There are no new symbols introduced, but the Radley house shows up again at the end of chapter 12, right after Scout shows curiosity in Tom Robinson’s life, and the life of the other African Americans in the community. Harper lee created a setting on page 151 when she described what the jail looks like when the group of men showed up to harm Tom. She used phrases such as “in ones and twos, men got out of the cars. Shadows became substance as light revealed solid shapes moving toward the jai door.” The most intense conflict of this section was the jail scene starting on page 151. A group of white men (including Mr. Cunningham) come to the jail house to harm Tom Robinson. Scouts eventually diverted the fight after jumping in the middle of the circle of men, and declaring that “Entailments are bad.” The men leave, being led away by Mr. Cunningham, whom the declaration was directed at. The author creates emotion by writing the book from Scouts point of view. It gives us a clear and unbiased view of the events surrounding her, letting us be able to feel raw emotions. It is also important when the court case comes. An older Scout tells us that “I tried to keep an unbiased opinion to give a clear understanding of the trial.” The primary emotion that is conveyed throughout this section was aggravation. Scout is aggravated with her Aunt Alexandra because of her constant nagging to be a “lady”. Atticus is Aggravated with Alexandra also because of her attempts to change their lifestyle and opinions. Scout is aggravated with Jem because of the personality he has taken on since getting older. If Atticus was with us, I think he would attempt to try to give us a clear understanding on how our lifestyle and actions can affect us in later years. Throughout the discussion, I think he would teach us new ideas about living, and ling well; not in a physical sense, but in a mental and emotional state.
This week’s discussion focused on the family esthetics. We talked about how having Aunt Alexandra coming to live with them affect each individual character, and how it affects them as a whole family. Each of us had a new idea to point about how the characters behaviors changed. We see a new side of Atticus, who instead of quietly disagreeing, stands up against Alexandra’s attempts.
This week’s passage taught me that one person can have a major impact on one’s life. This is illustrated by what affects Aunt Alexandra has on the Finch’s life, and how Calpurnia influences Scout’s personality as she’s growing up. It’s also shown that one person can have a major affect on the community as a whole also. Tom Robinson’s case has shown up in almost everyone’s life, even if only a little. This is true with today’s world, as one person’s actions or words can shape another’s life.
