Hollinger: 5 Fall 2011 discussion

You must answer EACH question. You can do this in one longer post, or in a separate post for each question. THEN, you must respond AT LEAST twice to someone else's post. You can agree, disagree, argue a point, etc. ALL posts (including responses) must include your reasoning and a reference to the book. That means no posts that only say: "I agree with you."


1. Is the novel's title appropriate? Why or why not?

2. Who is your favorite character? Explain why.

3. In the last few lines of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout says, "he was real nice..." and Attiucus replies, "most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." Do you agree that most people in the novel are nice once you see them? How is Atticus able to see the good side of people despite all he has experienced? Can you?

Andrew wrote: "You must answer EACH question. You can do this in one longer post, or in a separate post for each question. THEN, you must respond AT LEAST twice to someone else's post. You can agree, disagree, ar..."

Andrew wrote: "You must answer EACH question. You can do this in one longer post, or in a separate post for each question. THEN, you must respond AT LEAST twice to someone else's post. You can agree, disagree, ar..."

I truely believe that the novel's title is appropriate to the story, referencing to pg. 103 "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up peoples's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockbird." The reason why this reference is significant is that it symbalizes Tom Robinson for he is the mockingbird and he didn't do anything but help others and was wrongfully accused for rape. Besides that he was shot down with 17 shots which in my opinion was excessive and he should have been dealt differently for trying to escape to the freedom he rightful diserved...

I find this title appropriate. I dont find anything wrong with this title. My favorite character would be jem, because he has gone through alot of pain in sports, and that does not stop him from playing any sports. I do agree that most of the characters are pretty nice, because of their actions when they talk to each other.

#1 The title "To kill a Mockingbird" is very strong and powerful, it says a lot about the how the book is. The word mockingbird comes out a few times in chapter 10 and Miss Maude compares the bird to an actual person the actual person, being Mr. Ewell accusing Tom Robinson of hurting his daughter. Miss Maudie meaning by "it is a sin to kill a mockingbird" the police killed an innocent man, Tom Robinson

I dont see anything wrong with the title I think its appropiate. My favorite charecter is jem, because he plays sports and usually if you get hurt in sports like he did you have heart for that sport. They are pretty nice because it seems like they try to help each other out when someones down or needs it

Answer 1: I think the title is appropriate because it sounds symbolic to the story. The mockingbird represents the black man, and to "kill him" was actually kill his pride.

Answer 2: My favorite character is Jem, because he is the older brother of Scout and I like the way he acts when she is scared and tries to assure her.

Answer 3: I agree that once you see people, they can be nice. I think Atticus is able to see the good side of people because he is a lawyer and it is his job. I'm not sure if I can see the good side of people, sometimes I can, but after more observation I tend to wonder and can't decide.

I think the title for the novel is appropriate because the title is a hidden metaphor. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because "they don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us."(Lee 119)In a way Tom Robinson is a mockingbird. He was killed for an act he did not commit, he was innocent and never intended to hurt anyone. The title suits the novel very well because one of the main plots is showing the metaphor, that nothing and no one should be harmed or killed if they do not deserve it.

1. I feel that the title of this novel is a very clever and fitting title. In the novel they mention that if you kill a mockingbird its a really bad thing, almost like bad luck or a sin. The saying "To Kill a Mockingbird" seems to be a very subtle comment when it is said in the book, but if you think about it, it reflects almost every good and bad decision people make in the book.

1. I think that the title is appropriate...one of the main things in the book is Tom Robinson's trial. His trial was wrongful, he was not guilty, it was wrong to put him in jail and kill him. Just like it would be wrong to kill a mockingbird, "They don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy...That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

@Charile
the things you put were good and i agree

1. I think "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a very creative title for the story. It is a metaphor representing Tom Robinson being charged for raping and beating Mr. Ewell's daughter, and later getting killed by the police. Since it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, Harper Lee was stating that the killing of an innocent man was also a sin.

@Sarah

Good answer, I agree with you. Tom Robinson clearly represents the metaphoric mockingbird.

1."To Kill A Mockingbird" may suggest something very different to those who have not heard about nor read the book. Yet to the reader, it seems like a title that ties in with the book itself. After reading the book I learned that the title has to do with Tom and the unfair punishment he was given during trial. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a clever title that I think gives the reader something to think about throughout the time one is reading the novel.

2. Atticus is my favorite character because I admired how strong and courageous he was throughout the book. Not once did change his mind about what he believed in because others didn't agree with him. Being able to stand strong during ridicule can be difficult for anyone. Atticus was able to overcome the hatred and violence that was thrown at him.

