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Were the kids justified in fearing Boo? Was all of their Boo-play (sneaking in the back yard, knocking on the door, role playing) warranted? Fair? Rude? Innocent? Wrong? Right?
ReplyDeleteThe kids were not justified in fearing Boo. Instead of creeping on him and pretty much stalking him, they should have left him alone. It is rude of the kids to make a game out of someone's life and they should be more respectful.
DeleteThe kids were justified in fearing Boo. These are young kids who do not know anything about this strange person except for the rumors they hear. All the kids wanted to do was get to know Boo and everyone else in Maycomb wanted they to stay away from him. All of their Boo-play was just our of pure innocent and curoisity. The kids just wanted to meet him and see what he was actually like.
DeleteJIM NASH
DeleteNone of their " Boo play" is justified. That is because it's very inappropriate to just loiter around someones house without permission and this can be considered a crime in some parts. It's rude because loiterring around and basically vandilizing his property by spitting on it is horrible. What the kids did and regularly do to Boo and is house can all be considered a crime because the children are technically trespassing which is illegal.
Jim Nash
it was not right for the kids to make fun of boo radley in the way that they did. the "boo-play" was very rude, and they did not even realize it. they were not justified in fearing him because they based their fears on the rumors about him.
DeleteThe kids were not justified in fearing Boo Radley. They made assumptions that these crazy rumors were true. The kids can not just do that. It is rude and wrong. Even though they are kids they can not just believe the rumors. Someone needs to tell the kids that it is not fair for Boo because these rumors are insane and very unreal.
DeleteNo, the kids were not justified in fearing Boo Radley at all. The only things that they heard about Boo Radley are all just gossip. For example, the fact that Boo stabbed his parent in the leg with scissors. This did not come from a legitimate source. It came from the town's biggest gossiper: Ms. Stephanie Crawford. How can we just infer that Ms. Stephanie Crawford knows everything? Just because they are curious in this so called "killer", doesn't mean that they have the right to invade his personal privacy. They were not warranted, they didn't ask any permission from anyone. They went out and knocked on the door at night with out any permission. They could have got injured badly. It was pitch black outside, how could they just infer that they will be safe? Therefore, I think that the kids actions' are fair, rude, and wrong because they are invading someone's personal privacy without learning any legitimate information about the individual.
DeleteIn the first part of part one they are justified because they don't know any better then what they are doing, but later in part one they should know better tha's it's not nice to do all that they do to the Radley's. I think what they did to the Radley's was very rude and was wrong of them to be playing such games like they were
DeleteArman, I think you are correct with your thought, but what are some real examples from the book. Not to be critical, but please capitalize the first letter of each sentence in your paragraph next time.
DeleteI think that they are justified to fear Boo, but it isn't ethical. It's like every childhood senario with the creepy house that has a murderer or a ghost inside of it. This is that case but only because it is seen through Scout's innocent eyes and she describes it as the creepiest thing ever. I just think that this is a senario that is very unethical but a playful rumor that keeps their life interesting.
DeleteJimmy, don't you mean that the kids "aren't" justified to form an opinon of Boo?
DeleteI don't thonk the kids should have feared Boo the way that they did. I guesse that they should have some fear of him because he hasn't come out of his house in a long time. That would freak me out a littl bit. Then Miss Maudie Atkinson tells scout that he is proabably crazy. So i guesse it is ok to fear him, but not as much as they did in the book. They should have gotten more legitimate info on his backgroud before they labled him as a freak. I think it was rude for them to do the things the did.
DeleteI don't think the kids have a legitimate reason for what they're doing, but I think they have their own reasons for why they're doing it. Let's be real here, guys, if there was some creepy, supposedly haunted house on your block, you would totally feel tempted to go inside it, right? It might be rude and invasive, but you would still want to see what was going on. Children are curious, they want to know everything and anything. You can't justify curiosity.
DeleteDan, what is the difference between "justified" and "ethical"?
DeleteI think that there Boo-playing was warranted and also rude at the same time. It is warranted in a one way because the characters really want to see Boo radley and playing this game could solve many questions the characters have. Also it is rude for obvious that they are sneaking in a persons backyard and knocking on there door.
DeleteBrian (BT),
DeleteI see where you are coming from, but most kids know the limits of what is right or wrong. They may not know it the first time they do something wrong, but after that they should know what they did was wrong. The children played their Boo games way to many times and after the first time they played the games, they should know that what they are deoing is impolite and rude at the same time.
Jim Nash
Scout, Jem,and Dill are all young kids, and they do not know that they are basically stalking Boo, they are just curious about who he is and what he looks like. They are just trying to see if the rumors are true.
DeleteScout, Dill and Jem weren't justified of Boo. The only heard rumor about him like "He was six feet tall.. he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch" (Lee 16). Since the kids were naive, they pretty much believed the rumors and decided it would be a good idea to go off to the Radley's house and try to see Boo. It was an irresponsible and rude thing to do since they were invading the Radley's home and trying to budge into other peoples lives to figure these things out just for fun. I agree with Courtney when she said that the kids shouldn't of made a game out of someones life and mind their own business.
DeleteJohn (Mr. Cowlin)... In my opinion, the difference between justified and ethical is that justified is the right to be able to think something where as ethical is really a question of ethics, like is it the morally right thing to do or the opposition
DeleteThe kids did not have any reasons of fearing Arthur Radley. The Radleys were only RUMORED to be cruel and barbaric. Known facts sometimes are twisted and translated differently to accuse a person. Arthur Radley is isolated for his own parents’ sakes, and Arthur never has been seen since the incidents that happened several years earlier. A decade of isolation can change the morality of a person and their ethics. The kids’ curiosity of Arthur Radley is some sort, infatuating. Their attachment to the idea of Arthur Radley had some severe consequences. Their actions can cause turmoil within the community and towards the Radley family.
DeleteThe kids were justified in fearing Boo in the beginning. They hear all these crazy stories, and being as young as they were, they believe what they hear. However, they took their beliefs in the rumors too far. Playing the game was not justified was just rude whether or not the stories were true. It was innocent because they did not mean for it to offend anyone but it was not right.
