Month: February 2019
Rogerian Argument Example: Mental Health
Imagine having someone close to you a family member or loved one. You tell yourself you know them better than anyone else. Next thing you know one day they just suddenly take their own life out of nowhere. In reality, you didn't know anything about them and what they were thinking. People like this are not getting the help they need. Mental health is an issue that impacts millions of Americans directly or indirectly.
Back in the 5th century, many cultures have viewed mental illness as a form of religious or demonic possession. In the 1840s, activist Dorothea Dix influenced for better living conditions for the mentally ill after witnessing the dangerous and unhealthy conditions in which many patients lived. Over a 40-year period, Dix successfully persuaded the U.S. government the building of 32 state psychiatric hospitals. Back in 1946 president, Harry Truman passed the National Mental Health Act, which created the National Institute of Mental Health and allocated government funds to mental health research.
The United States put a bigger focus on physical health than mental health. Which I understand there are terminal illnesses out there like, cancer or heart disease. Like for example, in 2018 an estimated 1,735,350 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 609,640 people will die from the disease. The government also stigmatizes mental Illness as the cause of violent acts which I understand also. There have been school shootings across the country. For example, the shooting that happened in Parkland, Florida in February of 2018.
I can understand why people support physical health more than mental health, people tend to worry about the stuff they tend to so first hand. People don’t tend to take their time in the day to put concerns on stuff we can’t see, like the functioning of the brain. I understand not everyone is going to educate themselves about something they can’t see. When you go see a doctor for an annual checkup, they usually tell you what your physical symptoms are. And health care limitations are what limit a person to see a mental health specialist. So, I can see why you wouldn’t get any mental evaluation easily from your doctor. I also understand that Donald Trump released the Fiscal year 2019 budget. In the budget funding for high-quality special education services to children with disabilities. The budget invests $12.8 billion for IDEA formula grants to states to support special education and early intervention services. The budget also requests new investments to improve treatment for individuals suffering from serious mental illness.
It’s a good thing that mental health is being a social concern as of now, but not only serious mental illnesses should only be concerned. I think everyone should have access to mental health and we should improve our resources to improve our understanding of mental health. Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorder, caused by everyday life altercations. Plus, women or men who get raped suffer from PTSD of the traumatic experience. So, do people who served in the military, usually something that reminds them of war triggers the disorder.
On one hand, physical health is more funded and of more concern than mental health. On the other hand, I think mental health and its resources can be improved. First, I think mental health specialists should help educate the community with seminars to help educate people. Mental health promotion is another thing that can help improve resources. Mental health relies on professionals, and not on technology. For example, smartphones and tablets become more sophisticated, people are relying on a growing variety of mobile apps. Apps using evidence-based practices have the ability to transform a patient-provider relationship. Health care providers use apps to access clinically validated resources such as screening tools, make treatment decisions, and conduct referrals. For example, SAMHSA (substance abuse and mental health services administration) suicide safe app offers educational materials and includes a treatment locator. Virtual Reality technology continues to advance, enabling developers to more accurately simulate the real-world environment. One VR application is exposure therapy, which users are safely exposed to simulations that cause discomfort, often to treat people experiencing phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder. VR also appears to be heading in the right direction of stimulating therapy rather than stimulating external events. I also think the federal government should increase funding on mental health treat it like physical health care and not leave it out with less budget spending. With increased budget people would have more access to care and be less likely to end up in emergency, prison, homeless shelters, on the streets, or worse. Many who need treatment and actually receive it will likely recover completely or be able to control their symptoms enough to contribute to the economy by returning to work. This is not only good for the person who needs treatment, but also for their families, neighbors, and communities.
While physical health is to be more of concern, mental health is too the mind is part of the body too so mental health shouldn’t be left out. We need to improve our understanding of mental health because it can affect us all we're all human. We all deal with anxiety and stress every day it's a part of our human nature it’s going to happen to us all. The more we understand our mind the better we are to cope with ourselves and less often have to deal with sad things like suicide.
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Rogerian Argument Example: Mental Health. (2019, Feb 20).
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Rogerian Argument: are the SATs Outdated?
It is a little known fact that the tax bracket one’s family falls under can give an idea of what ones SAT score would be, which has some saying that it is biased to the more fortunate. The latter half of a students high school experience is a very stressful time, not only have to juggle numerous after school activities, college tours and applications, but also have to cope with the stress of standardized testing such as the SATs. Some of those stress factors, such as the SATs, are seen outdated and unfair to some students and either need to be wiped away completely or changed drastically in the opposers opinions. The fact of the matter is the seemingly never ending debate on whether the SATs are outdated and or unfair, and the question everyone wants to know the answer to is if they should still even be in use. Are the SATs an accurate representation of intellect, or are they an outdated biased way for colleges to be selective?
