TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD CH

Three specific rhetorical (persuasive) techniques have been used throughout literature and history since Aristotle’s inception of the terms: Ethos relies on the credibility of the reputation and character of the speaker, Pathos plays to the audience’s emotions, and Logos persuades using reasoning and logic. How are these techniques used in the courtroom by our characters and to what end?

Consider the use of racial slurs in the novel. Despite the n- word being used multiple times in the novel, and by multiple characters, one such use by Bob Ewell in the courtroom causes an uproar among the townspeople. How does Ewell’s usage differ? Or does it? When answering, please be mindful of today’s connotations of racial slurs; for the purpose of our class, I ask that you refrain from using any slur and refer to a specific word in its PC equivalent, even when quoting Lee.

What is your opinion of Dolphus Raymond? Is he helpful or hurtful to our characters and Maycomb? Why is he in the novel?

Why was the verdict “guilty” for Tom Robinson? Were there any positives?

What realizations does Ch. 23 end with for the characters and for the readers?

If absent: write a paragraph on each of the questions with two quotations as evidence for the makeup grade.