Overview

Welcome to the online extension of our classroom. This forum is designed to serve as a forum for all English classes to continue those discussions begun during the school day. You will be able to share your observations, ask questions, and respond to classmates' comments in a way that is not confined to a single, 45-minute period. Enjoy!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Periods 6 & 7, Post 10: The Meaning of the Title

This week, we have reached the conclusion of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. We have focused not only on the novel's resolution, but also on the significance of the book's title.

Therefore, as this week's topic, I want you to discuss the title's meaning. Be sure to link Atticus' statement that "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" with what we learned during the last few chapters of the book. Who are the "mockingbirds" to whom Harper Lee is referring? What are the "sins" committed against them?

Your responses will count as a homework assignment grade for the third marking period of the spring semester.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 10: The Meaning of the Title

This week, we have reached the conclusion of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. We have focused not only on the novel's resolution, but also on the significance of the book's title.

Therefore, as this week's topic, I want you to discuss the title's meaning. Be sure to link Atticus' statement that "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" with what we learned during the last few chapters of the book. Who are the "mockingbirds" to whom Harper Lee is referring? What are the "sins" committed against them?

Your responses will count as a homework assignment grade for the third marking period of the spring semester.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Periods 6 & 7, Post 9: What Difference Does It Make?

We've spent the past two weeks analyzing the testimonies of several key witnesses from the trial scene of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, arriving afterward at the unanimous conclusion that Tom Robinson is innocent of the crime of which he's been accused by the prosecution's star witnesses: Mayella Ewell and her father, Bob. And yet, we've also seen how this knowledge makes little difference in the minds of the jurors, who unanimously convict Tom in spite of this.

This week, I would like you to consider Atticus' actions. He worked so hard to give Tom Robinson the best defense possible, even subjecting his children to taunts and criticism from neighbors, friends, and even relatives. In your opinion, was it worth it? Did Atticus do the right thing in defending Tom to the best of his abilities? Do you think that his actions have made any difference whatsoever? Explain your answer using textual examples.

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period of the spring semester.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 9: What Differences Does It Make?

We've spent the past two weeks analyzing the testimonies of several witnesses from the trial scene in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, and have come to the unanimous conclusion that Tom Robinson is innocent of the crime of which he's being accused by the prosecution's star witnesses: Mayella Ewell and her father, Bob. And yet, we've also seen how this knowledge makes little difference in the minds of the jurors, who unanimously convict Tom anyway.

This week, I would like you to consider Atticus' actions. He worked so hard to give Tom Robinson the best defense possible, even subjecting his children to taunts and criticism by neighbors, friends, and even relatives. In your opinion, was it worth it? Did Atticus do the right thing in defending Tom to the best of his abilities? Do you think that his actions have made any difference whatsoever? Explain your answer using textual examples.

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period of the spring semester.