DeleteIn my opinion, I do not believe the kids, Jem, Scout, and Dill were justified in fearing Boo Radley. The children should have understood most gossip and rumors are untrue, but being kids they most evidently did pick up on that. Furthermore, I believe the children had no real reason to trespass or in other words, walk passed the Radley’s back fence. Simply, I believe the kids were just being curious children, who decided to investigate the rumors that related to Boo Radley, when faced with the boredom of summer. In other words, the actions of the children were not innocent but wrong and unfair to Boo.
DeleteNot bad. But then what is the difference between morality and ethics? If those two things are identical, why do we have different words? Anyone?
DeleteAlso, Dan, don't say, "I my opinion." People who use that phrase sound weak and limp. Be strong when you write.
The kids are not justified in fearing Boo Radley. We understand that they are young and immature but that does not give them the right to make silly acusations towards Boo Radley. The kids do not know him as a man, they know him as a monster. The kids do not think about his feelings and how he would feel if he knew the harsh things that they were saying about him. I think that it is rude the way they view Boo, they base their game "BOO RADLEY" off of rumors that they have heard that have not been proven true. The kids imaginations are taking over them and it is wrong .
DeleteBoo Radley is a weird and mysterious man. He is kind to Jem and Scout, and he gives them many items: a pack of gum, two pennies, a ball of gray twine and two soap dolls. On the other hand when the kids are looking through the window, he appears behind them making a shadow on the wall. He never is seen outside, and there are horrible rumors about him: stabbing his parents with scissors, poisoning the pecans, and throwing them over the fence for the school kids to eat. It is never right or nice to mock someone; it is rude. The kids might think it is innocent, but it is wrong.
DeleteBrian, I agree with you. I think as children they are justified to have feared him because of what they have heard and the mystery that Boo Radley keeps himself in. The actions they had were innocent and they were just trying to get answers and fill their curiousity. However, after they were talked to by Atticus, the behaviors seemed to have slowed down and they realized how they were wrong.
DeleteIn my opinion, I don't think what the kids did was right but they are kids, they are curious and are tempted to do things before thinking about the consequences. I think the kids have a reason to be scared also. Kids usually believe everything that is being told to them so I can see why they would be scared and interested in investigating the rumors about their creepy neighbor.
DeleteJohn Thomas i do mean it is not justified to form opinions about Boo and going on his property is also not justified at the same time
DeleteJim Nash
In response to Mr. Cowlin, morality is a an individual set of standards that vary for evrybody mainly because the rules are different everywhere in the world while ethics are a general set of rules that dictate general behavior such as not murdering and stealing. In effect, a murderer could be considered a person with outlandish morals and an unethical behavior but one is viewed from a more subjective standpoint. Although rules set down by a hierarchy dictate your morals and your ethics; morals are more personal while ethics remain widely accepted terms of living.
DeleteMorals are the things you do to stay a nice good willed person. Ethics is the way you do good things or how you do good things.
DeleteThe kids really do not know any better, or know what they are actually doing to Boo, so why is it not okay for them to do it. Today, we let any little kid say bad things or do soemthing that is not right, and we just say Oh they are kids, they do not really know what they are doing or saying. Isn't it the same thing?
DeleteAlright, well there is not real big difference between morality and ethics rather than ethics being broader and morality being a segment of ethics.. they both question what is right and what is wrong. I think the kids are allowed to think this, but it is just unethical (meaning bad to think). Just like everyone in this discussion thinks that something is true when it is just gossip. If someone says that they think it is unjustified it is a little hipocritical because EVERYONE here, even me, heard some gossip or has something even subconcious that makes them think a certain way that may not be completely moral.
DeleteJim,
DeleteI agree with you. BT, how is their action justified "if they don't know any better"? That does not seem like a legitimate reason.
I definitely agree with Courtney. Instead of playing games and disrespectfully spying on the Radley’s house the children should have left him alone. They should have followed Miss Maudie’s words of wisdom “ If he’s not he should be by now. The things that happen to people we never really know. What happens behind closed doors, what secrets-” (Lee 61) and not inferred the worst about Boo, for if they had kept a neutral view they would not decide to spy and snoop on the Radleys.
DeleteI also agree with Sam on the moral and ethics question. and to add what I said before, if someone doesn't think differently from an outside piece of gossip, then they probably did when they were Scout's and Jem's age
DeleteI agree with Nicole. When kids now days do or say something bad the responds of the community is: "They're just kids, let kids be kids!"
DeleteThe kids were not justified in fearing Boo Radley. Sneaking in the back yard was unnecessary, for they do not know if any of the rumors they have heard are true. As every other kid, they have many questions, and they want to find out the truth for themselves. The kids should not play “acting games” about Boo because it could be seen as disrespectful, and even Atticus does not approve of it.
DeleteSam - Nice. Did you come up with that on your own, or do you need to cite a source?
DeleteI did indeed come up with that on my own.
Deleteto find an answer you must look to some one in the book who has gained your respect,Atticus for instance. you know he has good morals and he does not believe that making fun of Boo Radley. yes they were curious and would have been too, but there are other ways to find things out, not sneekin up in the middle of the night and almost getting shot
DeleteAtticus says something to the effect that Mrs. Dubose was the bravest person he ever knew. Do you agree with him? Who is the bravest character in the book so far?
ReplyDeleteI don't think that she's the bravest character because she hasn't necessarily done anything that could really be considered brave. She just has to deal with her disease. She hasn't done anything spontaneous or crazy. I think the kids are braver than her because they went up to Boo Radley's house, knowing that he could be a psychopath with a machete or something that he could use to brutally murder them with.
DeleteI disagree to a certain extent. I also think that she isn't the bravest character, but she definantly is very brave. With her illness and the morphine addiction she still says everything without really a way to be ashamed of what she said or did. I also agree with the kids being the bravest, but I think that out of all of them Jem is the bravest because he just follows what Dill says and is afraid to do.
