Preparing for the Common Asssesment

Here is a link for the GoogleDoc we worked on in class when we were looking for quotes that illustrate character traits from To Kill a Mockingbird . 

Tomorrow you need to come to class with quotes (the graphic organizer with boxes and arrows).  Nothing else.  I will chose two pairs of characters, and you will be able to chose ONE of those pairs to write your compare/contrast essay. 

GOOD LUCK, you will do great!

Here’s a little more for those of you that are panicking:

To Kill a Mockingbird notes for Comparison/Contrast Essay

 

Tom Robinson and Boo Radley

Similarities:

 

·         Innocent

·         Mockingbird symbols

·         Social Outcastes

·         Victims of prejudice

·         Accused of crimes but innocent

·         Atticus views them

 

Differences:

• One has a community (black) and one has no community, is secluded
• Town’s view on them – pities Boo, hates Tom
• Boo’s = social prejudice while Tom =  racial prejudice 
• Tom Robinson has no choice but is exposed while Boo wants to be isolated
• Heck tried to protect Boo but not Tom
• Boo committed crimes, Tom did not

Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra

 

Similarities:

 

• Both are despised in the beginning by Scout but then respected by the end
• Strict in dealing with Scout
• Well-mannered women, motherly figures

Differences:

 

• Cal – teaches Scout values, right and wrong. AA – teaches Scout to be a lady
• Cal – accepts the children as they are. AA – wants to change them
• Cal – is like a mother from the kid’s p.o.v., part of the family. AA – is an outsider

 Scout and Atticus

 Similarities:

• Follow their own ideas, self confident, courage
• Understand other people’s point of view, perspectives, have empathy for others
• They have the ability to change other people’s points of view

 Differences:

• Atticus is emotionally distant, detached while Scout is very emotional
• Atticus is experienced, mature while Scout lacks the ability to understand things
• Atticus is a static character while Scout is a dynamic character
• Levels of tolerance – Scout wants to fight while Atticus is patient

Mrs. Dubois and Mrs. Maudie

 

Similarities:

 

• They have the strength to overcome problems, adversity
• They help Jem and Scout become young adults, teach them lessons
• They are “Southern Belles”

 

Differences:

 

• Attitudes toward Atticus. Maudie has respect, Dubois does not.
• Maudie is open-minded. Dubois is old-fashioned, closed-minded
• Maudie is not racist, Dubois is racist
• Jem and Scout like Maudie, do not like Dubois

 

 

 

The Cunninghams and Ewells

 

Similarities:

 

• Both have a long history in Maycomb
• Both are hit hard by the Great Depression
• Both use alcohol and can be violent when they do

 

Differences:

 

• Cunninghams are hard-working, respected. The Ewells are lazy, ignorant, disgrace to the town
• Cunninghams borrow and pay back society. The Ewells take and do not give back to society
• Cunninghams are not educated because they have to work. The Ewells don’t want education