Many feel that the SATs are an accurate representation of intelligence, and give a valuable indicator of a students potential, and college success. Jeffery Penn, a reporter for the New York Academy of Sciences, says “the standardized college admissions test continues to be a reliable predictor of college success. In addition, for some subjects, SAT scores are statistically more consistent predictors of college freshman grades than high school grades”(Penn). What Penn, an advocate for standardized testing is stating is that there is a well founded correlation of college grades and SAT scores, which is a more accurate correlation than that of college grades and high school grades. Jack Buckley, the former commissioner for the national center for education statistics describes these tests as a “neutral yardstick for measuring student potential and performance” (Buckley). One, like Buckley, might say that the SAT score in many cases mirrors first year college performance, and is a valuable tool for colleges to be sure they are getting a spot filled with a valuable scholar. Furthermore, Gaston Caperton, a former governor, and the president of the College Board, states that "SATs Help Colleges Make Smarter Admissions Calls,"(Caperton). When students are equally as impressive with their GPAs and such, colleges have no other tools but the SAT scores to determine college preparedness, making it an important step in the application process. Overall many feel as if the SATs should be here to stay, because they have an important role in maintaining a level playing field, and are a reliable source on finding out important characteristics of students.
While many question the validity of the SATs, and feel it is an obsolete tool, It does seem to be helpful in some aspects of the application process, and has been for 93 years. The colleges have every right to put tough decisions in the hands of the college boards exam because it is very difficult to decide on students who are head to head with activities and grades. The admissions team of many schools believe that it is a key indicator of college readiness, and how students handle stress independently and have the statistics to prove it as well. Therefore the test is seen as the most valuable and reliable tool for those selective schools.
Contrary to the beliefs previously discussed, many professionals, parents, and scholars believe that the SATs are not a reliable indicator of college readiness and intellect. First, many believe these tests tend to favor the fortunate, and turn a blind eye to those of whom are poverty stricken. Cooper Aspegren, a news editor for the oracle, says “socioeconomically disadvantaged test-takers simply cannot afford the benefits of SAT preparation services in the form of private tutors or classes that cost thousands of dollars.”(Aspegren). When the test rolls around, these students are already at a disadvantage before entering the test room. Another reason for people feeling the SATs are obsolete is the fact that it lacks a very important skill set within the actual test, that colleges actually value. The test undisputedly lacks “outside the box thinking” which is a trait colleges seek for enrollment. Randon Busteed, the executive director of Gallup education specifically states that “the biggest problem with standardized testing is that it seeks standardized answers. We're not just overinvesting in standardized testing, we're actually testing standardization”(Busteed). With that being said, the SATs are designed for students to have the same or similar answers. While it is important for there to be a test in place that tests this type of intellect, it is apparent we are missing many other forms of intelligence and competencies. Bad test takers are often those who think outside the box, and find other ways to figure something out. The true claim people like Aspegren are stating, is that the problem solvers are at a disadvantage.
One who disputes the fact that the SATs are outdated can not dispute some of the facts. Those who can't afford the test tutoring tend to do worse on their scores than those who can afford the very expensive tutoring, and there is data to prove it. Also, the SATs lack all but standardized intelligence, which is undeniably an important trait but the many others can not be forgotten about. As of right now the SATs have some good qualities, but lack fairness and inclusiveness which makes the test not as great as it could/should be.
As of now, the SATs are an unfair test and are not a valid way to measure intelligence. It is reasonable to measure intelligence in a test, but not just standardized intelligence. While it is unlikely that the SATs will be disregarded, the more ideal option would be to fix the test, starting with cost. The college board should offer free tutoring for the test, and financial aid for those who normally wouldn't be able to afford the test. The test should also mix in some outside the box thinking options for those who are creative. The SATs should place higher emphasis on parts that make students stand out as individuals. If the college board were to alter the test, it would be looked at as more of an opportunity for all, rather than a setback for some. With that being said, the test is not too far gone, and should be fixed because it decides the fate of many, so it should at least be fair.
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Rogerian Argument: Are The SATs Outdated?. (2019, Feb 20).
Retrieved November 4, 2025 , from
https://studydriver.com/2019/02/page/5/
Rogerian Argument for Video Games
Over the last few years, there have many advances in technology, and video games have become a staple as far as entertainment for children and adults alike. There are many studies that show that the average age range for “gamers” is eight years old to forty (ESRB). As each year passes, the technology that makes video game possible grows and expands. The technology that also creates the graphics or the videos games grows and advances as well. This has made the realism of the video games extraordinary. This realism has caused the video game line of business to become a multibillion dollar enterprise. While all the technological advancements have catapulted the video game industry, there are some negative effects that have come along with this jump in video game sales and usage in our society. Violent video games, and other video games labeled “mature”, do bring some issue to the table. When first introduced, there was much controversy over the possibility of these violent video games producing violent behaviors in their users. This is still a large debate even today. Video games have the potential to develop coordination, creativity, and even increase motor skills.
When did video games break onto the scene? Back in the late 1940’s the first “video” game was introduced. Basically, it was a missile stimulator and its name was Cathode Ray Tube. The Cathode Ray Tube utilized WWII radar displays. Since its release, video games have grown and advanced to become more life-like, worldly, and refines. Nowadays, video games involve in-depth and sophisticated story lines. These tory-lines help players escape their average, everyday life. A great deal of violent video games are well known around the globe. These titles include: Call of Duty, Halo, and Grand Theft Auto, just to name a few. The characters of these games are also well known. Today, video games have found their way into everyday life and are even topic on popular family game shows and even in sports. The video game industry has a tremendous influence on the young people of today.