DeleteI believe that Atticus was right in saying that she was the bravest person he ever knew. Drug addiction is difficult for many people, and getting clean for Ms. Dubose must have been hell. To add to the struggle, she was quite old and had health issues. Altought Ms. Dubose was brave, the bravest character in the book so far is Atticus because he is taking the case with Tom Robinson to heart and going against what society believes is right.
DeleteI do not agree with Atticus on this one. Although Mrs. Dubose was an old lady and was addicted to pain killers thats not a valid excuse to go after Jem, Scout, and Atticus.I think that the bravest character is Calpurnia.
DeleteI do agree that Mrs. Dubose was a brave woman because seh knew she was going to die but wanted to die freely. It was extremely difficult, but she did whatever it took. I believe the bravest character so far is Atticus. up until part one he has delt with the loss of his wife, raisnigs two children on his own, and has a case defending a man that most other men wouldn't even consider. He is doing this because he has a good concious and knows that he must take this case despite the mocking and ridicule because it is the right and just thing to do.
DeleteI agree with Atticus that Mrs. Dubose was a very brave person. Even though she had an attitude towards the children, what she was doing shows dedication and was definately not an easy thing to do. I think Jem is the braavest character we have met in the book so far. He is almost like a second father and a mother to Scout and he handles all of the things that Mrs. Dubose said to him with great respect, even after his punishment from expessing his anger towards her.
DeleteI do not believe she is the bravest character in the book. The bravest character in the book right now by far is definitely Atticus. Not only is he taking on the role of a single father with two kids, but he is also representing Tom Robinson in a case he knows he will not win. He also has a lot of guts for putting up with the things that people have been saying about him.
DeleteJim Nash
DeleteMrs. Dubose is not the bravest character in the story at all. how can you call someone brave when they are physically harming their own bodies by abusing the use of prescription drugs. The bravest character in the book is definently Jem because he has the guts to do all of these things to Boo and many other people and he does not care about the consequences due to the severity of his antics. Jem just goes on and do basically whatever he wants, and thats pretty brave
Jim Nassh
I do agree that Mrs. Dubose was a brave person. She did go through many difficulties, but I dont believe that she is the braviest person in the book. The bravest person in the book I think would ahve to be Scout. I believe this because she has to deal with so much talk and rumors from everyone in town about Atticus. She is still a young girl and does not understand it all. This is why I believe that she is braviest person in the book becasue of the way she acts and how she deals with situations that she herself does not always understand.
DeleteI don't think Mrs. Dubose should be considered to be brave. She could be considered strong for dealing with this disease. She may be the strongest character in the book, but the bravest would go to Jem. He went to Boo Radley's house twice. The first time with Dill and Scout, and then the second time to get Dill's pants back.
DeleteJimmy, I don't think Atticus is saying that she is brave because of the overdose on morphine. She is brave because she is willing to speak her mind to release all her anger and hostility before she dies. Kind of like freeing herself from all her guilt.
DeleteShe is the bravest person Atticus knew. She was a morphine addict and she could not stop the madness. She went through many years on morphine and it just made her life worse and worse. She was a brave soul to get through those years without just ending it. It was a really tough life for her. I believe Atticus is the bravest person though. He is defending Tom Robinson and he is going to get so much rudeness to him and his family. He already gets a lot of it, but the worst is yet to come for him and his family.
Deletei do not agree with Atticus about Mrs. Dubose being the bravest person he knew because she did not do anything but overcome her addiction. the kids were a lot braver then her because they faced their fears even though they thought all the romurs were true they still went to Boo Radleys house. Also as if goin there was not enough they also played a game which would make them even more susceptidle to Boo Randley. so i also agree with katie
DeleteI agree with Daniel. It is pretty brave for her to speak her mind like that. However, it still doesn't make me think that she's the bravest in the book. Anyone can just express themselves. It might not be socially acceptable, but they can still do it easily. It doesn't require any real effort except for owning up to what you said.
DeleteJim - we need examples of Jem doing whatever he wants and thus acting brave.
DeleteIn a certian respect she is the bravest because of all the years she has dealt with her addiction with morphine and also the disease would be really togh to live with. Daniel I agree with your thought that the kids aren't the bravest right now even thou they have gone to the Radley's place more than most people have. Not many Characters have shown much bravery but if I was going to pick it would be Mrs. Dubose.
DeleteI do not think that Mrs. Dubose is the "bravest" character in the book. She is rude, old, and cranky all the time. Every time she talks to the kids, she has something bad to say about Atticus. Why in the world would Atticus, an innocent man, call her the bravest then? I think Scout is the bravest, because she has the power to stick up for herself. For example, she has the guts to go and pound Francis after calling Atticus a "nigger-lover". I admire her courage to freely go and speak her mind.
DeleteSo who IS the bravest person in the book?
DeletePeter, I agree with you fully. Atticus is definitley the most brave person. He is going to go through so much and it will get a lot worse. Atticus is taking this on and he will have an extremely tough time.
DeleteThe bravest person in the book so far is Atticus. He is constantly called names such as a “nigger-lover” yet he knows how to respond to these situations. He is probably the only lawyer in Maycomb to take the case of Tom Robinson. From what the book suggests, most people in town are racist and discriminative toward black people. Atticus tries to find the bright side in every scenario, either at home with the kids, or at court defending a case. Mrs. Dubose is a brave lady, but does not receive the hate or judgement from other people in Maycomb as Atticus does.
DeleteI don't think that the kids are very brave. They are curious, but when things get scary they tend to run away. It doesn't make them brave just because they creep on a recluse in their neighborhood. Also, Katie, the only reason they went up to the house was to be nosy.
DeleteI think that Atticus is the bravest person in the book because he is defending an African American in a trial where he is going to ruin the reputation of the family. He knows what he is doing to the family, but if he doesn't do it he will feel bad for the rest of his life. he also killed a rabbid dog.