3. I don't agree with this statement for several reasons. Firstly, Aunt Alexandra turned out to have everyone's best interests at heart but I dont think she was as nice as she could have been. Atticus is able to see the good side of people despite everything he has experienced because its part of his personality. Atticus is a kind and patient person which could cause him to care for others and believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Personally, I think it is difficult to see the good in others when they have shown disloyalty multiple times. Though I do agree with the fact that everyone deserves a second chance; sometimes it is harder to be the bigger person and forgive someone in order to see that person's "good side".

#1 to me the title is pretty appropriate because it actually has to do something with the story (unlike other books its just for show)and what i mean by this, is that in this story it is said to kill a mockingbird is a sin, and what happened to this man, (tom robinson)was similar in a way that he was killed being inocent of something he did not do so its basicly a sin aswell to kill a man that is inocent

i dont think the novels title is inappropriape because throughout the whole novel no mockingbirds were killed or harmed

1. I believe the title was apropriate because it has a deeper meaning and it overshadows the famous qoute said in the book.

2. My favorite character in the book is Atticus because he seemed to be the wisest of them all and I really admired the thing Atticus said.

3. Atticus can see the good side in people so easily because he is a wise man and not only that. It should be pretty easy to see the good side in people when all he usually sees is the bad, and spotting the good is simple. If I was in his situation im pretty sure I can see the good in people even if they have a badside. I partially agree with the quote "most people are nice when you meet them" because most people are. But you get those few that when you actually finally meet them they aren't very good people.

2. My favorite character in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" would have to be Scout. Scout shows many times that she is a pretty mature girl for her young age. Towards the middle of the book Scout begins to push away from hanging out with the boys and begins to hang out with her neighbor Miss Maudie. The fact that she can have good discussions and have a friendship with an adult shows that she is pretty mature. She also is my favorite because she is unique, unlike most girls her age. Scout can keep up with the older boys and shes a tom boy, not all prissy like most of the girls her age. She dresses how she wants and not how her Aunt Alexander or her other family wants her to. Scout by far is my favorite character in this novel.

2. My favorite character is Atticus. Atticus is honest and hard-working. Unlike other lawyers would have, Atticus actually believed Tom. He tried to help him, unlike his sister he considered Calpurnia family, he cared about her. Atticus also saw the goo in people, he looked past the bad things, and didn't judge people.

1.Yes, because mockingbird was talking about the Africa American people and white people were hating Africa American people.
2.Atticus, because he was fair to all the people despite he was existed in that generation.It was appealing me how he would act and talk.
3.I agree because all the character's are kind but it is just that they express differently to people.

My favorite character would be Atticus. Atticus presents himself in this novel as a significant role model for Scout and Jem whether it dealt with morals or basic common sense. Aside from that he also is an adiquate and fair lawyer for he doesn't discriminate by color or by religion on who he defends such as in his case as Tom as his client. The funny thing with Atticus is that he knew that he would lose Tom's case to Mr. Ewell, because regardless of how Atticus proved and had various methods of showing Tom's innocence, Tom was black and that was that. What Atticus did that really inspired me was that he choose to try to at least make a difference which he did because the jury had taken some time to diliberate Tom's veridict. How you may ask?? Easy, if Tom was guilty they would have just came out in 5 min. saying so, but since at least someone had believed in Tom's innocence, there was a hung jury. In conclusion, Atticus could have gave up from the start, but he felt if he didn't do it he couldn't live with himself. His determination is universal, noble of him and something we all can learn from...

@Monte

I agree with the answers that monte responded.

#2 My favorite character in the book would have to be Atticus, mailnly because he is very smart man and always does the right thing. He is always there for Jem and Scout whenever they need him, and always gives good advice. Atticus can look for the good in people like he did with Mrs.Dubose, even if she wasn't "a lady" like Jem said, Atticus saw the courage in her and she was the "bravest person" that he ever knew. It took real courage for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson in court, and he did an excellent job at trying to prove him not guilty.

My favorite character has to be Atticus. He always seems like he knows what to tell his children, he seems so calm about all situations and never has a negative thought about anyone. Atticus always has a positive feeling towards others like everyone is a good person.

@Andrea

Great answers, I agree with all of what you typed.

1. I believe the novel's title is appropiate. In the book, when Scout and Jem recieve their air rifles, their uncle tells them that they "can shoot all the bluejays [they] want" if they can hit them, but that "it [was] a sin to kill a mockingbird." They later explain this, saying that mockingbirds don't cause any harm. They don't "eat up people's gardens" and such, and instead create music for any to hear. This idea can also be seen later throughout the book.
It's a sin to kill something innocent.
Near the end of the book, when Bob Ewell attempts to kill Scout and Jem on their way back home, this idea comes up again. It's not stated in text, but it's there. Ewell tried to kill two children who hadn't cause any harm to anyone. They were just children.