With all the technological advances of late, gamer can actually feel like they are in the game. There is an issue that comes along with these technological advances and that that the player may want and try to act out what they see or what they do in the game. There have been studies in the past that have focused on mental health problems such as depression, as well as aggression. In these studies, the participants were mainly preadolescent. One specific study collected data from approximately 5,146 fifth grade students, as well as their caregivers. The study discovered that those students which reported that they played high violence video games for less than two hours each day had a much higher rate of depressive symptoms than those students who reported playing low or non-violence video games less than two hours each day (Tortolero). This study also found that, not only was depression a major issue for the players of violent games, but aggression was a major issue as well. Violent video games raise aggression and lower pro-social outcomes, while pro-social video game have the exact opposite effect (Greitemeyer).
A great deal of parents do not seem to believe that violent video games have a negative effect on their children. A large number of parents discount the fact that is actually a ESRB rating for each video game. This rating is a guideline for what ages should play that specific video game. Violent video games are generally rated “M” for mature. The counter argument to this is that many people say that violent games actually relieve stress. A study of students from New York revealed that the students said that is they are under stress, for example picked on at school and bullied, when they play a violent video game it actually relieves and decreases their stress levels. Another counterargument is that video games can also help motor skills, decision making, and even hand-eye coordination. This counterargument especially applies to violent video games because of the skill required to shoot and follow a target, etc. It is also said that just a few short rounds of a first person shooting game will develop an individual; reaction times.
While violent games do aid in the development of certain skills, the game does not need to be violent to develop these same skills. Many non-violent video games help with developing these same skills. The crucial factor is that parents need to learn the ESRB rating system and implement that system with their child. This rating system has been put into action to protect young children from game that are beyond their years. The ESRB rating system is as follows: “C” – early childhood, “E” – everyone, “E10+” – everyone over 10, “T” – teenager 13 years and up, “M” for mature which is 17 years old and up, and finally “A” – adults age 18 and over. This system helps parents and caregivers to pick out age appropriate game for their children. The expanding technology has also made it a great deal easier for parents to provide age appropriate video games for their children.
Over the years, some people have suggested putting laws into place to govern these video games. Many people believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that these violent video game are causing pre-teens and teenagers alike to be violent and act out violent behaviors. Laws do not need to be put into place, this rating system allows a way of governing video games. It is the parents who need to take responsibility for their children, for what their children play, and for their children’s actions.
Children have an ever growing and every developing mind. These young, developing minds absorb and soak in everything that they see and hear. Parents, and caregivers alike, should be aware of what games they are buying for their children and of the games others are buying for their children. They need to make absolutely sure thee video games fall within the correct ERB rating for their child’s age. The rating system is a good one, and one that is effective; however, there should be more information about this rating system made readily available to parents so they can completely understand the ins and outs of it and to make sure that they are aware of the rating system. With all the technological advances, and the many more to come in the future, as well as with the human races dependence upon technology there is no doubt that video games are going to be a continuing staple in our lives and in our children’s lives. With that being said, more people need to be educated a to the negatives of these games and the consequences for not following the ESRB rating system.
Works Cited
Tortolero, Susan R., et al. "Daily Violent Video Game Playing and Depression in Preadolescent Youth." Cyberpsychology, Behavior & Social Networking 17.9 (2014): 609-615.Business Source Complete. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. Greitemeyer, Tobias, and Dirk O. Mügge. "Video Games Do Affect Social Outcomes: A Meta-Analytic Review Of The Effects Of Violent And Prosocial Video Game Play."Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin 40.5 (2014): 578-589. Education Research Complete. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. Kids call video games a stress reliever." New York Amsterdam News 05 June 2003: 20. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. "VIOLENT Video Games Make KIDS SMARTER – More Violent the BETTER." • The Register. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014 "ESRB Ratings Guide." Rating Categories, Content Descriptors, and Interactive Elements from ESRB. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2014.
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Rogerian Argument for Video Games. (2019, Feb 20).