DeleteI do not think that Mrs. Dubose is a brave woman at all. In fact I think she is just the opposite. She is a coward and afraid to get help or to let people know and she was so rude and disgusting taking out her anger on kids. There is no reason to prove that she is brave and the way she lived the end of her life should be an insult to her memory. Just because someone fights something stupid they do like getting addicted to a drug should not mean they are brave. It is like a smoker saying that they are brave for fighting lung cancer. There is absolutely no reason for treating people as harshly as she did and especially not to kids. “Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers” (Lee 135).
DeleteI do not think that Atticus is calling Mrs. Dubose brave for being addicted or being mean. He is just saying that she was brave because of all that she went through.
DeleteI believe that the bravest character thus far has been Jem and certainly not Mrs. Dubose. I feel this way because throughout the Part one Jem has done nothing but prove his leadership abilities and bravery to both Scout and Dill. At times he had to prove himself such as when he had to retrieve the tire from the Radley Place, “Why didn’t you bring it?” Jem yelled. “Why don’t you get it?” I screamed. Jem was silent. Go on, it ain’t far inside the gate. Why, you even touched the house once, remember?” Jem looked at me furiously, could not decline , ran down the sidewalk, treaded water at the gate, then dashed in and retrieved the tire” (Lee 50). In this passage Jem proves his bravery by saving the kids tire and going inside the yard that they all fear so much. Jem has thoroughly proven himself brave in the eyes of the narrator whose opinion should be heavily weighted.
DeleteMrs. Dubose is a brave woman because as Atticus said, “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea courage is a man with a gun in his hard” (Lee 149). Mrs. Dubose had her own view in life and she always spoke the truth and everything that was on her mind. Although she was a morphine addict and always criticised the children, she always had a way to discipline the children. The bravest person in the book is Atticus because he is fighting in a controversial case since he is defending an African American. He keep his composure through the entire case and he tries to ignore all the rumors and rude things him [and the children] are hearing.
DeleteI agree with sam. In that passage it truly shows how brave jem is to face all the rumors about boo and to face them all for a tire.
DeleteI disagree with Sam completely. Jem is not a leader, he is full of himself and he's kind of douchy. He pushes people around and he needs to learn to control his temper.
DeleteJim Nash I agree with completely, Mrs. Dubose abused drugs and that does not show bravery. That shows shes a coward because she cannot live a healthy and happy life without the use of such a drug as Morphine
DeleteI agree with Aleksandra I believe that Mrs.Dubose is the bravest character beacuse she is a very strong independent woman. But Atticus is also fighting wise because he stands up for what he believes in, and doesnt care what people say or think about him being a "nigger-lover". He keeps defending and standing up for the black people eventhough he stands alone.
DeleteArman and Sam, isn't Atticus more brave than Jem. He is the reason all this is happeneing and why his kids are habving to go through all this. Wouldn't it make Atticus the bravest because he is still standing strong and keeping his head up about all of it.
DeleteCourtney, I completely forgot to take Atticus into account for bravery and I completely agree with you in that by taking Tom Robinson's case and going against all of his family and friends is extremely brave. it is also extremely impressive that no matter how much he is insulted or his kids are insulted he just disregards it completely and tells his kids the same thing and is teaching the kids a very valuable life lesson without them even realizing it, you can already see Scout becoming more tolerant int the book. My question to you is do you see any possible fights in Scout's future and do you think that the Finches will slowly become outcasts in society?
Delete@Katie Wells
DeleteIt is justified that Mrs. Dubose never did anything daring or worthy of prestige, but she went through half of her life dealing with a disease and an addiction at a seemingly old age. Her fight and struggle to keep alive is what Atticus had seen in her. She did not give up on living, and she fought with all her strength, hoping to become well again. She had the choice of taking her own life, an opportunity to rid herself of her curse, but she saw hope in life and in living to the fullest. That is why Atticus admired Mrs. Dubose and her fight to regain her life.
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Jimmy and Johnny, Atticus is not saying that she was brave because of her addiction or beign mean to everyone, he was trying to say that she was brave because of all her medical prioblems that she had to deal with.
DeleteIn my eyes I cannot see how Ms. Dubose can be viewed upon as brave. In my opinion, she has not done anything to achieve this title. The only thing she does do is live with her morphine addiction. That alone does not make someone brave and Ms. Dubose constant rants, harsh words, and high pitched yells does not reveal she is brave either nor in control of her addiction.
DeleteReferring back to what Katie said, I agree to some extent. Truthfully, I do not believe one has to do something spontaneous nor crazy to be considered brave but at least, in Ms. Dubose case take control of her addiction, be kind to others, and have an optimistic view of tomorrow no matter how bad today seems. Then in some aspect one, one could consider her brave.
DeleteI agree with Aleksandra also, I think Mrs.Dubose is a brave woman for being strong and independent even though she is going through so much. But I think that the bravest character is Atticus. Unlike so many other lawyers that are discrimitive towards Africa Americans in Maycomb, he is willing to fight for Tom Robinsons case even though he is colored. He is brave enought to fight no matter what the consequences are. That is why I think he deserves to be the bravest because he has to deal with a lot of crap from people in town but still knows how to respond to it all.
DeleteFind examples of the following: Moments when Scout sees the world as an innocent child and yet we as readers see her world differently. In other words, find examples where Scout's naive outlook creates irony, humor, or drama. (Irony, humor, or drama of which Scout is unaware.)
ReplyDeleteHint: there are many.
The absolute morphodie part was a moment when Scout saw the world through a childs eyes by mispronouncing the word hermaphrodite. In my opinion the mispronouciation isn't the ironic part the ironic part is that she thinks it is a good thing to be called.
DeleteThe part where Scout gets in trouble at school shows how she sees the world as an innocent child. The teacher puts her in the corner for a timeout. Scout calls this a crime she commited. In a child's eye this would be a crime, but for adults a crime is much bigger than what Scout did. It is humorous to us that Scout would consider talking back to the teacher a crime.