2.My favorite character is Atticus, partly because he's a lawyer, and partly because he is a wise, intelligent man. Atticus isn't like the other men. He understands and sees things in ways they would never see. And never understand. When Heck Tate spoke about Atticus's skill with a gun, he said that the reason Atticus had abandoned shooting was because shooting wasn't a talent. It was different. When Atticus came to realize this, he put his gun down, understanding that "God had given him an unfair advantage over most living things."
If it had been me, I would have never been able to leave such a talent. But, the fact that he did makes me admire him all the more. He wasn't afraid of his skill, he decided to leave it of his own free will.

3. I do think that there's a good side to everyone, but then that means the opposite applies.
When Aunt Alexndra first came into the book, I really disliked her. However, Atticus allowed her into his home, let her have her say in the raising of his children, and although they didn't see eye to eye in a few matters, he was kinder than he should have been.
I think that maybe, the reason Atticus is able to see what many arent able to, is because he isn't predujiced. I don't mean predujiced against African-Americans, I mean prejudiced against anyone. He understands why people do the things they do, he understands their mentality.
As for me, it would take me many years to reach the level Atticus has, but I believe I can find the good side of people. However, it's different nowadays. In a setting like Maycomb, most of the citizens are truthful and if they try to lie, they aren't very good at it. As I stand, I can't find the good in all people.

No i dont think the title is appropriate cause never once was there a mockingbird killed. My favorite character was Jem because he was an athletic person who played sports, i admire that. Yes i do agree that they are nice cause they try to pick them up when there feeling down.

@ Tae
I agree with Tae answers, because there is proof in the book that supports his answers.

1. Yes i think the title " To kill a Mockingbird" is appropiate for the book, because it's like if Tom where the Mockingbird and he is innocent. Like the book says "It's a sin to kill a mockingbird" I think it was wrong for the police to kill Tom even though he was innocent.


2. Scout is my favorite character even though she is a tom boy because she is brave, smart, and tough. She already knew how to read and write when she entered school. She stands up for what she believes in, and she loves Aticus and always reads with him.


3. Yes i agree, because people can say rumors about someone but once you meet them you change your mind and realize they are nice. I think because he has had experience throughout his life and can see the good on people. Yes i can see the good side of people depending how they act.

@Tae
Tae has a good point and i didnt think about it like that. I think thats a really good understanding of whats going on.

1.In the book it's said that "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."(Lee 119), just like it was wrong to convict Tom Robinson when he had done nothing wrong, so the title is appropriate.

2.My favorite character is Atticus, he's smart and does his best to always do the right thing, like representing Tom Robinson in court. Also it was interesting to read that he used to be know as "One-Shot Finch"(Lee 128).

3.Most of the character's are nice, but Mr. Ewell never was. Atticus knows that "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."(Lee 39). This way Atticus is able to understand the reasons people do things. We can learn from this technique and not judge people so quickly when we don't agree with something they do.

1. I think it's appropriate, because the title catches the readers attention. Curiousity tends to lead someone to a book from it's cover or title. The title is also a deep meaning for the book.

2. For me, Atticus is my favorite since he's the one fighting for Tom Robinson's case. Despite what some town folks have been telling him and his childern, he still focuses on the case showing that he is a strong & solid character.

3. No, not untill you learn more about the character do you know they're nice. Atticus sees that there is always some good in people despite how their personality might be or their personal life. I believe the same way.

@Jorge I agree with your response, shooting Tom Robinson 17 times is breaking the 8th amendment and especially when he was obviuously innocent for the crime.

This is for Alexia. I like the way you think. You must have really read the whole book to understand these questions. Good job.

I do think that most people are nice when you first meet them, even though there are a few people i have met that are rude but you can always give people second chances. Attitus is a strong man I honestly don't know how he can see the good side of people even though he faces so much violence and hatred, maybe he thinks that there are worse people out there.

Answer 1: The novel's title "To Kill a Mockingbird" is appropriate, because in the book Atticus tells Scout to never kill a moking bird since they don't harm anybody just like Tom Robinson who didn't hurt Mayella at all but was still accused for rape. Answer 2: In the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" my favorite character was Scout, because she doesn't understand the things going on around her until 2 years later where she starts to understand everything Atticus was telling her in the beginning of the story.

Answer 3: I do agree that most people in the novel are nice once you see them, because Jem and Scout didn't know how the people they knew really where. Once they got to know them just as Mrs. Dubose, they both thought of her as a mean old women when she was actually old and fragle. Eventhough Atticus experienced a lot during the novel, he still sees the good side of people, because he knows that they have different interests than others and knows that rumors aren't always true just like when Jem and Scout think that Boo Radley is a creepy guy that never leaves his house.