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Rogerian Argument: Jejunocolic Bypass and Gastric Bypass
In 1963 the first Jejunocolic Bypass was performed, replacing barbaric procedures such as jaw wiring. The Jejunocolic Bypass was a type of bypass that rerouted and shortened the intestines creating weight loss by mal-absorption. Patients who had this procedure done would lose a substantial amount of weight in their first year after operation, but with complications. The complications were so severe that the procedure would be discontinued, and in 1969 the Jejunoileal Bypass was introduced. The first introduction of this procedure would be named Jejunoileostomy, and in 1976 a second revised version would be introduced. The revised version would be called jejunoileal bypass and caused extremely severe complications. The Jejunocolic Bypass was known to cause mal-absorption, and severe diarrhea, but its revised version, the jejunoileal bypass, caused a severe vitamin deficiency and neuropathy that would push the mortality rate to four percent. The jejunoileal bypass would then also be abandoned and in 1979 the Biliopancreatic Diversion would be performed, which would then later be converted to the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch in 1993. It is important to note that gastric banding would also be introduced in the late 70’s, and is still available today, but most surgeons will not perform it due to complications. The preferred method of weight loss surgery used today is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, which is the final form converted from the Jejunocolic Bypass, Jejunoileal bypass, and both forms of the Biliopancreatic Diversion.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the most popular, and most used weight lost surgery option today. Most medical centers that are approved to perform weight loss surgery will only offer Roux-en-Y, and do not recommend the Gastric Band. Roux-en-Y is now done laparoscopically, although in some cases still done by opening the patient completely up. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y requires only 6 incisions to be completed. Although minor incisions outwardly, it is still considered major surgery due to the nature of the internal stapling of the stomach. During surgery surgeons detach the stomach from the esophagus as well as the small intestines. They leave a small piece of stomach attached to the esophagus that they then re-attach to the small intestines which then creates a small pouch that is now the patients' stomach. The rest of the stomach remains inside the body but is no longer used. After surgery patients are required to stay in the hospital or medical center for one to two days for observation. During this time and two weeks after surgery they are on a strict liquid diet. Patients will then be instructed by their doctor over the next few months on how to start the implementation of soft foods back to a normal solidity of food while the new stomach route heals. A substantial amount of weight will be lost during this time of transitioning for the patient.
Gastric Bypass is recommended for patients who are obese, which is defined as those who carry a BMI (Body Mass Index) of forty or higher, or whose BMI is thirty-five and higher with complications or ailments caused by obesity. Obesity complications or ailments consist of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint or bone pain, and more severe complications such as type 2 diabetes, risk of stroke, and risk of heart attack. These complications are usually enough to make an obese person seek out treatment such as gastric bypass.
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Theme of to Kill a Mockingbird
Living in a society, humans have a great desire to fit in with the rest of mankind. It compiles them to go with the flow, even when the majority is irrational. The novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, was set in the 60s in America, an era in which discrimination against African Americans was still a very prominent issue. Told from Scout’s childlike perspective, the plot is centered around a rape case regarding Tom Robinson, an African American man, accused by Mayella Ewell, a white woman. Atticus, Scout’s father, is Tom Robinson’s appointed lawyer and makes a significant effort to defend Robinson’s innocence. Through Atticus’s solid stand of his ground despite opposition, firm personal belief, and persistence despite the low chances that he was going to win the trial, the theme that one should conduct righteous acts regardless of the odds against one for the greater good of humanity is demonstrated profoundly throughout the novel.
Near the beginning of the novel, Atticus was repeatedly challenged for his defense of Tom Robinson, seen as a controversial or even traitorous act by many white people in Maycomb, a small town he lived in. Atticus simply believed he was doing the right thing. His 7-year-old daughter, Scout, had heard multiple insults about her father: her peer announced, “Scout Finch’s daddy defended niggers” (74), her cousin accused Atticus by saying he “mortif[ies] the rest of the family” (83), and a dying neighbour commented that Atticus “lawed for niggers and trash” (103). However, Atticus was not slightly abashed by these disrespectful remarks and instructed Scout to not be tempted into fights. Atticus’s unmoving stand in defending Tom Robinson, an African American, even with the awful comments he got from the town, reflects the theme that one should keep their integrity in spite of the challenges they face.
The theme of standing firm with the right values through adversity was further developed when Scout asked Atticus why he had to defend a colored man when everyone else in the town despised the act. Atticus replied, “...before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself” (105). This quote demonstrates Atticus’s personal values and sense of morality as being opposed to the values of society. Because he believed that Tom Robinson was truly innocent, he defended him like he would defend any other innocent person, regardless of the color of their skin. At that time, the majority of white people assumed “that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around or women” (204). However, Atticus, a white man, was determined to defend Tom Robinson’s innocence despite what others thought thus exemplifying his bravery and his defiance of societal norms. Atticus’s boldness is just another example of standing up for the right thing despite of the judgement given by others.
Another attribute that made his actions even more courageous and admirable is that the likelihood of him winning this case was really small: the jury consisted of white men who grew up with the influence of racism. This instance further amplified Atticus’s persistence in doing right thing he believed in, in spite of the odds against him for the greater good of his society. Deep down inside, Atticus knew he was not going to win, but he still persisted with as much effort as he would devote to any other fair trial. When Atticus’s arrived in front of his house to tell him about the newest update on Tom Robinson, he calmly replied to the doubting crowd “that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going until the truth’s told” (146). This shows his determination in defending a colored man, not just for his own belief, but for the truth to be heard. Even others understand that “Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win, but he’s the only man in there parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that” (216).
Because of the amount of effort he committed to the trial, he was able to shine a light on the truth and made some people realize that prejudice had blinded them: they had been convicting every black person guilty without properly thinking about the facts. Even though Atticus had only a small chance of winning, this only furthered a sense of respect for him; because he still took the case seriously even when he was more likely to lose, it further ties back to the theme of one doing the right thing despite the odds against them.