DeleteScout thinks Jem is being mean and acting strange; however, Jem is just growing up and becoming too old for her childish games. He is maturing but she doesnt see it that way.
DeleteThere are a numerous amount of times when Scout sees the world in the prespective of a naiive child. For instance she uses words as if she understands them, but she mispronounces them and says them wrong. For exmaple, when she uses the word 'hoodoo' she really means voodoo. And when she talks about "morphodies" she really is talking about hermaphrodites. This is funny and ironic because she uses it as if she understands what the word means, but in reality she doesnt.
DeleteThese three are good examples. There's only about 90 more, however. Please keep digging...
Deletei agree with chris. kids can take even the smallest things and exaggerate them to make them seem like a big deal.
DeleteI don't really think that mispronouncing words is necessarily a childish and innocent thing to do. People do it all the time, no matter what age you are. My grandparents have trouble saying words that I have trouble saying. I do agree with Chris, however. It is humorous how Scout thinks sassing the teacher is really bad. We do it every day, but she considers it a crime. Shows her different views on life.
DeleteScout thinks that Calpurnia knoew two languages because of the way Scout heard her talk at First Purchase to the other "Negroes".
DeleteI agree with Katie, I mispronouncing and misspell things all the time. Some people might get a laugh out of it, but it's really not that funny.
DeleteKatie, I agree with you in that the mispronouncing of words does not show immaturity. I found the part where Scout was at school and she saw Ms. Caroline crying an exapmle of Scout being an innocent child. In the book it says, "As I was the last to leave, I saw her sink down into her chair and bury her head in her arms. Had her conduct been more friendly toward me,I would have felt sorry for her." An adult would put the issue inside and realize that the teacher was inexperienced and embarrassed, resulting in the punishment for the ones who find those traits in her. It shows that Scout is still childlike and is holding a grudge towards her.
DeleteI agree with rachel because Calpurnia is not speaking two languages. Only the way that she speaks changes, but she is still speaking the same language. Also Scout thought that Calpurnia did not have a life outside of working at her house. That shows how kids think the world revolves around them.
DeleteBack to what Daniel said, I don't think that mispronouncing a word is a naive thing to do. No one is born knowing how to pronounce every word so it isn't childish of her to do something like that. I do however think it was naive of Scout that after she got home from trying to sneak into the Radleys home with the boys, every single sound she heard made her think that Boo was coming after her. This was naive of her because after hearing all those rumors about Boo, it's like she expects him to take her away or eat her. The only reason why Scout is is naive is because she is being exposed to so many things, yet she doesn't have the right experiences or knowledge to understand them.
DeleteScout does not really understand the means of "curses" or "provocative words". She completely uses the "provocative words" with disregards of knowing the meaning. It brings humor to the reader mainly because the reader CAN connect to Scout. Everyone at least had a time in their own life that they can connect personally to Scout's situation. Mature readers are hinted to Scout's understanding of her surroundings. Although Scout's vision of the world is peaceful, readers are hinted otherwise. Maycomb County is to her, a tranquil and peaceful place. To the reader, Maycomb County is a gothic town with a taboo secret hidden within it's parts.
DeleteAs known, children often view things differently than adults. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird Scout is narrating as an adult, but simultaneously is remembering events through her childhood self. In such case, there are many instances in which Scout sees the world differently or misunderstands the events occurring around her. For example in the beginning of the book, Scout believes all the rumors she hears about Boo Radley. As a small, innocent and young child she sees truth in all the rumors, for she believes “ Boo was about six-and-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch , that’s why his hand were bloodstained […].There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time”(Lee 16).
DeleteWhat is the 'point' of Part 1? What themes does it explore? What real-world questions does it raise? What philosophical dilemmas does it raise? (Be specific.)
ReplyDeleteDo you guys think that Atticus is a good father? Does he supply Jem and Scout with everything that they could possibly need to be successful in life? Or does he just do the bare minimum? What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI, personally, think that Atticus is a very good father, because he lets the children enjoy their childhood as well as monitor them so they don't get into too much trouble. He makes them pay for their stupid actions, like with Jem and Mrs. Dubose's flowers, which is a good life lesson. He answers their life questions in a way that I think is suitable for their ages and doesn't baby them. He treats them like adults, which is good and bad. The only thing I can think of right now that he could possibly improve on is being involved in their lives. He doesn't really play with them or have in-depth conversations with them because of his age, but he still should try a litle.
I very much agree that Atticus is a good father because he works with the children. Also, he understands the "phases" that Jem and Scout go through. Like the cussing phase, Christmas, and also the fighting.
DeleteI agree. I think that Atticus is trying and succeeding to be the best father he could possibly be. Although I also think that Atticus needs to give his children bigger and harsher punishments for the ridiculous things they do. One being when Jem trashed the flowers, he was not really in trouble with Atticus but Atticus made him do what Mrs.Dubose wanted Jem to do which was read to him. I definitely agree with you about how he teaches them good life lessons because he does not really have in-depth conversations with his children like you said, but he has great advice and shares it with them.
DeleteGood questions, Katie. Nice... I'm still thinking.
DeleteJim Nash
DeleteAtticus is a very good father because he knows what consequences to give the kids when they do something wrong. Atticus also tells the kids good advice when it comes to right and wrong.
Peter, I don't think that he should give them harsher punishments because even though they do a lot of stupid things they also see the reason why it is stupid. Also Atticus's lighter punishments play into their realization of the stupidity.
DeleteI also believe Atticus is a good father. He is doing his job just fine, and that is to prepare them for the future. He understands them very well and always knows what is going on. Atticus also keeps secrets for them because it is the best thing to do in oreder for them to live a better life.
DeleteI think that Atticus is a good father and raises his kids very well under these hard circumstances. He is doing everything he can to help and prepare the kids for the trail and all the bad talk they are going to hear.
DeleteI agree that Atticus is a good father. I think it is a good thing that he treats his kids like adults, but at the same time he still lets them enjoy their life. He is not too strict, but he doesn't baby them. The punishments he gives are very fair and he understands his kids very well.
