Practise Essay

Question:

William Shakespeare's tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet, appeals to teenage audiences in 2010 because the themes that are explored are similar to the issues that young people are encountering in their daily lives. To what extent is this statement valid?

Planning:

Step 3: Explanation

Romeo and Juliet appeals to teenagers in 2010 because the themes used relate to what young people are experiencing in their daily lives. To what extent is this true?

Step 4:

Themes: True love, destiny, loss, fate and friendship.

Themes relation to today:

True love- Is seen to be harder to find today then back then.

Destiny- Is not believed by some teenagers today.

Loss- Is a problem that everyone encounters back then and today.

Fate- Is not believed by some teenagers today.

Friendship- Is still very important to teenagers today as it was back then.

Key ideas:

Themes that do relate to today: Friendship and loss

Themes that don’t relate to today: Destiny, true love and fate

Step 5:

William Shakespeare’s, Romeo and Juliet, does not essentially appeal to teenagers in 2010 due to the fact that they share similar themes in their daily lives. The theme of friendship and loss can relate to teenagers in 2010 but the themes of destiny, true love and fate are not encountered in every day life for teenagers in 2010.

Step 6:

Main paragraph 1:

In the play Romeo and Juliet the themes of friendship and loss can appeal to teenagers in today’s society as there everyday lives can relate to these themes.

Main paragraph 2:

The themes of destiny, true love and fate do not appeal to teenagers in today’s society due to the relevance of it to there daily lives. It is more appealing to them due to the fact that it is like a “fairy tale”. The themes of true love, destiny and fate are harder to believe in and find in todays society as it was back in Romeo and Juliet’s time.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Romeo and Juliet is appealing to teenagers in 2010 as it is like a fairy tale and they can also relate to some themes. William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, will be timeless and hundreds of years from now teenagers will be studying his plays and enjoying the fairy tale themes that can in some ways relate to them.

Step 7:

Main paragraph 1:

Theme: friendship

Evidence:

When Benvolio cares for Romeo and is interested in his problems. He is a true friend.

Page 13: (Act 1, scene 1, line 155) Benvolio asks Romeo what is wrong, comforts him, tries to cheer him up and guides him in the right direction.

Theme: loss

Evidence:

Page 97: (Act 3, scene 1, line 110) Benvolio tells Romeo that Mercutio is dead and Romeo is saddened.

Main paragraph 2:

Theme: Destiny/ fate

Evidence:

Page 37: (Act 1, scene 5, line 110) Romeo tells Benvolio and Mercutio that there are some consequences hanging in the stars in which he is referring to fate and destiny.

Theme: True love (love at first sight)

Evidence:

Page 53: (Act 2, scene 2, line 5- 25) Juliet is confessing her love for Romeo when they have just met.

Page 185: (Act 5, scene 3, line 120) Romeo toasts the poison to his true love Juliet and then dies to be with her.

Step 8:

The evidence show links to the main point through the themes.

Step 9:

Yes, my first to main pints link as they are the two themes that teenagers today can relate to and my other main points relate as they are themes teenagers today can not relate to as such.

Step 10:

Romeo and Juliet appeals to teenagers today because there are themes that relate to them and also themes that they wish they could relate too.

Essay

William Shakespeare’s, Romeo and Juliet, does not essentially appeal to teenagers in 2010 due to the fact that they share similar themes in their daily lives. The theme of friendship and loss can relate to teenagers in 2010 but the themes of destiny, true love and fate are not encountered in every day life for teenagers in 2010.

In the play Romeo and Juliet the themes of friendship and loss can appeal to teenagers in today’s society as there everyday lives can relate to these themes. The theme of friendship is expressed thoroughly throughout the main characters in Romeo and Juliet. A main example of friendship is when Benvolio cares for Romeo and is interested in his problems at the beginning of the play. “BENVOLIO It was. What sadness lengthens Romeo’s hours?” (I, i, 155) This is when Romeo is saddened by the fact that Rosaline does not love him. He is depressed and is moping around when Benvolio, his kind friend, asks Romeo what is the problem. Romeo and Benvolio have a talk and this shows friendship. The theme of friendship links back to teenagers today as everyone has friends. Teenagers in 2010 need a good friend to talk to when they are having problems just like Romeo needed Benvolio. A main example of loss in the play Romeo and Juliet is when Mercutio dies. “BENVOLIO O Romeo, Romeo, brave Mercutio is dead. The gallant spirit hath sapired the clouds, Which too untimely here did scorn the earth. ROMEO This days black fate on moe days doth depend, This but begins the woe others must end.” (III, i, 110) This is when Mercutio has just been slain and Benvolio tells Romeo that he passed away. Romeo than has to deal with the guilt and shock of Mercutio’s death. This therefore represents loss. The theme of loss can relate to teenagers of 2010 as everybody will lose someone they love or cherish. It’s a part of life and no one can fight it. The themes of friendship and loss relate to teenagers of 2010 which helps Romeo and Juliet to appeal to them.

The themes of destiny, true love and fate do not appeal to teenagers in today’s society due to the relevance of it to there daily lives. It is more appealing to them due to the fact that it is like a “fairy tale”. The themes of true love, destiny and fate are harder to believe in and find in today’s society as it was back in Romeo and Juliet’s time. The theme true love (love at first sight) is evident in the play of Romeo and Juliet when Juliet and Romeo confess their love for each other only after meeting each other once before. “ROMEO It is my lady, O it is my love:” (II, ii, 10) This is after the Capulet party when Romeo sneaks to Juliet’s balcony and is admitting his love for her and hoping she will appear. “JULIET Be but sworn my love” (II, ii, 35) This is when Juliet walks out onto her balcony and is not aware that Romeo can hear her but is confessing she loves him to. This shows that Romeo and Juliet fell in love with each other only after they had meet each other once which is very unrealistic in today’s society. Teenagers of 2010 find this theme hard to relate to as it is unrealistic and very rare to come across. They do however find this theme very sweet and dream of it for themselves in the future. The theme of destiny and fate becomes apparent when Romeo tells Benvolio and Mercutio that there are some consequences hanging in the stars. “ROMEO Some consequence yet hanging in the stars Shall bitterly begin this fearful date” (I, v, 110) In this passage Romeo is referring to the fact that his stars (sign) are telling him that there will be a consequence for going to the party tonight in which links to fate and destiny as in he can’t stop or fight it. Teenagers in 2010 find it hard to relate to the theme of destiny and fate, as it is again unrealistic and very “fairy tale” like. The themes of destiny, fate and true love don’t relate to teenagers in today’s society however they do appeal to them for their “fairy tale” like qualities.

