To Kill a Mockingbird, Part I
| Introduction -- Discussions & Assignments -- Answer Sheet -- Assignment Submission Directions |
This novel is one of the best books ever written. It won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. From a literary viewpoint, it is a masterpiece. The author's use of language and the subtle weaving of several plot strands are unique and beautiful. The story itself is amazing in its realism, its depth, and its emotional effect on the reader. If you read it carefully, you will remember it for the rest of your life.
After you have read the book, you will also watch the movie, which stars Gregory Peck. Please do not attempt to do these lessons by viewing the movie in lieu of reading the book because, while the movie is outstanding, it combines two important characters and leaves out a number of others. It briefly glosses over a number of scenes and omits other scenes completely. In short, watching the movie instead of reading the book will lead to a failing grade on the assignments and on the final exam!
Lesson Objectives
After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
- read and experience the novel as a literary form, and understand the author's purpose in writing it;
- assess characterization in the novel, and recognize the internal conflict within characters;
- identify and analyze the symbolism within the novel;
- determine the meaning of vocabulary words, using context clues and dictionary skills;
- understand that the human condition transcends time and settings, and recognize differences between modern life and life in the era of the Great Depression;
- recognize important themes in the novel.