DeleteI agree that Atticus is a very good father. He has his clever ways of teaching them important life lessons or making them do the right thing. He is teaching them very good morals that the kids need to know in life. He gives them enough space but cares very much not to let them get in too much trouble. He could try to spend more time with them, Jem in particular. He spends time reading everyday with Scout but nothing is ever mentioned about Jem and Atticus together.
DeleteI agree that Atticus is a great father! He takes the role of both a father and a mother combined. He makes sure that Scout and Jem keep up with their education. He teaches Scout morals of life, such as "stepping in other people's shoes". These are things that some parents in the story may not teach their children, such as Burris Ewell, Dill Harris, or Walter Cunningham.
DeleteI personally think that Atticus is a good father because he is understanding, loving, and patient. He teaches his childern responsibilty and boundaries. He lets when do as they please while also keeping a close eye on them. Thus, when they do make a mistake, he can show them to take responsiblity for their actions. Also, he is patient and understanding with their attitudes and actions. I think these are the qualities that i would like in a dad, concluding he is a good father figure.
DeleteIn my opinion, he's a good father. But at the same time, he kind of lets them run wild. He should provide the kids with more structure. He seems caring, but he works a lot and he lets them get away with unreasonable things. He is also a good father because he doesn't force Scout to be ladylike even though many people disapprove of her dress and behavior.
DeleteI think Atticus is a great father, mainly for raising his kids so well. He does not give them everything they need, but is definetly a great role model. He is not too hard on the kids and lets them have their freedom. It was also a good idea for him to hire the maid, Calpurnia, so they do not become rascist in the future. The kids will be well behaved and have good manners when they are older because of Atticus.
DeleteDaniel, Peter and Katie I respectfully disagree. I strongly disagree because there is so much more Atticus can provide to their lives. Do you guys think that Atticus is a good father because he physically provides for them well or a good father because he teaches them the right morals and life lessons? I think because they are a little spoiled Scout especially doesn’t understand lots of important things which he could help explain. He could make a little better effort to try to be there for the giving them knowledge of how life is like when you’re NOT playing games all the time. Atticus is in fact a terrible father for the sole reason of letting the kids be too individual and letting them run off free.
DeleteIt seems that you all think he's a good father, but is there anything he could possibly do differently? Anything that he could improve on to make him an even better guardian to Jem and Scout?
DeleteI agree Atticus is a good father. He supports the children and knows what they are going through.
DeleteGeorge I disagree that he is a terrible father. Sometimes there are things that Atticus needs to let his children find out for themselves when the time is right. He can't explain everything to them especially considering their age. Scout doesnt understand everything ismply because she is too yuoung and not mature enough. He certainly could do more but he, as any parent does, is doing as he thinks is best.
DeleteYes but he does not enfoce them in any manner. They have no discipline and maybe Atticus should start spanking them to show the world is a harsh place.
DeleteAtticus is a good father based on the cards he was dealt. If he had a better life, he could provide for his kids better, but he does do a good job with his kids. He should also be a bigger part in his kids lives. Maybe he could play games with them or something.
DeleteGeorge,
DeleteI respectfully disagree with you too. There are times when Atticus does in fact disciplines Scout and Jem. During the Walter Cunningham incident, Atticus tells Scout to "step in other people's shoes." He tells Scout to not fight with Cecil Jacobs on the playground. What does Scout do? She listens to Atticus, and ignores him. He also emphasized the value of education in the family. He has storytime, or reading time with the kids, which helps them to become more intelligent. No matter how I look at the situation, I can't see Atticus as a bad father. Does he abuse the kids? No. Does he spoil the kids? No. How is that spoiling George? Maybe you need to explain to me a little more.
George maybe,spanking is a culture, or a moral you go by for discipline. I believe in spanking too, but why is spanking needed when you can tell your kids something seriously, and they will listen?
DeleteI agree with Jonathan. The kids are definitely not spoiled. He isn't too harsh and he isn't too nice. The punishments he gives them are very reasonable, and it is not considered abusing them or spoiling them.
DeleteChris my man, spot on!
DeleteHe is in between, harsh and nice when disciplining the kids.
DeleteAtticus parents Jem and Scout in such a way that is revoltuionary for this time period. What he does most of the time is take little action when jem or scout get into trouble and talk to the very subtely. However when he does give punishments to Jem and Scout he diguises something that really is not awful to make it look like a radical punishment such as Jem having to read to Mrs. Dubose because later he states that he would have made Jem read to her regardless of his previous actions. He is however an excellent provider of life lessons to Scout and Jem and usually teaches them something through their punishments or trickery.
DeleteIf the kids obey Atticus just by him telling them what to do, why is hitting them necessary?
DeleteRachel, I agree with you, Atticus is a great father. We forget that he is providing on his own and the level of maturity that both of his children posses. Yes, he has the help of Calpurnia, but both of the children respect him enough to make major changes in their behavior to earn his respect back. George, when you say he is making a mistake by letting them run free, I beleive this is what he does best. He is allowing the children to learn for themselves and get their own prospective of things. All children get into trouble so if that is the reason that he is not a good father, I could not disagree more.
DeleteExactly Sam, this was exactly the point that I was trying to get across. This indeed shows that Atticus is a great father, because he doesn't over do the so called moral of "discipline".
DeleteI very much agree Atticus is a good father. He is kind, gentle and caring towards his children. Unlike some comments, I believe he is involved in his children lives. Oftentimes, Atticus reads with Scout and always enjoys Calpurnia’s meals with his children during meal times. He would also always find time for Jem, who as boy loved football. “Atticus was never too tired to play keep-away with Jem, but when wanted to tackle him Atticus would say, I’m too old for that son” (Lee 118). This quotes really shows that Atticus although his old age finds time to share with his children. I also believe Atticus is a fine father because he is gentle, direct when need be and stern when sternness is needed. Although he was never once hit Scout nor Jem, he does know when to put his foot down and punish the children for their actions. An example of this behavior occurred after Jem with rage cut the tops off every camellia bush Ms. Dubose owned. After being notified of Jem’s behavior Atticus understanding the circumstances sternly punished his child. “I strongly advise you to go down and have a talk with Ms. Dubose” (Lee 138). Atticus not only forced Jem to talk and apologize to Ms.Dubose but he also forced Jem to read to her every day after after school, as a punishment. To conclude, I believe Atticus is an outstanding father that truly loves and cares for his children.