In conclusion, Romeo and Juliet is appealing to teenagers in 2010 as it is like a fairy tale and they can also relate to some themes. William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, will be timeless and hundreds of years from now teenagers will be studying his plays and enjoying the ‘fairy tale’ themes that can in some ways relate to them.

Persuasive essay Week 3-4

If Juliet had told her parents that she had married Romeo, Juliet would most likely have been murdered by her father. A simple nice long talk would not have cured the feuding families problems but in fact it would have most likely made the problems worse. In the novel, Romeo and Juliet, Juliet's father is seen to be quite violent when he does not get his way. An example of this is when Juliet refuses to marry Paris and her father slaps her multiple times, calls her garbage and threatens to disown her which essentially means she will die of starvation anyway. Can you imagine his anger if he found out that Juliet had married the enemy. Her father would be furious. He would probably beat her to death. The problems between Juliet and her parents could not be solved by sitting down and having a nice long chat because that would most likely end in the death of Juliet.

The Sun, the moon, the stars

Imagery helps the audience to a great extent to understand the characters and central themes. Shakespeare was very clever in using imagery that relates to the sky to further introduce his characters and central themes. An example of when Shakespeare used imagery related to the sky to further introduce a character is in act 2 scene 2 when Romeo has just meet Juliet at the Capulet's party and has run back to her window waiting for her to appear. Romeo says tenderly, "It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise fair sun, and kill the envious moon." This example shows when Shakespeare was using imagery relating back to the sky to further introduce Romeo. This quote shows Romeo to be romantic and very spiritual. Romeo is saying that Juliet is his sun and without her the sky would be dark. Another example of when Shakespeare uses imagery relating to the sky is again in act 2 scene 2 when Juliet is telling Romeo not to swear his love to the moon. Juliet says, "O swear not by the moon, th'inconstant moon, That monthly changes in her circled orb." In this quote Juliet tells Romeo not to swear his love for her to the moon as it changes every month. This shows Juliet as being romantic, quite unsure and wanting so desperately for Romeo to love her as much as she loves him. She begins to become anxious and this becomes apparent through Shakespeare's imagery relation to the sky. Shakespeare also used imagery relating to the sky to create certain themes. One of the themes that became evident was fate. In the play Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare uses the idea of star cross lovers which means that Romeo and Juliet had been brought together as their stars had aligned. They were basically destined to be doomed. He refers to the fact that Romeo and Juliet had no control over their fates as it was all planned out in the stars. Without Shakespeare using imagery relating to the sky audiences all over the world would not have as greater insight into the characters and themes in Shakespeare's plays as they do today.

Romeo is an impulsive character and his actions are influenced by his emotions...

Romeo Montague is a very impulsive character and his actions are greatly influenced by his emotions. Romeo's actions are influenced by his emotions many times for example when Romeo is to leave the party that the Capulet's are holding he can't control himself and runs to see Juliet outside her bedroom window. This shows that Romeo, instead of leaving, risks his life by his actions which was influenced by his feelings for Juliet. Another example of when Romeo lets his feelings for Juliet lead into a sudden action is again when he is standing out the front of Juliet's window and asks her to marry him. This action was very greatly influenced by his emotions/ feelings towards Juliet. He is very impulsive asking Juliet to marry him,which is a decision for life, before he even got to know her. Romeo is a very impulsive character that lets his emotions rule his actions, probably a little to much. Emotion means everything to Romeo and therefore he does not mind risking his life for love.

Respect your Elders!

In the Capulet household respect for elders is paramount and this is shown through out the novel. For example in Act 1 scene 5 Tybalt recognises the sound of Romeo's voice and is outraged. He can't believe that a Montague would have the nerve to show up at a Capulet party. Tybalt tells Lord Capulet to fetch him his sword so that he can kill Romeo only to find Capulet tell him not to. Tybalt is disgusted with Lord Capulet but when Capulet threatens Tybalt to be taken off his will, Tybalt calms down. This shows that Tybalt, Capulet's nephew, respects his elder and listens to him despite his anger towards Romeo. Another example of respecting elders in the Capulet family is between Juliet and her father, Lord Capulet. Juliet is expected to listen to her father as he is older than her. An example of this is when Capulet is arranging Juliet to marry Paris. Although Juliet does not know about this at the time it is apparent that she would not argue with her father as she holds the greatest respect for him and her mother. This is confirmed later on when Juliet's mother tells Juliet that she is to marry Paris and asks her what she thinks of that. Juliet replies to her mother respectfully that she will do what ever she is told to do even though she may not love Paris. In the Capulet household respect for elders is paramount and this is shown in the way that Juliet listens to and respects her mother and father and by the way Tybalt responds to Lord Capulet's instructions.

Character Profile

Romeo

• Romeo is handsome, passionate, impulsive, intelligent and sensitive.
• Romeo is hated by the Capulets (exception for Juliet) and loved by Juliet.
• Romeo is son of Lady Montague and Lord Montague. Mercutio & Benvolio are Romeo's closet friends and Benvolio is also Romeo's cousin. Balthasar is Romeo's dedicated servant. Rosaline is Romeo's past love. Last but not least Juliet is Romeo's true love.
• Romeo Montagues main role is to fight past all the hatred between the two families (Capulets and Montagues) to be with Juliet.
• Romeo links to the theme of love, destiny and courage.

