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 13, 2011

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.

3 comments:

  1. In my opinion when Atticus gave his best defense for the case, is was worth it because everyone was mean and cruel to him for defending a black guy then afterwards, everyone showed him even more respect. Atticus was the best person to defend Tim best Atticus gives his all everything no matter who it is, because everyone deserves a fair shot in a trail. Atticus put up a good fight and that was showed when it took the jury so long to reach a verdict. Even though Atticus lose the trail, there was nothing he couldn't do that he didnt already try to change the jury's mind and win the case.
    JASMIN :)

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  2. Stephanie NazaireMay 18, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    I feel that Atticus done a great job and set great examples for the oputsiders not for the juror's because at the end. Tom was still pleaded guilty, its not that easy NOW getting racism out of a white FACE for a COLORED person in those days. But what can I say is that Atticus proved great points and made a great ending speech.

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  3. I think atticus did a wonderfull job . I think it was great that he stood up for tom . I dont think his actions made any diffrence because of the fact that they were still going to say that tom was guilty . Atticus shouldve gotton a reward for how hard and well he worked

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