DeleteI agree with you Courtney that just because they have a curius nature to them and have some crazy ideas doesn't necissairly mean they are brave. Tyler I sort of agree with you that Atticus is been brave but I still think that Mrs. Dubose is the bravest.
ReplyDeleteI completly agree with you Peter P(Pappas), I also think Atticus is the bravest character. Even though I have know experience in being a single father it seems very hard and he can also put up with the criticsm.
ReplyDeleteI completely but respectfully disagree with Peter Brian and Tyler. Atticus isn’t a brave in many ways. He has a high rank in the cast system and is white. There isn’t much to be afraid of so how can he be brave. The bravest characters in this story are Boo and Tom Robinson for both being publicly humiliated.
DeleteI have to agree with George. I don't really think that Atticus is the bravest character. He is very conservative, if you think about it. He does have some unconventional skills, like being able to shoot a gun, but that doesn't make him brave.
DeleteAtticus is a good father because he tries his hardest to give a lot of attention towards his children. It's as if he knows the answer to everything and understands all the things Scout and Jem go through. I think it is because Atticus has so many life experiences and the knowledge to help them out. Most importantly though, with the whole case Atticus is working in, he tells the children to not worry and to leave it to him to figure it out. Atticus also has a soft side to Scout and helps her understand that sometimes you need to step into other peoples shoes to see their points across. Same goes with Jem as he slowly starts to come up to the teen years. Overall I think Atticus does a great job with parenting Scout and Jem.
DeleteYes, Katie I agree with you, and George too. While we know the fact that Atticus is very talented and skilled at things, he really doesn't have the gut that his daughter has to speak up in certain situations. For example when he knows that Alexandra is wrong for intentionally discriminating against Cal. He just tells her once, but I don't think he really has the gut to speak his mind off to anyone.
DeleteHow do you think that Boo Radley is reacting to all this attention from the children? Is he enjoying it? Or is it pissing him off?
ReplyDeleteI think that Boo enjoys the attention. He is interacting with them in a less direct way. With the laugh when they rolled into his lawn, sneaking up behind them when they broke into his back yard, and leaving them little presents in the knot of the tree. I know that if I was cooped up for a really long time, I'd want someone to come and mess with me, no matter how annoying it might seem to others. I would like the interaction, and I think that Boo does too. Nathan Radley probably doesn't want the children interacting with Boo, but I think that secretly Boo wants the children to continue to 'pester' him because he views it as some kind of game.
Katie I agree with you when you say he enjoys the attention from the kids that they give him. But I think he likes the attention because it seems like it is the only time he has done something remotely fun in his life. He might not precieve as a game but more as attention.
DeleteI think that Boo sees this as a playful kind of game with them, but I also think that it is pissing him off. They do try to communicate and it's funny how they try the whole fishingpole and note thing, but I think them taunting him (The game about his life) would kinda piss him off.
DeleteI agree Katie he seems to almost have been toying with them. He sneaks up behind them and almost plays a game with them. He likes it because it seems like for the first time in awhile he gets attention from other people. He also likes the relationship with them. The only thing standing in the way is Nathan Radley, Boo's brother. Nathan seems like he does not want attention pointed towards Boo for some reason.
DeleteI agree with Katie and Brian, when you guys say that Boo enjoys all the attention. I mean he has to be tired of just sitting in the hosue alone and not coming out ever. It has to give him some type of excitment and enjoyment that someone is caring about him.
DeleteMaybe Nathan is secretly keeping Boo locked up because he actually stabbed his father and all those stories were about him and he just played them off as his brother... I wonder what colors that don't exist on this planet look like. Also, the possibility that the Radley's are aliens is still a viable option... Just saying.
DeleteI agree that Boo actually did these crimes, but aliens Courtney?? really?
DeleteI completely agree with Courtney on this one. Whenever i think about colors that do not exist on this planet my mind implodes inversely (so basically it just exlodes), and throughout the book I could beleive that Mr. Nathan is the dark lord Kathulu and has actually taken Boo and his mother hostage. His behavioral patterns are very alien like.
DeleteIn part 1, the kids seem like they feel like they can do anything they want. Do you think the book would be different if Scout and Jem had a mother? With Atticus being very busy and not being able to take care of the kids every hour of every day I think it is important to have a mother to straighten the kids up. Also, with having a mother I believe Scout would not be as rude as she is and she would know better because her mother would probably have a lower tolerance for cussing and rudeness. Another point can be that with Scout growing up with two guys, she could have picked up traits and habits from them. With Atticus having a wife, I think she would not want him to do the Tom Robinson case for the family's safety. Do you think the children and Atticus' life would be different if they had a mother?
ReplyDeleteGood question, Peter. I think that life would be extremely different for Scout and Jem if they had a mother. I don't think that they would rely on Calpurnia as much, if at all. Their mother would probably take the role that Calpurnia is playing right now. I think that their mother would make them behave more properly and would make sure that they don't go around causing trouble. Having a mother would benefit Jem and Scout. Scout would have a guide to make her become more of a woman, and then she wouldn't have to hang around with the guys all day. It would soften her up. I think that Jem would benefit as well because every boy needs a mother, like Mr. Cowlin said that one day in class. He would have someone to go to and wouldn't have to clash with Atticus every time he wanted to do something. A mother would provide the Finch family with some motherly love and would help provide the children with another set of guidlines.
DeleteYes, the kids' lives would have been different if they had a mother. This is why Atticus hired Calpurnia as a maid. She is the closest thing to a mother the kids have. She has tought them well manners and everything a normal mother would. Scout would also have a different personality as she grew older. The wife may or may not have approved for Atticus to take the Tom Robinson case, but it would show the Finch family is not willing to stick up for what they believe.