Together, Atticus’s solitary act of standing up for the right thing in society delivered an important lesson of standing up for the right thing even when one is doing it alone. From offensive comments about his defense, his daughter’s questioning, down to the inevitable loss of the trial, Atticus remained unmoved in his determination to defend Robinson. To Kill A Mockingbird teaches its readers to stand up for what they believe is right, even when they are doing it alone; despite not having immediate influence, the courageous acts will reflect on society over time. Atticus withholds his personal belief, remains unmoved by others in his determination in speaking for the voice of justice, and his persistence in defending of Tom Robinson despite such high chances of losing the trial is an inspiring example of doing the right thing regardless of the odds against them for the greater good of humanity.
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To Kill a Mockingbird Themes: Race and Prejudice
Martin Luther King Jr. once stated that black people undoubtedly commit crimes, as do all people of America, but most crimes they are convicted of are derivative. To Kill a Mockingbrid is set during the 1930s, but written and published in 1960, during which the Civil Rights Movement was a momentous protest that was sweeping the nation. To Kill a Mockingbird is a historic, fictional novel that outlines the hardships of a wrongly accused black man living in an America full of prejudice, and, how his case affects the lives of those around him. Harper Lee used her knowledge as a lawyer and experiences from her past to bring the social injustices that arise in the book come to life (Lee, Harper 1926–). Harper Lee uses her literary work to give an accurate depiction of the effect of social injustice during the 30s by using realistic character struggles to provoke the reader’s emotions.
Harper Lee was born on April 26, 1926 and raised in Monroeville, Alabama. (Lee, Harper—”). As a child, she experienced many activities a child should experience, such as adventures with her brother, Edwin, and their friend Truman, but, Harper also also witnessed the worst of mankind (“Lee, Harper 1926—”). Growing up in Alabama, a southern state, during the 1920s exposed her to discrimination of no end, mostly through her father, Amasa Coleman, a lawyer in the Alabama State Legislature (“To Kill a Mockingbird. Literary Themes for Students: Race and Prejudice”). He brought home many cases in which he would have to defend black men accused by the white majority for foolhardy crimes. Growing up, Lee was so literarily advanced that she was apathetic towards elementary school. Many years later, she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a lawyer. She graduated from Alabama University and studied law soon after, but dropped out one semester before she could earn her law degree to pursue writing (“To Kill a Mockingbird. Literary Themes for Students: Race and Prejudice”).
The main characters in To Kill a Mockingbird each overcome an internal struggle that evidently traces back to racism. Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Alabama State Legislature and father to Scout and Jem, is torn apart by his decision to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, accused of rape as best he can, especially when the whole town frowns upon him for doing so. Every passing day Atticus fights for Mr. Robinson his kids are tormented at school because their father is a “nigger-lover”, and, his life is threatened by his friends who have been driven mad by “something in our world that makes men lose their heads— they couldn’t be fair if they tried,” (Lee 295). Jem Finch, the son of Atticus, witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson, and is beyond sure his father will win the case due to his opposition’s lack of evidence. When Mr. Robinson is found guilty regardless and sentenced to death, Jem learns the hard way that “...when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins,” (Lee 295). Jem, only twelve at the time, almost never recovers from the shock and anger afterwards, which he accidentally releases on his sister when he yells, “I never wanna hear about that courthouse again, ever, ever, ever, you hear me? You hear me? Don’t you ever say one word to me about it again, you hear?” (Lee, 331) Scout Finch, less than ten years old, is constantly trying to grasp for answers to satisfy her inquisitive mind; especially after experiencing harassment from her classmates, participating in mass at a negro church, hearing the verdict of Tom Robinson’s case, and hearing those around her express their feelings about Hitler’s current persecution of Jews. Towards the end of the novel Scout struggles to understand how her teachers and neighbors can feel such hatred towards Hitler, and then, “turn around and be ugly about folks right at home,” (Lee 331). All three characters’ turmoil increases when Tom Robinson is shot and killed in prison (Lee 315).
Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, shows us both points of views during a time of discreet racism, the oppressed and the oppressors. Harper Lee achieves this by utilizing past experiences and producing life like character obstacles. A few, brief, examples are the obstacles in which the main characters must overcome. In order for Atticus Finch to defend Tom Robinson, he must use his calm-headed nature to ignore the threats on his life, and, he teaches his kids to not fight back when their classmates call Atticus rude names. Jem Finch must subdue the loathing he feels for the people in his town after the jury reaches a verdict. Lastly, little Scout Finch searches to find answers for her numerous questions and has to learn to come to terms with the pitiful answers. Throughout the novel, all the characters are faced with unavoidable internal battles that some win, and others lose horribly. These internal battles are still relevant today, mostly having to do with issues such as racism and prejudice, that touch the reader’s heart.