3. I do agree that MOST people in the novel are nice once you see them and in life, but there are also people who are not nice at all. Jem and Scout has all kinds of thoughts about Boo Radley, all of them were bad, but he was not bad at all, he ended up being very nice; he saved Jem! I think that Atticus's expierience has helped him, he has lived a while, he's seen a lot, and understands more. With his job he has seen many bad people go free. I think that Tom Robinson's trial really opened his eyes. He knew Mr. Elwell, and Tom. He refused to believe that Tom was guilty. I'm not sure...some people are easy to judge in my opinion, others are not.

@John
Those are good answers i agree and jem is my favorite charceter to

my favorite character in the novel was jem because hes the one who suffered the most and is the one who got his arm broken, hes also my favorite character because even though he's injured he is still determined to play

Rhianna wrote: "2. My favorite character is Atticus. Atticus is honest and hard-working. Unlike other lawyers would have, Atticus actually believed Tom. He tried to help him, unlike his sister he considered Calpur..."

I agree entirely with you. Most lawyers defend their clients, but never believe them. Bravo :)

Answer2:My favorite character would have to be jem cause he dosen't like to hurt pride

Answer3:I would agree that some people are nice once you truly see them but not all.Atticus is probably able to see the good side of people cause that's just his character.I can see the good side to some people but not all.

Jonathan wrote: "No i dont think the title is appropriate cause never once was there a mockingbird killed. My favorite character was Jem because he was an athletic person who played sports, i admire that. Yes i do ..."


I disagree. The title isn't meant literally.

2. My favorite character was Atticus because through out the story he stayed true to what he believed in, which was that Tom Robinson was innocent. Even with all the hatred towards him from other people he didn't care about anything but justice, which I deeply respected.

3. I do agree that everyone has good in them and that if you get to know them, they can turn out to be the complete oppisite of what you expected or thought them to be. Scout and Dill talked to Mr.Raymond who was supposedly the county drunk, a bad man who lived with the negroes. They began to talk to him and they figured out that he is actually a very good man and in fact he isnt a drunk, he doesnt drink at all. He walks around with a coke inside a paper bag, so you can't walk around judging people based on what others say.
I think Atticus is able to see the good in people because he has learned from his humbling experiences that you shouldnt judge people till you REALLY know them. He has done things that people might say are "bad" or "stupid" like defending Tom Robinson in the court trial. He knows you cant see who someone really is till you talk to them and give them a chance.
For the most part i do see the good in everyone. I am the least judgemental person you will ever meet. I will not exclude you because of the way you look or dress. I give people my full trust and i believe that everyone is a good person until they give me a reason not to trust them or a reason to prove that they dont mean good. So i would say, yes, i do see the good in everyone, even the people i dislike the most. :)

@ Jorge I agree with you about Tom getting shot and how it was excessive, wrong, and not in the least bit deserved. Yet he was technically still a prisoner escaping from jail whether he is guilty or not and getting shot was something that was bound to happen. Think of it this way, if it was someone who was guilty of a crime and was escaping from jail, I don't think you'd feel the same way about him getting shot. Though I definitely agree with you about the amount of times he was shot and how excessive it was.

1.I think the novels title is appropriate beacuse it symbolizes the book.In the book Tom Robinson gets accused of something that he didnt do but cause of his color he didnt get the chance.He got killed after when he tried to escape. 2.My favorite character is Jem cause he was cool.He lied to his dad and didnt get caught.He played with Scout and Dill even though he new he could get in trouble.
3.I agree that most people were nice like Mrs.Maudie and Atticus but some were bad like Mrs.Dubose. She made people mad.Atticus was calm with everything and tried to know people around him.He cared for people that he didnt even know which was cool.Yes I can see the good side in people.

1. The title is fitting with the novel, because in the novel they talk about killing a black man with his pride, and a mocking bird does have pride.

2. Atticus was my favorite character because he always new what he was talking about, even if he didnt know about the subject it would sound like he did. Not only that, but he was the wisest in the novel in my belief.

3. I think so, because Atticus was able to see beyond just color on the outside with Tom Robbinsin.

3.

Jorge wrote: "My favorite character would be Atticus. Atticus presents himself in this novel as a significant role model for Scout and Jem whether it dealt with morals or basic common sense. Aside from that he a..."

I really agree with you Jorge, Atticus is a great role model, and I am positive that racism played a part in this novel.

Elinni wrote: "@Jorge I agree with your response, shooting Tom Robinson 17 times is breaking the 8th amendment and especially when he was obviuously innocent for the crime."

It doesn't matter if he was innocent or not. What mattered was whether the jury found him guilty or not. It was unfair, but that's the justice system.
No amendment was broken anyway, he attempted to escape a guarded facility. As a prisinor, he had little or no rights.

Jorge wrote: "My favorite character would be Atticus. Atticus presents himself in this novel as a significant role model for Scout and Jem whether it dealt with morals or basic common sense. Aside from that he a..."

I agree with all the things you said. When Atticus stood up for Tom, it showed how much he cares for others regardless of race.