Benvolio

• Benvolio is caring and always very peaceful often trying to stop conflict between the Capulets and the Montagues.
• Benvolio is hated by the Capulets as he is a Montague and he is admired as a friend and cousin by Romeo.
• Benvolio is Lord Montagues nephew and he is Romeo's close friend and cousin.
• Benvolio's main role seems to be to help Romeo through his tough time of getting over his love for Rosaline.
• Benvolio links to the theme of courage, love and friendship.

Juliet

• Juliet is beautiful, very obedient and very impatient. In act 1 scene 3 when Juliet is asked by her mother, Lady Capulet, what she thinks of marrying Paris. Juliet replies that she will never love Paris but she will marry him if it is what her father and mother want form her. This shows that Juliet is very obedient to her parents and agrees to marry Paris even though she does not want to. In act 2 scene 5 when Juliet's nurse returns from meeting with Romeo, Juliet is very impatient when the nurse takes a while to answer her. She begins to get very annoyed with the nurse and the audience then learns that she is not patient.
• Juliet is viewed by Romeo as his other half... his soul mate. Juliet is also viewed by her father and mother as a beautiful young lady that is yet to see the world. Juliet is seen by her nurse as a daughter.
• Juliet has a very close relationship with her nurse. Her nurse mothered her ever since she was born. To start with her nurse was her wet nurse which meant she breast feed Juliet as a baby and then progressed with Juliet to the stage they are at. The nurse is like Juliet's mother. Juliet is in love with Romeo, which she admits in Act 2 scene 2 to Romeo without even knowing he was listening to her. She is very obedient to her mother and father as explained before when Lady Capulet asks Juliet what she thinks about marrying Paris to which he replies with she will never love Paris but will marry him to make her mother and father happy.
• Juliet's main role in the play seems to be to fight past the two families (Capulet's & Montague's) differences to be with her true love, Romeo.
• Juliet seems to be linked in the theme of love at first sight because in the play Act 1 scene 4 when Juliet and Romeo first meet Juliet instantly falls in love with Romeo just by looking at him even though she has no idea who he is, she later discovers he is her enemy.

"Love Story"

Discussion Questions:
1. Outline the subject matter of the poem?
Taylor Swift was explaining a “love story” in this song.
2. Why is the poem entitled “Love Story”? Use evidence from the lyrics to support the titles significance and relevance.
The song is entitled “Love Story” because in the song Taylor is explaining a love story in which “Romeo” is coming to take her away so they can be alone and they get a happy ending.
3. Describe the relationship between the two characters. Who are they?
They two characters are named Romeo and Juliet and they are two young people who fell in love and are forbidden to see each other. They have a strong relationship where they love and trust each other very much.
4. What evidence is there to suggest that these lovers have to overcome obstacles in their relationship?
Well in the song she says “And my daddy said stay away from Juliet”. This indicates one obstacle that would have to be overcome for the two lovers to be together… Romeo would have to win over Juliet’s father.
5. What themes and issues are explored in the lyrics and through the video clip?
Well there is the theme of fantasy and the video clip is set in the olden days. Romance is explored in the lyrics and video clip.
6. How does the “Love story” end for Romeo and Juliet in the song? Is this how it ends for the Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? Why does Taylor Swift end her song this way? What perspective is she writing from and why would they want the story to end this way?
Taylor ends the story differently to Shakespeare. In Taylor’s version Romeo and Juliet end up together and get married. In Shakespeare version Romeo and Juliet ending up committing suicide and there is no happy ending.

Dear Diary,
It was a great week until today! I had finally found my love of my life and well I was happy.
It all started when I was sitting in my room day dreaming about my beautiful Antwon and all of a sudden my father and mother burst into my room. My mother was crying and holding my fathers arm. My father looked outraged and I was... scared. I stood up anxiously. Father kept on repeating over and over again "WE WILL DISOWN YOU! WE WILL DISOWN YOU! IF YOU DONT STOP SEEING ANTWON!" I was shocked and can you imagine my surprise when fathers firm cold hand slapped me across the face. I fell to the ground and started to cry. How could he do this to me! I knew the tension had been building in our household but he hit me! Father stormed out of the room leaving mother and I in the room. I felt a soft cold hand on my shoulder and when I looked up I found my caring mother standing over me. She took my hand and helped me stand up. I was shaking so I quickly took a seat on my bed. Mother took my hands in hers and sat next to me on the bed. "Karla, you know that your father is very strict". I looked up from my feet to meet my mothers warm eyes.
How could a women so kind and caring be married to my monster of a father?
"Karla, father is serious when he threatens to disown you. Its all I have been hearing for the past week. You have to listen to me because as soon as father makes his mind up I cant do anyhting to stop him. OK,Karla you need to stop all contact with Antwon and his family. Do you understand honey?" Mother said softly. I looked away from her warm eyes and out into the streets. They were so busy. How did my parents expect this from me? I love Antwon! Mother softly turned my face to meet hers " Karla! I love you and I dont want to loose you! Please do it for me!"
I wanted mother out of my room so I said, "Yes mother. I understand."
She stood up gave me a gentle hug and whispered thank you into my ear. She walked out of the room swiftly. I sat on the bed for a while staring at my pillow thinking of a solution. Then I took out my journal and well... Here I am.
What am I to do? I think I should run away with Antwon! But I cant leave mother here by herself under the Taliban laws. What is it about Antwon that they don't like anyway? They don't even know him! The only excuse they have is that his father stole off my father when he first opened his first store.
I...I... have never been so uncertain in my life.
I mean the fact that father even thought of hitting me is absurd! Antwon would never touch me like that!
But I know what I have to do...I have to stay. I cant leave my mother. The only thing I have to do is keep Antwon and I a secret. ITS PEREFCT! Mother and father will never have to know about any of this. We can date in secret... Late nights... Early mornings! Wait till I tell Antwon!

