TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD CHAPTER 10 DIAGNOSING A

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD CHAPTER 10: DIAGNOSING A DISEASE Honors English 1 Ms. Stravers

Chapter 10: An allegory is an extended form of symbolism, in which an entire story, or in this case, an entire chapter in the novel, may be seen as symbolic. Each character or incident in the chapter may be interpreted as a symbol, all leading to a deeper understanding of the message the author intended.

Atticus to Jack Finch, discussing the Tom Robinson trial: “I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb’s usual disease. Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don’t pretend to understand. ” (Chapter 9, p. 117)

Examine the evidence As you review the events of chapter 10, record the major actions that each of the following characters or groups takes. �Calpurnia �Sheriff Heck Tate �Atticus �Neighbors

After reviewing the text, determine what each of the following might symbolize: The “mad” dog Maycomb’s usual disease Sheriff Heck Tate Heck giving Atticus the gun Atticus dropping his glasses Neighbors hiding behind closed doors Atticus’ nick-name: “One-Shot Finch” Dead dog remaining dangerous

Consider the characters and events in recent chapters, particularly Mrs. Dubose, Jem and Scout, Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandra, Dill, Tom Robinson, Mr. Walter Cunningham, Mr. Underwood, and Atticus as you answer the following questions. Cite specific examples to support your claims. 1. To what extent do folks show varying degrees of the “disease”? What factors seem to make the disease “worse” or “better”? 2. Who are the “victims” of those who are “diseased”? 3. Who seems to be less susceptible to the “disease, ” and why?

Drawing a conclusion Examine all of the evidence you have gathered. What message do you think Harper Lee is expressing in this chapter? Why? To what extent is theme relevant to the novel as a whole so far? Cite examples to support your claim.