As I am reading the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, I noticed that throughout the book, the setting takes place in Maycomb County around the Finch’s house. Within chapter’s eight to eleven, many important events happened. To start out, it has been the coldest weather since 1885. School was canceled, so Jem and Scout made a snowman for the first time ever. This is important because all the neighbors think that Jem and Scout caused this weather, as in a curse or something. Later that night, they had awakened to see that Miss Maudie’s house was on fire. Everyone came to help, but they couldn’t stop the fire in time. Most of her house was gone. Another important event is that many children at school are starting to bully Scout about Atticus defending a black man. She promised not to get into any fights about it and was fine with it at first. Then adults and her cousin Francis got on her about it. She had had enough. She got in a fight with Francis. To me, this shows that she loves her father and wants to stand up for him. A few days later as Jem and Scout were walking to the store; Mrs. Dubose started harassing them about Atticus defending Tom Robinson. On the way back Jem wrecked all of her flowers and now has to read to her two hours a day. I predict that Jem will get to know her very well and learn to respect her a lot more. Lastly, Jem and Scout found out that Atticus has the best shot in Maycomb County. He isn’t proud of it, but had to shoot down Tim Johnson, a mad dog. This is important because they now have something to be proud of Atticus for, even though they decided not to go and brag to everyone about it. Overall I predict that this will make all of the characters a lot closer. The tone of this section was very sad and depressing because a lot of bad things happened. As my group was talking we decided that Maycomb County is similar to our own community. Everyone helps each other when they are in need. We thought it was cool how even though Jem and Scout found out about Atticus’s talent, that they choose to keep it secret and benefit only themselves. I think that the author is trying to tell us that we are all people and we make mistakes, but we all have to be forgiving and help each other out.
lets get together and we’ll be alright.
2011 -
05.02