Until next time
Yours truly Karla Xxx

How do film techniques help to develop the audience's understanding of Andy?

Film techniques play a major role in the understanding of Andy's character. Film techniques can change the way the audience portrays the film.

In the movie "Devil Wears Prada" Andy is represented to the audience as a young, hopeful, stubborn women that is looking for a job in journalism. Many people never think of the hours of planning behind achieving the film techniques that makes Andy seem that way. Film techniques help to develop understanding of Andy's character to the audience. For example if Miranda walked into her office and told Andy to get her husband on the phone and the camera angle was eye level it would make Andy and Miranda seem equal, but if the camera angle was tilted up when they filmed Miranda she would seem more powerful and strong. This example shows that Miranda is superior than Andy and this helps the audience to develop their understanding of Andy's character and that is just one example of when film techniques help to develop situations.

Film techniques help to develop the audience's understanding of Andy. Many techniques and tricks are used to control the audiences mood and feelings toward ones character and this is shown through out the movie "Devil Wears Prada".

Femininity in the Past

Femininity is portrayed through out this advertisement as being skinny. The add uses many tricks and techniques to intrigue its target audience (women) and make them purchase their product.

Everything in this add is perfect. The women's hand... Look at her nails, they are perfectly manicured. The way the women holds the glass is portraying women as to be prefect. The add is saying that women should value their weight and be prefect. This advertisement is basically telling women that they want and have to be skinny to fit in and be feminine. They say in the advertisement, "Simply open the can... and you have a nutritionally sound, low- calorie meal ready to drink..." This wording is in a way portraying women as either lazy or busy, and that they have no time to make themselves a healthy and fresh meal or simply can't be bothered. The advertisement uses the words; convenient, safely, delicious, pleasing, appetite satisfaction and nutritional, to trick and intrigue their consumers into purchasing their product. The advertisement is assuming that women are busy and have no time to look after themselves properly.

Femininity is portrayed in this advertisement as being perfect, valuing weight and being busy all of the time. It is portrayed in a negative light and is very stereotypical towards femininity.

Devil Wears Prada Diary Entry!

2. Imagine you are Andy and you have just found out that you are going to Paris instead of Emily. You haven't told her yet.

Dear Diary,
OMG! OMG!What am I going to do? Emily is going to hate me and make my life hell! I just found out that Miranda wants me to come to Paris with her instead of Emily!
Emily has been waiting her whole life for this... I feel so mean, like I have betrayed her. She has been dieting for weeks, trying to fit into her dress. I don't have a choice Miranda will fire me faster than you can say Runway if I don't go, right? Miranda is a heartless monster for doing this to me and Emily! I feel awful. I have to ask myself two things: Do 'I really want this?' and 'Is it worth it?'
My answer to those to questions is yes... OK. I have to remain calm and call Emily... She will understand... Right? OMG! OMG! She wont. Im gonna ruin her life! OK, I HAVE TO STOP FREAKING OUT! CALM! CALM!
I want this, I want this, I want this, I want this, I want this, I want this.

Bye for now and wish me luck,
Andy

RING RING! DON'T PICK UP, DON'T PICK UP, DON'T PICK UP. "Hello Emily..."

1. Imagine you are Emily and you have just found out that Andy is going to Paris instead of you.

Dear Diary,
How could she do this to me?
I feel so betrayed. WEEKS! WEEKS! I tell you I have been on a freaking diet! I would not eat anything until I was about to faint and then I would eat a cube of chesse. You know that diet ended when she told me she was going to Paris. I was so upset that, that... Don't tell any one but I ATE CARBS AND CHOCOLATE! Do you see what she did to me! She made me fat! I probably put everything back on that I lost with in 5 minutes! She does not even deserve to go! She eats CARBS all the time! Its not fair! I have been here at this company longer than her and she comes in might I add not even caring about fashion and rips everything away from me that I have been working towards for years! There are two words that describes Andy and it is 'CONTROLING BITCH'!
I will never forgive her for what she has done to me and how could Miranda have done this to me? Does she not know how things run? The first assistant is suppose to go to Paris not the second! Doesn't Miranda know that? EVERYONE KNOWS THAT! EVEN ANDY KNEW THAT BUT SHE STILL DECIDED TO TAKE MY JOB AND STAB ME IN THE BACK!

Emily

"How women are represented in Cosmopolitan's '23 ways to fake your weight'."

In Cosmopolitan's article "23 ways to fake your weight" women are represented as people who hide themselves and deceive the human eye to thinking that they look different then they really are.

Women are advised in the article 23 ways to trick people into thinking they are thin and the stereotypical female... Perfect. They are told how to distract people away from their "faults" and focus on their "best" features. Women are taught how to style their hair and what to wear in this article in the attempt to be the stereotypical "perfect" female... Thin, pretty, tall and well dressed. Women are taught how to appear taller and slimer with many techniques. This is very disrespectful towards women. They are saying that women are not perfect and need to change to look what society thinks is perfect and how society thinks everyone should look.

It is unfair towards women because not everyone can look like the models on magazines... Most of the time models don't even look like themselves on the front of the magazines. Society has crazy expectations of women in todays time and some of these expectations are unattainable and society has to except that.

How are women represented in "Gold Digger"?

It is very disrespectful how Kanye West represents women in his lyrics and video clip of "Gold Digger". Women in "Gold Digger" are shown in a negative light, they are shown as objects and people who can't be trusted.