DeleteIf Jem and Scout had a mother than life would be a lot different. First off they might not need Calpurnia at the house as much because there mother would most likely be a stay at home mom and would watch them instead of Cal. In Scouts prespective she would have a motheer figure who would help her become more like a girly girl and not as much of a tom boy.
DeleteThe kids life probably would have been different. If she were still around, the kids would not get in as much trouble because people would not talk about them as much. She would probably keep them in line better and Scout would be more respectable. Also, Jem would have never done that to Ms. Dubose's flowers because his mother would have taught him better than that. Scout growing up with guys affected her personality greatly. She is always outside with guys playing in mud and she even gets offended when people tell her she is acting like a girl.
DeleteI also agree that Scout would be a lot different if the family had a mother. The fact that there isn't a mother makes it a bit more interesting and keeps up the suspense. I think that the book is better off without a mother involved for the sole purpose that Cal is kinda acting like the mom, by cooking and cleaning and teaching Scout how to be more ladylike and for punishing the kids for doing stupid things. I like this question a lot and it also makes me think of all of the different ways that the book could be different and all of the different scenarios... very good job.
DeleteIf Scout and Jem had a mother the whole story would be different. They would have more structure and a more discipline. They would not get into so much trouble. If they had a mother, I believe that they really would be a good story anymore. The part of them not having a mom and being able to almost anything would take away the excitment and half of the story.
DeleteIf there were a mother the book would be extremely different. Calpurnia takes the role of a mother, but she is not their mother so it is not the same. It would never be the same. Also that Calpurnia is leading to lives almost. In the house she acts as a white person and out of the house like a black person. It is hard for Scout to understand and she can not get really close to Calpurnia for that reason. Also, if they had a mom Scout would most likely act more like a girl and do more feminine things. Instead she is growing up with Jem who does all the manly activities.
DeleteI'm sure if scout and jem had a mother that none of this would be happening. Their mom would not allow them to go wherever they want, and mess with Boo Radley. She would take more control over them.
DeleteDo you guys feel like the book jumps from the focus on a different character each couple of chapters? Is it that the kids get bored with just one person? Does this show how they act like kids and not adults? So far every few chapters the focus develops on one person such as Boo Radley, Miss Maudie, and Mrs. Dubose.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the book does jump around a lot. There will be a section involving this character and then that character. There isn't a lot of focus. But, when you were a kid, did you spend months focusing on one particular part of your life? People can get boring. The kids like having fun, and involve themselves with people who are fun or interesting, except Mrs. Dubose, she was on accident, but I think they enjoyed arguing with her. I wouldn't expect them to be able to focus on one person for a long time, but I think that they will return to these characters as the book goes on.
DeleteI totally agree with you in this perspective because the were always talking abotu Boo then it went to Miss Maudie and Then it ended at Mrs. Dubose. I think it's like this because the kids will get bored of who they are with/see a lot so they changed who they would mess/play with.
DeleteI think that this is still just the first part of the book and they are just still introducing all the characters still. I think they are just setting up the plot still too. But it does still get confusing at times, jumping from one person to the next.
DeleteGood point Jake. I think it shows that they are kids and move through stages in their life very quickly. As they grow up they seem to get bored adn move on. for example as Jem and Scout grew up tormenting Boo became "Passe" for Scout.
DeleteI also think this and it makes the book a little mopre confusing. Since the point of view is Scout's I think its fair to assume that she, like all other kids, gets bored really quickly and jumps from topic to topic.
DeleteJake, very good questions. And very good observation: "Is it that the kids get bored with just one person? Does this show how they act like kids and not adults?" I'm wondering if that's the answer, or if it is simply an episodic novel, with a new story being told every 1-3 chapters or so.
DeleteYes I certainly agree that the children's lives would be different if their mother was still alive. Scout would have probably been more "lady like" growing up with a woman in the house then Aunt Alexandra would hav no reason to stay with Atticus and his family. I think Atticus might have still taken the case but the children might have a better understanding of the situation because the mom would be there at all times to help or explain things. However, I dont think they would have had a relationship as close with Calpurnia as they do now. Sout and she bonded because Jem was off doing his own things. they probably never would hav experienced going to a colored church either. They seem to be getting by without a mother but it would hav been quite different if Atticus' wife was still alive.
ReplyDeleteThe kids seem a little bit free in the book. This is for a good reason. It keeps the suspense up and always provides something new, it shows all of the dumb things kids would do and it makes it really life like. I think that if Atticus was more strict or if they had a mother then the book would become way more boring to read... Any other opinions on this?
ReplyDeleteI agree. it does help to make the story interesting
DeleteI completely agree. Children like to bounce around in their lives and don't want to have to be stuck with one think. This book would suck if there wasn't a constant changing of events. No one would want to read it. The children doing crazy things without a lot of supervision makes it exciting. Reading about people breaking the rules and getting away with it is way more interesting than someone enforcing the rules.
DeleteIf you consider how much freedom you have today, I wonder if the kids really do have that much freedom, or if they simply make the most of what they have. Consider this - no Facebook, no texting, no TV. Just imagination.
DeleteThe kids seem a little bit free in the book. This is for a good reason. It keeps the suspense up and always provides something new, it shows all of the dumb things kids would do and it makes it really life like. I think that if Atticus was more strict or if they had a mother then the book would become way more boring to read... Any other opinions on this?
ReplyDeletei agree with Peter, i feel the childerns life would be differently affected if they had a mother figure in their lives. Yes, i do believe that Atticus is a good father, but every child needs the love and affection of a mother. Atticus tries to do it all and sometimes isnt around for his childern. Also, every childern needs both equal female and male parenting. Childern shouldnt be neglecting from one, thus forcing them to rely on only one parent.
ReplyDeleteOut of all the characters, Atticus is the one I respect the most.
ReplyDeletefrom ch 1-14 who are consider outcast and why?
ReplyDelete