Works Cited
"Harper Lee (adapted and illustrated by Fred Fordham): To Kill a Mockingbird--Graphic Novel." The Bookseller, 15 June 2018, p. 26. Student Resources in Context, Accessed 30 Nov. 2018. "Lee, Harper 1926–." Concise Major 21st Century Writers, edited by Tracey L. Matthews, vol. 3, Gale, 2006, pp. 2136-2140. Gale Virtual Reference Library, Accessed 30 Nov. 2018. Moss, Joyce, and George Wilson. "To Kill a Mockingbird." Literature and Its Times: Profiles of 300 Notable Literary Works and the Historical Events that Influenced Them, vol. 3: Growth of Empires to the Great Depression (1890-1930s), Gale, 1997, pp. 390-396. Gale Virtual Reference Library, Accessed 30 Nov. 2018. "To Kill a Mockingbird." Literary Themes for Students: Race and Prejudice, edited by Anne Marie Hacht, vol. 2, Gale, 2006, pp. 470-483. Literary Themes for Students. Gale Virtual Reference Library, Accessed 30 Nov. 2018. "To Kill a Mockingbird." Novels for Students, edited by Diane Telgen, vol. 2, Gale, 1997, pp. 285-307. Gale Virtual Reference Library, Accessed 30 Nov. 2018.Works Cited Page
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Symbolism and Reflectionism that are Used Throughout ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
As well as the ideas regarding the quote to which it is named, there are many other examples of symbolism and reflectionism that are used throughout ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. A primary example of this reflects around the alleged ‘crime’ and trial of ‘Tom Robinson’, a young and powerful field hand working under ‘Link Deas’. Early in the novel, we learn that he has been accused of raping a young white women, ‘Mayella Ewell”. The details are unclear throughout the early stages, as we must follow ‘Jean-Louise “Scout” Finch’s understanding of the events and, as a young child, she struggles understanding the alleged idea of rape and torture, naturally predisposed to follow her father's guidance; Atticus Finch is the defense attorney representing Tom Robinson in Maycomb court lawhouse. Eventually, the reader discovers why the details have been so unknown and ‘clouded’ throughout the novel, and that is because they essentially don’t exist. When Scout, her brother ‘Jem’ and a childhood friend ‘Dill’ manage to enter the courthouse on prosecution day, they and many ‘Maycombians’ discover the truth, no matter how they may ignore it. Upon discussing the details of the trial with several witnesses, including ‘Robert Ewell’, Mayella’s father, and Mayella herself, it is clear that Tom Robinson did not commit this crime. Bob and Mayella’s testimonies are confused, details are ‘released’ and ignored between them and a clear reasonable doubt hangs heavily on the courtroom. In addition, Tom Robinson could not have inflicted the injuries, as he has a crippled left arm. Eventually Tom has to explain what really happened, and upon being asked why he ran from the ‘Ewell’ property after Robert discovered Mayella trying to seduce him, he said this; “If you were a ni**er like me, you’d run too”(261).
All of these items show the reader that Tom Robinson is the symbolic representation of racism and slavery in the South during the 1930’s. As a young man, Tom just barely missed being involved in slavery, yet he still feels the weight of its connotations and the racism upon him in every moment. His arm being crippled by a cotton gin as a child; this represents that the scars of slavery and racism will never truly heal. It also is an example of how he is powerless, particularly against ‘white America’. He is a valiant worker and has a growing family but being disabled and black means that ‘his time will come’. Although there are people who support and agree with him, like the Finches, Link Deas and the surrounding black community, they can never outweigh the injustice that has always faced him. He represents the lowest of American society, despite being one of the strongest, most respectful and hard working members of it. In the end, when he tries to escape and scale the fence of his prison, he is killed brutally, showing that society will never truly let go of racism and prejudice, and it can never be escaped. In addition, the fact that he would have made it if he had had two working arms shows that people like him in the South were doomed from the beginning, and that no amount of hard work and purity can shine above the oppression they face in society. Another example of symbolism in the novel, is through the character of the Finch children's best friend, ‘Dill Harris Baker’. In chapter one and two, we are introduced to Dill just as the Scout and Jem would be, with childish interest, confusion and intrigue.
We grow to know Dill as time comes to pass, and he becomes an essential member of life to both of the Finch’s. Despite his mysterious origins and small, weak stature; in the first several chapters, when Jean Louise and Jem are the youngest, he is a staple character, travelling back to his own home in ‘Meridian’ once the school year begins. Scout reminisce of their friendship as children before detailing the beginning of the school year. “Thus, we came to know Dill as a pocket Merlin, whose head teemed with eccentric plans, strange longings and quaint fantasies”(10). This shows us that in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Dill is representative of childhood. Small and quaint, he is one of the most important and pure characters for when the children are youngest. He is the most eccentric and purely happy members of the three titular characters, and is extremely innocent. Even showing this through several moments.
When Scout becomes annoyed at one point, she beats him up, and still he returns to her and Jem, wide eyed and eager to continue, not even aware of the general social constraints of friendship. In most moments he is simply happy to be with them and they are happy to be with him. This goes on for a long while, through some of the trials and tribulations of childhood, strained in moments of weakness and strong in moments of purity. And the decision for him to return to Meridian every school year shows that in some capacity, both Jem and Scout are being forced to grow up by entering and continuing their schooling. For most of the center of the story, Dill is not with them, representing the struggles and pains of growing, and how at moments your childhood must be left behind. However, by the end of the story, he has returned, the group desperate to see each other. This shows us that their childhood may return, although that doesn’t mean that they haven’t matured. These are two pieces of evidence that show the reader moments of symbolism in Harper Lee’s, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.