Kayne West uses lyrics to show women as gold diggers. Kanye West sang, "18 years, 18 years. And on her 18th birthday he found out it wasn't his" (Verse 2) Kanye West is saying that the mother of the child was pretending that he was the father to get money off him. This shows women to society as gold diggers who lie to get money. This is very disrespectful to women. Kanye West also sang, "If you ant no punk holla we want prenup. WE WANT PRENUP! Yeah. It's something that you need to have. 'Cause when she leave yo ass she gone leave with half'" (Verse 2) Kanye West is saying that women marry you for your money and then take advantage of you and divorce you "leaving with half" of your money. This is showing women in a very negative light too. Kayne also sings, "She went to the doctor got lypo with your money. She walking around looking like Michael with your money" (Verse 2) Kayne is saying that women spend all of the money they are given by men and others on themselves, trying to stay young. This is very disrespectful.

The way Kanye West portrays women in his song "Gold Digger" is horrible and unfair. He is saying that all women can't be trusted with money and take advantage of men, when we all know this is not true.

Reflection on Atticus

If Atticus was not on Tom Robinson's case everything would be different in the trial. I think that Tom would not be given the same treatment as he would have been given when Atticus was his lawyer. Atticus looked past the fact that Tom was a negro and actuially fought for the truth against a white man and his daughter. Back when the novel was set Negros were looked down upon and whites were superior. Basically Tom never had a chance but Atticus still put every bit of his strength, energy and effort in that case to prove that Tom was Innocent, which he was. If Atticus had not defended Tom then the trial would have been really short and meaningless as the lawyer would not have tried to say that a negro was innocent against a white man. Mayella and Bob Ewell would have been treated differently in court if Atticus did not defend Tom as they would not have been spoken to as politely as Atticus did and they would not have been questioned and intimidated by the defendant of Tom. Tom would be treated like garbage, he would not be listened to. They would try to have a little as possible to do with him. He would be looked down upon and intimidated if Atticus had not been his lawyer. The trial probably would not have even existed if it wasn't for Atticus as a few nights before the trial a group of men went to the jail where Tom was kept and they were going to kill him. Atticus was present at that time and then Jem, Scout and Dill followed their father and cut into their conversation. So if Atticus was not Tom's lawyer and no kids but into the conversation, Tom would have been dead before the trial therefore the trial could not have gone ahead. The jury would not have taken as long to decide if Tom was innocent or guilty if Atticus was not his lawyer as they would have no proof from Tom's "lawyer" that he was Innocent because he would not care and he would believe that Tom was innocent. How is someone who believes Tom is guilty supposed to convince someone that Tom is innocent? The jurry probably would have taken a few seconds to decide the black man was guilty and the white man was telling the truth. They wouldn't even have had to think about it. The people in Maycomb County would not have payed as much attention to the case if Atticus wasn't the lawyer because the defendant would not have made such a deal about it because they would not belive that Tom was innocent where as Atticus genuinely did believe he was.

Letters to The Editor

Dear Mr Editor,

I think that who ever shot that bloody "nigger" is a genius.

Tom Robinson raped my precious Mayella, and he got what he deserved. I think its a joke how Mr Finch even tried to defend him, we all know that I am telling the truth, right?

Mr Finch has it coming for him... He better watch those rotten litle kids of his...

From Bob Ewell

Dear Mr Underwood,

I think Mr Robinson's death was a shame. I know how much work Atticus put into the trial and how it affected his kids. Its a shame that it was all for nothing. I wish the best for Mrs Robinson as I know she will have a tough few months to pull herself and her family out of a hard time in their life. She will have a hard time finding a job aswell. This situation is very sad and I can not beleive the outcome. We will just have to look into the furture and hope for the best.

Yours sincerley,

Alexandra Finch

Character Profile!

For each of the important characters in the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, you should take the time to make notes on the following things:

1. What role do they play in the novel?
2. How are they linked to other characters?
3. What key scenes are they involved in?
4. How do they contribute to our understanding of the themes of the book?
5. General description of age, gender, personality, appearance, etc.
6. How do they view the other characters in the book?
7. How do others view them?

As you consider these elements, use quotes to reinforce your evaluations. This way, your character profile also becomes quote banks that will be useful in the lead up to your oral. For each quote that you use, indicate what page it is from, who says it (if relevant) and take the time to explain the significance of the quote.

Atticus Finch

1. Atticus Finch is a lawyer and he defends Tom Robinson, the black man who is accused of raping a white girl. Mr. Finch plays an important part in the novel as he is a true hero and goes against society’s beliefs and stereotypes on blacks.
2. Mr. Finch is the father of Scout and Jem, the two main characters. He is neighbors to “Boo Radley” and Miss Maudie. His is defending Tom Robinson in a case against Bob Ewell. He is linked with Judge Taylor through work and he is close to the police officer of Maycomb. He is linked to Dill through his children and his neighbor Mrs. Stephanie Crawford.
3. Mr. Finch’s key scene is the court scene were he defended the black Mr. Robinson and went against his white opponents.
4. He plays a key point in our understanding of the book. Without Atticus basically the book would have no moral. Harper Lee would not hvae given the same message and idea of a hero if he had no charcter that played Atticus's role. His role brings the whole moral of a hero into the story, he goes against what societies beleives and stands up for a negro.
5. Atticus is around 50 years old and he is a male. He is understanding, persuasive, wise, well mannered, kind and well educated. He is well dressed and wears glasses.
6. Atticus has an open mind. He treats negroes with the same respect he would treat whites, he greets neighbours and thinks that Scout, Dill and Jem are being nosey and disrespectful by playing the "Boo Radley" game. He is fair and does not judge anyone by their appearance.
7. Negroes think that Attcius is a hero. Some whites think that he is a hero buut others think he is a "Nigger lover" and is betraying the whtie race and disgracing his name.

