Elements of the Novel, To Kill a Mocking Bird :: To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

Elements of the Novel (To Kill a Mocking Bird) Element Questions Evidence Character 1. Name the various persons we encounter in TKAM. Scout, Jem, Atticus, Arthur Boo Radley, Calpurnia, Miss Maudie Atkinson, Mrs Dubose, Cunninghams, Ewells, Tom Robinson 2. How do we evaluate these characters? a. by their speech b. by their actions? We evaluate the characters by both their speech and their actions. What they say suggests how each one of them are thinking and the tone in which they say, illustrates their attitudes. Minor actions on their part also review their character s and attitudes. E.g. (speech) Atticus,† You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view†¦until you climb into his skin and walk around it.† (chapter 3) This piece of evidence shows that Atticus is understanding towards everyone as he would always try to see things from the other point of view. (actions) When Mr Ewell approached him, cursed him, and threatened to kill him, he just took out his handkerchief and wiped his face. He understood how Mr Ewell felt as he destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial and felt that Mr Ewell, spitting on his face and threatening him could save Mayella one extra beating. He understood how they feel and did nothing to aggravate them. E.g. 3. Do we have privileged access to all the characters’ most private thoughts? No. We only have access to Scout’s most private thoughts as she is the narrator of the story. Her voice and viewpoint offer a glimpse of local events and personalities through the lens of childhood. Everything that happens is seen through her eyes. Everything that happens must be known to her. But,, we can never see â€Å"inside the heads† of other characters in the story. Only if the story is told in the third person, it would be different. We would probably know why exactly Jem cried, why Atticus took Tom’s case and what fears and doubts he may have had. E.g. Scout witnessed how Aunt Alexandra’s reaction to the bad news of Tom Robinson’s death. She was truly upset but she still put on a brave front and looked as happy as she could to join the other ladies. She thought that Aunt Alexandra was strong and wanted to be like her. So with her best company manners, she served them, thinking that after all, if Aunt Alexandra could be a lady at time like this, so could I. (access to Scout’s thoughts) E.g. Jem was moody and silent for a week after the incident which he left his pants on the wire and he went back to take it. We are unable