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The Theme of Coming-of-age in to Kill a Mockingbird
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses diction and symbolism to promote the theme that coming-of-age requires time for reflection to accept the painful truth. In chapter 11, Atticus delivers the news of Mrs. Dubose’s death to Jem to which he responds with the word “well.” Harper Lee uses “well” to imply Jem’s feeling towards Mrs. Dubose's death. “Well” is a word with a neutral connotation: it does not have a negative nor a positive nuance to it. In this passage, Jem simply responds with “well” to indicate that he is not affected by the sad news. The purpose of the language is to indicate Jem’s dislike towards Mrs. Dubose to a point where he does not show concern even after he learns about her death. After hearing about Mrs. Dubose’s death, Jem continues to hold grudges towards her, indicating his level of maturity at the beginning of this passage.
After delivering the news, Atticus continues by explaining Mrs. Dubose’s morphine addiction and her goals of breaking from it before she dies. Harper Lee uses many question marks in the dialogue to illustrate Jem’s sudden curiosity. Jem’s sudden curiosity indicates that he is beginning to open his closed mind; therefore, Jem shows progress in terms of understanding. Atticus then gives Jem the candy box containing a camelia. Harper Lee describes the camelia with words such as "white," "waxy," and "perfect." “White,” “waxy and “perfect” symbolizes purity; thus, the purpose of this language is to imply Mrs. Dubose's sincere intentions towards Jem. This was Mrs. Dubose’s way of expressing her gratitude for Jem’s help when he read to her as a distraction. However, Jem does not realize her sincere intentions for he hysterically reacts to the present he receives. Lee’s words such as "popped," "hell-devil," "screamed," and "flinging" creates a mood of anger and furiousness. The purpose of this language is to depict Jem’s reaction and imply his anger and hatred towards Mrs. Dubose. Jem's anger indicates his unwillingness to accept and understand the truth; thus, making him immature.
After Atticus explains why he thinks Mrs. Dubose is the bravest person, Jem starts to finger the camelia he receives. Jem fingering the camelia represents his acceptance of the truth. Initially, he shows hatred with the present he receives and refuses to accept Atticus’s words of wisdom. His refusal to accept and understand the truth indicates his immaturity. However, at the end of the passage, Jem realizes what Atticus said was true. He accepts it despite it being difficult for him due to the fact that his past encounters with Mrs. Dubose were not pleasant. Being able to understand and accept truth does not occur at an instant, especially when the truth requires pride to be set aside. For Jem, it took him a few moments to fully understand Mrs. Dubose’s situation and why she had said all the harsh words. He went through various emotions such as anger to finally accept the truth. His realization of the truth led him to forgiveness and letting go of grudges; therefore, at the end of chapter 11, Jem’s level of maturity rose.
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Rumors Problems in to Kill a Mockingbird
School can become a little overrated when it comes to real life issues and real-life lessons. In To A Mockingbird, it really shows that you learn more important life lessons outside of school. In this story, she learned that you shouldn't let rumors control you, that sometimes you have to suck it up and just deal with a problem and to look in others perspective.
Rumors are a big problem in everyday life but specifically, in this story, it is a big part.
On page 163 Jem says“That’s just his way,” “They say he never got over his weddin‘. He was supposed to marry one of the—the Spencer ladies, I think. They were gonna have a huge weddin’, but they didn’t—after the rehearsal, the bride went upstairs and blew her head off. Shotgun. She pulled the trigger with her toes.”. This is important because it puts a negative image on Mr. Raymond and tries to make him look either depressed, crazy, or both. The second example is on page 204 when Mr. Raymond talks about how its just soda, “Yes ma’am,” Mr. Raymond nodded. I liked his smell: it was of leather, horses, cottonseed. He wore the only English riding boots I had ever seen. “That’s all I drink, most of the time.” “Then you just pretend you’re half—? I beg your pardon, sir,” I caught myself. “I didn’t mean to be—”. This is important because it shows how everyone negative perception makes him have to look like he is drinking so they won't bother him. Finally on page 8 through 12 scout talks about what she heard about Boo Radley and how everyone is afraid of him. At the end of the story, it basically shows that it was all a hoax and that actually he is a really good person that doesn't deserve any of that. Rumors are what this story starts with and what it will eventually end with.
The next reason is a lesson she mainly learned from her father which is sometimes you have to suck it up and things that others won't. The first example of this is when Mrs. Maudie tells Jem on page 219 “I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them”. In this quote, it shows how Atticus had to take on a job that he knew he wasn't going to win. On page 219 Mrs. Maudie tells Jem and Scout “His colored friends for one thing and people like us. People like Judge Taylor. People like Mr. Heck Tate. Stop eating and start thinking Jem. Did it ever strike you that Judge Taylor naming Atticus to defend that boy was no accident? That Judge Taylor might have had his reasons for naming him?”. That shows how Atticus was given this job because he was the fittest for the job and that he has support to back him up even though everyone knew he was going to lose. The last example is on page 216 when Atticus talks about the case “I don’t know, but they did it. They’ve done it before and they did it tonight and they’ll do it again and when they do it—seems that only children weep. Goodnight”. This shows how even Atticus knew what was destined to happen and what will happen after that for time to come.