Jem Finch

1. Jem Finch is Scout's (the main charcters) brother. He is a main charcter and can be called "Scout's accomplice".
2. Jem is very close to Scout and they both are very curious about "Boo Radley". Atticus is Jem's father. Dill is Jem's friend. Boo Radley is Jem's neigbour. Cal is his "second mother".
3. He is in every secne of the book, as he is a main charcater. His main role is at the end of the novel when he gets carried off by "Boo Radley" because he is unconscious.
4. Jem plays a part in the
5. Jem Finch is about 7 years old, is male and wears denim overalls in the novel most of the time.

TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD- SUMMARY ANSWERS

Chapter 1

• What do you learn in this chapter about Maycomb, Atticus Finch and his family? You learn that Maycomb is and old, tired and small town. Jem is Scout's older brother by 4 years and broke his arm badly when he was nearly 13 years old. Jem wants to be a football player when he is older. Atticus is Scout and Jem's father; he is a lawyer and works at Maycomb court house.
• What do you learn about Dill's character? In the first chapter of the book Dill is portrayed as adventurous, cheeky, smart, well travelled and a bit of an exaggerator.
• What, briefly, has happened to Arthur "Boo" Radley. Arthur Radley was involved with the wrong crowd in his teen years. He was taken to court along with the other boys in his "gang" and he was charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, assault, battery and using abuse and profane language in the presence and hearing of a female. Mr Radley (Arthur's father) was so ashamed and embarrassed of his son's actions that he told the judge he would handle his son's punishments. The Radley boys were not seen for 15 years, their father would not let them leave their house.
• Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill? The Radley place fascinates Jem, Scout and Dill because they want to know what happened in that house in those 15 years and what happened to the family.
• What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint in the novel? Scout is very descriptive and always has a strong point of view.

Chapter 2

• Why is Scout so looking forward to starting school? Scout was excited to start school because she wanted to join in all the games that the kids played and make new friends.
• Why does Jem not want anything to do with Scout at school? I this behavior typical of an older child? Yes, Jem's behavior is typical of an older child because nobody wants their younger sibling hanging onto their ankles and annoying or embarrassing them in front of their friends. Scout might embarrass Jem in front of his friends and his friends might not want to hang around with a grade one student.
• What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher as a teacher? Can you find qualities, which would make her a good or not so good teacher? I think Miss Caroline Fisher is a bad teacher because she did not listen to Scout when all she was trying to do was help her. She also got mad at Scout for learning to read. Usually a teacher would and should encourage that. I find no qualities that would make Miss Fisher a good teacher.

Chapter 3

• Who is Calpurnia? What is her place in the Finch household? Calpurnia is the Finch's helper. She helps around the house, cleans, cooks, does the laundry and helps Atticus raise Jem and Scout. Cal is very important to the Finch family; she is almost like a mother to Jem and Scout.
• What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behavior during lunch suggest about his home life? Walter's behavior during lunch indicates that he does not get feed well at home because his daddy can't afford to buy much food.
• What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter? I think Atticus is very generous and kind to let Walter eat with them. He is also very polite in the way he makes conversation with Walter.
• Does Scout learn anything from Walter's visit? What do you think this is? Scout learns a bit about Walter's family and background from listening to Atticus and Walter talk. I think Scout also learnt that some people don't eat like her and like to eat strange combinations.
• Atticus says that you never really understand a person "until you climb into his skin and walk around in it". What does this mean? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn? This means that you never know why people do what they do or say what they say unless you take over their bodies and live their lives for a day. it is an easy thing for Scout to understand because she refers to it later in the novel, quite a lot.
• What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewell's? You learn that Mr Ewell signs his kids up for school and they only ever attend the first day. This is so that he can't get into trouble for not sending his kids to school. The Ewell's are rude, dirty, poor and disrespectful people.

Chapter 4

• What does Scout think of current fashions in education? Scout does not like the current fashions in education at all! She hates school and wants to stay home and be home schooled.
• What superstitions do the children have in connection to the Radley house? The children believe that 'Boo' Radley comes out of his house every night, eats cats and looks through the windows of peoples houses and watches them sleep. They think he is a wild animal.
• Why do the children make Boo's story into a game? The children make Boo's story into a game to entertain themselves and to help cure their curiosity a little bit.
• What do they do in the game? Do you think the game is an accurate version of what happens in the Radley's home? In this game the children take characters from the Radley family and act out what they believe happens on a daily basis and what hey believe happened in the past. No, I don't think the game is a accurate version f what actually takes place in the Radley house. I think its the children's imaginations, imagining what happens in the Radley house.
• What might be the cause of the laughter from ins ide the house? I think the laughter from inside the Radley house was caused by the fact that Scout was sent tumbling down a hill in a can and rolled into the Radley's lawn. It was probably a funny sight. I think the laughter came from 'Boo' Radley who always looks out his shutter onto the neighborhood.

Chapter 5

• Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson. How typical is she of Maycomb's women? What do the children think of her? Miss Maudie hated her house, spending time indoors, was a widow and she loved everything that grew on God's Earth except nut grass. Scout adores Miss Maudie and speeds afternoons sitting with her on her front porch watching the neighborhood. The children trust Miss Maudie and she is very unique.
• What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about 'Boo'? How does this compare to what Scout already believes? Miss Maudie tells Scout that 'Boo' is alive and that he does not come out of his house because he does not want to. This is the complete opposite to what Scout had previously believed. She thought he was dead and that he was forced to stay inside by his father.
• Scout claims that "Dill could tell the biggest ones" (lies) she ever heard. Why might Dill have told such lies? Dill told these lies to impress Scout and Jem.
• What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the 'Boo' Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why? Atticus says that playing the game is disrespectful and rude. He says it is none of their business what the Radley's are doing in their house and that they were being nosey. Yes, I think Atticus is right because it is nosey and disrespectful towards the Radley's to make a game out of their lives.

