Mockingbird Motif

At the beginning of the year we discussed the meaning of "motif" as it relates to a work of literature. How has reading To Kill a Mockingbird enhanced your understanding of the term "motif?" What is the "mockingbird motif" and how does it add a symbolic level of meaning to the other themes in the novel? Write at least two well-developed paragraphs in which you address the questions above. Showcase your understanding of the characters, events, and themes in the novel as well as your ability to analyze literature thoroughly and with insight.

To Kill a Mockingbird has helped define what a motif was. I used to think motif was basically the theme. After reading the book, I've started to think of it a little bit differently. The recurring "mockingbird motif" showed me that a motif is a symbol that appears repeatedly throughout the book.
The "mockingbird" motif first came up in this book when Atticus told Scout and Jem that they could shoot at many blue jays as they wanted but it was a sin to kill a mockingbird. As the book progresses, the motif is used less literally. One example is in the last portion of the book: Atticus is advocating fro Boo to go to court, but Mr. Tate wanted to lie in order to protect Boo. Scout recognizes that like a mockingbird, Boo Radley never meant to do any harm. So, he should not be bothered. This motif contributes to one of the major themes of this book: standing in another person's shoes. Throughout the story, the author used the motif to help define the theme and give the reader a symbol to connect with throughout the book.



My computer was being crazy and wouldn't let me publish my blog post. Seriously.

Extra Credit!

I think that a one-way street sign represents Bob Ewell. People help him in many ways and he never gives anything back. Maycomb county gives him relief money and he doesn't even pay taxes. People even come to his house to give Christmas baskets even though his is a disgrace throughout the community. If you compare Bob Ewell to someone such as the Cunninghams, the only major difference is the Cunninghams give back what they take.

Life Lessons

Think of something insightful that one of your parents or another influential adult may have told you. This should be something meant to help you understand the world around you or the actions of others that resonated - something that you have thought about or considered since. Write two paragraphs: the first paragraph should explain the context and what was said, the second paragraph should discuss when and how you have thought of this since and the life lesson you learned as a result.

"Your choices show who you are, far more than your abilites," my dad used to always say. When I was younger, I would just ignore him but now that I'm older, I've started to think about it a little more.
Everyday, people have the chance do change the world in amazing ways, but they don't. At the same time, other people choose to use their abilities to help eachother. I try to think about this and how it applies to my own life. My abilities don't actually matter that much, I can be good at things but unless I choose to use them in a way that helps someone or something, my talents don't matter.