation to your entry.

Correct documentation:

With dialogue:

“'I don't know, Scout. We better go home'” (Lee 92).

Description:

“He had turned his head to one side and was looking out of the corner of his eyes” (Lee 92).

Example (You could add more and should include a quote):

Dill is my favorite character. His unknown background and seemingly troubled past endears him to me. I love to try and put the pieces together Harper Lee gives us about Dill. She sneaks them into so many different events. Sometimes I have to remember all the clues are given to me through an elementary girl's language and perspective. 

Being a minor character, Dill isn't present in the story all the time. While he's in Meridan, I wonder when he will return and what "trouble" he will get Jem and Scout into next. He seems happier when in Maycomb with his Aunt Rachel, Jem and Scout. This leads me to believe he has limited good friendships in Merdian and would prefer to stay in Maycomb.

Expectations and First Entry

Welcome to the world of blogging! We are going to be using this blog to discuss To Kill a Mockingbird. This will be our informal piece of writing for the 4th marking period.

First, let's make the parameters clear:

1. All posts should be respectful to everyone.
2. Posts should be academic in nature. Before you hit post, please be sure you are comfortable with ANYONE reading your post.
3. Posts may be written in first person--using I, we, you is acceptable within this context.
4. Any violation of the student handbook will be handled utilizing the consequences listed within.
5. Let your voice shine within these pieces. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and creative genius.

FIRST ENTRY DETAILS
Your first post should be about one of the events/people you selected during the 1920s and 1930s project. This post must include a picture, summary of the event, and how it connects to the novel. Be sure you project your own summary. Copying from a website could create an even larger problem than violating school policy. Since you have posted to the world as yours, the author of the copied work could contact you!

Example post:

One of the major fashion trends during the 1920s was the flapper dress. Women wore this type of dress for classy occasions especially for a night out on the town. This dress was noted for its short style with multiple layers of "bling." Women also kept their hair short to wear stylish hats. Style today is freckled by the 1920s trends.