Chapter 6

• Why does Scout disapprove of Jem and Scout's plan of looking in at one of the Radley's windows? Scout thinks its not a good idea because Atticus or even one of the Radley's could catch them doing it and they would get into trouble.
• What does Mr. Nathan Radley know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss Stephanie refer to a "negro" over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired? Mr Nathan knows about the intruders in his garden because he heard them and saw a rough outline of them. Miss Stephanie refers to a "negro" over whose head Mr Nathan fired because it was dark and the outline of Jem was black and also because of the many stereotypes floating around that "negroes" were violent.
• Why does Dill's explanation of Jem's state of dress almost land him in trouble? Dill said that they were playing strip poker and he almost gets in trouble for "playing" the game and "gambling".

Chapter 7

• When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her something strange. What is this? Jem tells Scout that when he got his trousers back they had been stitched roughly together and folded nicely by the fence. Obviously someone was expecting his return.
• Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about 'Boo' Radley? What do you think this is? Jem thinks a lot more and is starting to put the pieces of the puzzles together.
• Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer. No, Jem believes that someone from school is using it as a hideout to hide his precious stuff from the adults and bullies.
• When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Who does it, and why might he do so? They are prevented because Mr Nathan Radley filled the hole in the tree with cement to prevent 'Boo' Radley leaving them anymore "gifts" but he said he did it because the tree was "dying".

Chapter 8

• Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her? Scout really wants to know what her dad enountered whilst inside the famous Radley house that she so desperatley wnats to go into. She asks him if "Boo Radley" was still alive and if he was a monster. They thought that Boo had "got her" (killed Mrs Radley) at last, so they wanted to know if Boo had killed her or if she died of old age.
• What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front yard? How do Miss Maudie and Atticus react to it? The "near libel" that Jem puts in the front yard is a snow man. Atticus tells Jem...

Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie's oak rocking chair?

When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize?

Explain what Atticus means by telling Jem not to let his discovery “inspire” him to “further glory”? Is there any reason why Jem might now do as his father says?

Show Don't Tell

1. The hero was strong and handsome. He was admired by the townspeople. He was brave and wished to help those in need.

"Oh my!" Amber whisperd to her best friend Daniella. "Watch his perfectly tanned muscles when he chops the wood."
"Wow!" Daniella said as she watched his axe crush down into the wood. "He is so strong." He is so strong." Daniella said dreamily.
"Did you heard Dani? The other day Mrs Thompson was crossing the street when a car came speeding around the corner. Just off the town square. Right over there." Amber pointed to their left and Dani follwed her hand to a crushed stop sign.
"Wow! Is she ok?" Dani asked Amber anxiously.
"Yes, of course she is... Thanks to Evan." Amber said and both girls dremaily turned back to Evan and sighed as he cut into his 13th peice of wood.
"Well he ran and pushed her out of the way of the car. He then sheilded her head as they hit the hard ground on the sidewalk. The car speed into the stop sign and the person got out to try and run. Evan jumped up put Mrs Thompson safely on the side of the road and chased after him. He caught the man and later that night on the news Evan said that he was only walking when he caught him. My mum saw everything and said he was going pretty fast.' Amber said to Dani. "Oh my! He is so brave. My dad could never do that, without killing himslef." Dani laughed to herself.
"I know! He is my hero..." Amber said dreamily turning back to Evan.
All the towns women who had gathered to watch Evan sighed when he put his shirt back on. When Evan noticed the towns square was filled with women watching him in admiration he blushed shyly.

2. The wizzard was ugly and evil. The people of the town were terrified of her. She enjoyed threatening them, especially children. She was cruel and greedy.

"Quick Oscar!" Came a whisper out of the dark.
Osacr turned over sleepily and mutterd, "What?", as he pushed his doona over his head. It was cold and Oscar was starting to shake.
"You have to hurry. Helga is coming, she is two streets down. She took Mr and Mrs Bakers daughter Eva and she is roaming the streets." Came Oscars mothers voice out of the dark.
Oscar sat up and snapped into action. He knew what to do, he had practised it more than a million times in prepeation for Helgas return. Everyone knew what to do. The town had not slept a week after Helgas last attack. Oscar grabbed his dressing gown, put on his slippers and ran into the room next to his. He brabbed his little sister out of her crib. He soothed her whimpers by rocking her back and forth and telling her it was ok.
He put her tiny arms into her tiny jacket and put sock on her tiny feet to keep her warm. He hid her in his jacket cradiling her comfortabley, knowing he would meet his mother and father in the towh square he ran into the hall way and into the street. Oscar screamed as he came face to face with Helga. She was a wizzard from out of town, she had warts and boils all over her face. She lived alone and came once every two weeks to gather chidlren to take back to her hut and keep captive. Osacrs 'jacket' began to cry ahd he despertal;ey tried to soothe his little sister, Mary's, crys of fear.
"Give me your sister!" Helga snarled at Oscar in a greedy way. Eva was at Helgas side and was sobbing loudly asking to be let go. Oscar ran in the opposite direction and stopped suddenly. Helga who had begun to chase him was sent hurtling to the ground, freeing Eva. Luckily he was strong, he was 17 and had just had his final growth spurt and gained some new muscles. He grabbed Eva in one arm and held Mary tight to his chest with the other arm. He ran, leaving Helga the helpless wizzard on the tough gravel. He ran around the corner and down that street, then made a right and pulled into the town square. Everybody cheered when they saw Eva in his arms. They gave him a badge of bravery. Nobody ever feared Helga again as she was helpless old lady and they know had Oscar to protect them.

Dear Miss Leeson,

I completed the chapter questions over the weekend but today I found out my USB broke between last night and today. I cant put the chapter questions on my blog as you requested. I did print out a copy of my question and answers on Saturday. I am absent from School tomorrow so I will give it to you on Wednesday. Sorry.

Regards Shelby

My hometown!

