Mr. Fornnarino's Semester 1 Short Answer Question for English 1
Note: You must have
at least five complete sentences in your answer.
Which paragraph best explains the meaning of the title
To Kill a Mockingbird and how it relates thematically to characters in the novel?
To Kill a Mockingbird relates thematically to two different characters from the novel. The phrase refers to Miss Maudie's assertion from early in the book that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird because they never do anything wrong. Tom Robinson can be seen in a similar light as the thematic animals because he never does anything wrong. Even so, he is convicted of rape and is killed while trying to escape from captivity. The parallels between Tom's situation and the old adage are accentuated in the novel by Mr. Underwood in a newspaper editorial. Tom isn't the only Maycomb citizen whose situation resembles the proverbial mockingbird. Boo Radley is also like the animal in that he never does anything wrong and is gossiped about mercilessly by the town's citizens. Scout points out that trying Boo for killing Bob Ewell would be akin to killing a mockingbird. Certainly, the citizens of Maycomb can be seen as sinful for what they do to Tom and Boo.
The title of the novel
To Kill a Mockingbird relates thematically to the need to kill dangerous animals and people. Mockingbirds, rabid dogs, and evil men can hurt innocent people. This is shown in the book when townspeople chase off annoying mockingbirds, Atticus kills a rabid dog, and Boo Radley kills Bob Ewell. All three acts of violence are necessary to protect society. Clearly, the title of the novel helps readers understand the theme of the story: Violence is sometimes necessary.
The title of the novel
To Kill a Mockingbird refers to the decision people must make about whether or not to use violence. The mockingbird represents the choice between discussion and action. The main mockingbirds in the novel are Scout and Boo because both are innocent. Scout thinks everyone has some good within; she is able to face down the mob at the jail without resorting to violence. Boo Radley only wants to be left alone, but he ends up deciding to fight Bob Ewell to save Scout and Jem. Clearly, the title of the novel helps readers understand the theme of the story: When words don’t work, use violence.