1. Wrap up – Themes/Symbols/Big Ideas
To Kill a Mockingbird
Wrap up –
Themes/Symbols/Big Ideas

2. For each symbol think of when it occurs and what it symbolizes
Oak Tree
Scout’s Overalls
Boo’s blanket
Miss Maudie’s cakes
Mrs. Dubose’s camellias
Comics

3. Think of theme statements to go with these topics
Courage
Hypocrisy
Prejudice
Moral education
Social inequality
Understanding
Dignity

4. Mood
Think about the different sections or events of the novel: where did Lee establish these moods?
Creepy
Warm
Humourous
Indignant (anger over unfair treatment)

5. Double Plot Lines Boo Radley Plot Tom Robinson Plot
Climax – Boo kills Bob to save the children
Resolution – Scout stands in Boo’s shoes
Tom Robinson Plot
Climax – Jury convicts Tom Robinson
Resolution – Tom and Bob are both killed

6. Characters – Flat, Round; Static, Dynamic
For each character type think of some examples
Flat – one sided (usually either positive or negative)
Round – reader sees multiple personality traits (both positive and negative)
Static – a character who does not change or grow
Dynamic – a character who experiences profound change in personality or perspective

7. Character Foils
A character foil is a character whose behaviour and qualities set off those of another figure
Examine these relationships and think about what they are meant to teach
Calpurnia vs. Aunt Alexandra
Scout vs. Walter Cunningham Jr.
The Cunninghams vs. the Ewells
Miss Maudie vs. Miss Grace Merriweather
Calpurnia vs. Lula

8. Remember to think about Figurative Language
Imagery
Simile
Metaphor
Hyperbole
Alliteration

9. Historical Context Use of the N word Civil Rights movement
North/South US influence
Scottsboro Boys
Lynch mobs

10. Social Commentary
How do these people or groups teach the reader about hypocrisy
Miss Caroline
Miss Gates
The Women’s Missionary Circle

11. Humour How does irony add to humour? Think about:
Scout’s perception vs. reality
Miss Dubose has a gun under her blanket
Atticus can’t do anything
Calpurnia tries to make her life difficult

12. Bias/Perspective
Think about how the story is told – how does Scout’s perspective shape the story – what is made more palatable?
Where can you see the author (Harper Lee’s) bias?

13. Fiction vs. Memoir
This book is FICTION! Although many parallels can be drawn between the author’s life and the character including:
Dill Harris/Truman Capote
Scout’s Dad vs. Lee’s Dad
The two trials
Maycomb