Hope Island was a wonderful place to grow up. It was an isolated place when I first knew it. Its rainy weather brang floods on the roads and endless days inside. Snakes played a big part in peoples lives, living in their roofs and on their front porches, no one seemed to mind. Christmas time was a big event hanging lights on the roof. Chickens roamed free from our neighbors yard and made its home our front door. Dogs would steal girls hats as they were getting into the car and run up the long drive way with them in her mouth, in a playful way. Parties were big and nights were long and filled with laughter, sitting around that big old fire, warm and cozy. Swimming played a big part in peoples lives, my sisters and I would literally spend all day in the pool until a storm came bringing with it lighting. Sunny days were long, wonderful and hot! Kids would chase their shadows around on their front lawn. Cicadas would chirp all through the night along with their friends the green tree frogs. We would wake up some mornings to find a surprise in the dogs water bowl, a little green tree frog taking a nap. Trips in the tinnie on the creek would last long, cruising up and down on the waves. Fishing all day with some Pasito. Days spent in the upstairs playroom were lost and went to fast. Endless hours spent at the piano learning new songs of by heart. Kids would bike ride or roller blade up and down their drive ways, wearing gum boots all day if you let them, but mum would call "lunch" and we would hurry inside. I was proud of being a country girl and not to keen to move to the city, but we were to far away from school. Snakes, spiders and insects didn't seem to bother me back then. I learnt to play the piano, bike ride, roller blade, fish, swing on swings along with many other things at Hope Island and it will always be my hometown.

Shelby :)

To Kill a Mockinbird – Websearch

Part A- Growing up in the 1930s

Letter one: In your first letter, describe your home and neighbourhood in detail. Include lots of specific and interesting information so that the reader of your letter can visualise your environment. Tell your friend about your family. What types of activities do you enjoy as a family? What is your standard of living? How do your parents make a living?

Dear Olivia,

My name is Abigail Cullen and I am a white girl at the age of 10 years old. I was born in 1920 and I am now 10 in 1930. Life is very hard at the moment. My fathers business is having a tough time at the moment and we can not afford to go to church any more, all day and all night my family and I have to work. We were called a 'bad family', last Saturday when my father and I were walking hand in hand down to the corner shop to buy some milk for my mother and our maid. I was outraged and my father just continued walking. My neighborhood is very big. We live in the city and own a beautiful little cottage just off Smith Street. We also own a small portion of land in the country where my family and I go hunting. Of a day my mother helps take care of other woman’s children when they are working. I think this is funny because she leaves us in the care of our nanny in the mean time. We have a chef, a nurse, a handy man, a nanny and two maids but this does not mean we are wealthy, this is considered as normal. Just the other day my friend Amber’s father stole from his work place! Everybody was disgusted. I am not allowed to be seen with Amber anymore, my mother told me last night. Good gracious! I really liked Amber she was my best friend but I must not disobey mother. My father tells me that I am not allowed to be associated with the poor white children that live behind his business. They look so hungry and lonely. My father tells me that they are just having a tough time with their business and I will be able to play with them some day. So I watch them silently from behind my fathers desk of a day. Although I am still mad at the little white boy, I am becoming more forgiving as I observe his environment. A few months ago when I was waiting for my nanny, Jodie to pick me up from my fathers business, because I had to go and see my sick grandmother in hospital. The little poor white boy that I watch daily ran over to me and asked me to play with him. I apologised and said that I couldn’t because my grandmother is sick and I am visiting her at the hospital to say goodbye. He looked hurt and slapped me across the face and said, "It’s because your father told you, you couldn’t isn’t it?" He walked away as I started to sob silently to myself. I was so shocked to even comment on his behaviour. When Jodie pulled up I hopped in the back of the car. She asked me why I was crying and I replied, "The little boy hit me." She replied, "Hit him back!" Now I realise that my nanny Jodie has influenced me into the young woman I am today. I love her dearly and if we had to let her go due to money constraints I would be utterly devastated. She has raised me for 10 years, from birth to now! I hope that every thing is going to be ok. Life is hard but I love very minute of it. I hope you are not having any troubles. How are you? How is 2010? If I had to summarise the 30’s into one word it would be hard.

Love always you dear friend,

Abigail

Part B- Letter two

In your second letter, tell about your school and your friends. Describe your school, classes and teachers. Who are your friends, and what are some activities you enjoy doing together? You should also describe what's going on in the world around you. What's happening in the nation politically and economically? Tell about popular fashions, music, radio programs, and other interesting facts.

Dear Olivia,

I am a 16 year old black girl living in the 1930’s. My name is Grace Shania. I am a small-town girl, growing up just outside Birmingham. Times are hard. My mother, father and my ancestors were born into slavery. I am not allowed to get married my mother told me when I was just 10 years old! I am devastated as in my class there is a boy I like very much. Just the other day he gave me some flowers, that he picked from his mothers rose bush. I was delighted. My parents are poor, working class black people. My mother works all day serving and catering to Mr, Mrs and Miss Cullen’s needs. She never gets a break. She even is not allowed Christmas off. My father works in mining and comes home late every night. He works equally as hard as my mother but still we have no money to spare. I wear clothes that my mother makes for me. We get the material from Mrs Cullen’s scraps. They waste a lot of material but for this I am grateful. I get lots of new and exciting material almost once every 3 weeks! When I was little I was oblivious to the discrimination issue I was involved in. It was not until I went to school that I found out I was different and that I was not wasn't until after I went to school I found out I wasn’t allowed to go to certain parks and couldn’t couldn't swim in certain places due to my skin colour. I had not even encountered a white kid in my young years. Sometimes when I am having a tough time I remember back to the time when I was oblivious. It was a great time indeed. My best friends name is Georgia Pearl and I always spend weekends with her and her family on their farm down South. I am payed $5 an hour! We pick berries and clean around the house. Georgia’s white family is so kind.

Love always you dear friend,

Grace