Quiz on To Kill A Mockingbird - Link

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mocking/quiz.html

This link leads to a good quiz on the details of the book.

The Trial Begins: Lee's build-up of tension

Despite the fact that the outcome of the trial seems to be decided long before it begins, Harper Lee manages to create feelings of tension and uncertainty. Much of this tension comes from the contrast between the adults' resignation to the outcome, such as Miss Maudie's refusal to attend the trial, ("Just because it's public, I don't have to go"), and Jem's faith in his father and certainty that Tom Robinson will be found innocent.
    As a child like Scout would not have understood much of what happens, Lee is able to give us an idea of tension in the trial by noting the reactions of other characters, such as Jem "pounding the balcony rail softly", and "one man was leaning forwards with his hands over the railing".
    At important moments in the trial, such as the signing of Bob Ewell's name, the action is slowed down and lots of detail given, which builds tension and drama. For example: "Atticus was reaching into the pocket of his coat. He drew out an envelope, then reached into his vest pocket and unclipped his fountain-pen." etc. This amount of detail gives an impression of slow motion.
    The way the seating is laid out helps to show how busy the courtroom was, and how many people have come to the trial. In chapter 16, there is further build up as we see everyone arriving, showing that this will be the climax of the novel. The position of Jem and Scout allows us to see the whole court, and view everyone's actions, as well as displaying the segregation between the black and white population- the fact that Scout and Jem pay no attention to this shows how ingrained the racial difference is in Maycomb. The fact that Jem doesn't seem to understand that this is what will dictate the outcome of the trial also creates tension- we are worried about what his reaction will be to the verdict.

To Kill A Mockingbird: Part I

Skills- free writing

I can play the piano.I have done exams, but mostly it is about the feeling of being talented, being expressive. It is playing something that someone might want to listen to. It is practicing and practicing every week for six years and finally being good at it, finally enjoying it. It is crying and laughing at the same time. Though the music may have been written by the composer, when you play it, it becomes yours, each time you play it is the first time and you always know more about your mistakes than a listener. It can hurt your back and your fingers and your mind, but when it flows perfectly all you do is listen to yourself like the piano doesn't even exist. You can learn through endless repetition and an 'ear' for the music, and somehow the hours become justified, even when the mistakes never leave. It is the only thing.

To Kill a Mockingbird: First Impressions

In the opening chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee introduces us to Jem and Scout, the town of Maycomb, and their families, histories, everyday lives... We meet characters, such as Dill, who will help to shape the rest of the story. We are also introduced subtly to the issues with race and the upcoming court case of their father.

Harper Lee uses a writing style very similar to many other books of the period, such as ‘The Help’. It is detailed, uses the first person, and uses lots of description. In my opinion, this style is fairly tedious. It is intended to be from the point of view of Scout, a young girl, but the narrative voice sounds nothing like a young child. The detailed descriptions give us an impression of Maycomb, but do not allow us space to become emotionally involved with the characters.

Many of the characters seem extremely one-dimensional, such as Atticus (the wise, perfectly moral example of a father figure), and the many prejudiced inhabitants of Maycomb. This caused me to lose interest in reading about them. Using a child who does not understand the events and prejudices rising around her is interesting from one perspective, but can also be very frustrating and cause you to feel patronised when other characters explain fairly obvious points.

The tension and mystery surrounding the Radley house adds interest and drama to the book, but this is let down by the very slow build-up and lack of a climax. Many different views surround Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley, creating an air of mystery, but the fact that we hear he is fairly normal from the most rational characters in the book tells us this is probably true. We have only reached chapter 6, but this means that, if and when we meet Boo Radley, his character is unlikely to surprise us or be a twist in the book.

In my opinion, Jem is the most interesting character we have so far met. He is a fairly true representation of a child of his age, and I find his interactions with his father and his perspective of Boo Radley the most noteworthy points of the book so far. In addition, he seems to be changing and developing as the book goes on.

The best thing about the book so far, in my opinion, is the impression it gives us of Southern America at the time. This was a fascinating and sometimes distressing period, with its many conflicting prejudices and motivations. To Kill a Mockingbird perfectly captures the small-town feeling and casual racism, and cleverly, subtly hints at tensions just beneath the surface. The biggest issue is that the hints are too subtle, and the main overlaying story not captivating enough, for me to really be drawn in.