The main thing Scout learns in this is to have a better perspective on things. On page 159 Atticus talks about how they made Walter go into there shoes “your children last night made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute. That was enough”. This was important because gave her a glimpse of how someone could be in her shoes for a problem. Another example of time was on page 222 when Atticus told Jem about Bob Ewell spitting in his face, “Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial if he had any, to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take”. This example not only teaches her about being in someone else's shoes but also shows how to be selfless. The final example which actually shows that she learned the lesson on page 283 and she said “Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough”. This shows how Atticus taught her a lesson that is brought up a bunch in the story.
You learn a lot in school but most of the time you learn the most valuable things outside of school and this story is no exception. She learned that you shouldn't let rumors control you, that sometimes you have to suck it up and just deal with a problem and to look in others perspective. You can be really book smart but the most important kind of smart is street smart because of your only school for so long.
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Character Development in to Kill a Mockingbird
A wise man once said, your personality determines the choices you make in life. This famous quote came to mind almost immediately, which in turn invited similar ideas resonated with me throughout. Jem, Scout, and Atticus all have different personalities that will determine the events that they will go through in the future as well as their character traits. Which brings me to my point, personality determines the choices that you make in the further.
Equally as important, the theme song that best supports Atticus’s character trait of dependable is “....”, by “....”.In short, Harper Lee expounds the trait by providing details of Atticus being dependable throughout the text. It is evident that Harper Lee uses Atticus as a character of trust and kindness, being the father of Scout and Jem it is his duty to teach them life lessons so that they can become better-mind/outstanding people as they grow up.
Further more, the theme song that would symbolize Scout being curious is, “The Curious George Theme Song”. As can be seen, Harper Lee makes Scout into a very friendly character yet someone who will continue to ask questions and be a bit annoying. Scout is the daughter of Atticus and very adventurous, she is seen as the protagonist in the story. As we can tell, Lee’s depiction of her makes it easy for Scout to be the main on around and always curious for she doesn’t know much about the world as of right now, “Scout, you aren’t old enough to understand some things yet” and ““If you shouldn’t be defendin‘ him, then why are you doin’ it?”. In other words, Atticus is trying to tell Scout that she is still young and doesn’t know enough to really make good and rational decisions, meanwhile the other citation is relating to Scout asking another question to Atticus about Tom Robinson saying why defend the man if you shouldn’t be defending him. As an illustration, in the Curious George theme song, it says “A big adventure or a brand new friend” shows how Scout made a brand new friend (Dill) and together with Jem as well they started on what continued to become a stray of continuous events. This demonstrates curiosity in Scout based off of the evidence and citations. Therefore, it is evident that Lee uses Scout as a symbol of adventure for knowledge.
There are striking similarities between Jem and Scout according to what I have read in the text. They are alike because the duo have been faced with racism and have great respect for their father, Atticus. However, they’re biggest similarity is how they are intruiged with the Radleys, “He said it began the summer Dill came to us, when Dill first gave us the idea of making Boo Radley come out.” (Dill sort of turned their interest into a reality). As you can see from the citation it is talking about all three of the kids. Jem, Scout, and Dill all together begin interested about Boo Radley specific. Some more background information, in the text it says the kids ran up to the Radley’s house and looked at the window until someone shot a gun and the noise startled them. The personalities of both Jem and Scout affect their actions, experiences, and dialogue mainly because it describes who they are as people. Because they are siblings some of the experiences will obviously be more similar then if a non relative of the Finch family was compared. As has been mentioned, the two finches (Jem and Scout) are very similar in both their actions and personality.
In finally analysis, personality determines the choices you make in life. To restate claim from prompt, the events that Jem, Scout, and Atticus go through events that substantiate both their character traits and determine the theme song that’s right for them. Hence, keep track of your actions for they sum up your personality.
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Harper Lee’s Biography
Harper Lee had a very interesting life full writing and fame. She had childhood experiences, grew up in Alabama, life experiences, friendships that shaped her as a writer, and a critical analysis on To Kill a Mockingbird. This also contributed to her winning the Pulitzer Prize for To Kill a Mockingbird in 1961 (Anderson 1). In her life she did many incredible things that not many people have done before. For example, writing a book about racial injustice, especially in Alabama, her home town, where the book takes place.
Harper Lee was born and raised in Alabama starting her life’s journey in 1926 when she was first-born. Lee was born in Monroeville on April 28, 1926, the youngest child of Amasa Coleman Lee, a lawyer, and Frances Finch who struggled with episodes of mental illness (Anderson 1). This showed that Lee’s fiction book To Kill a Mockingbird was certainly influenced and shaped by her childhood experiences (Anderson 1). Lee also had a brother and a sister and fellow author to be, Truman Capote (Anderson 1). Truman Capote was a frequent summer visitor of Monroeville and they were close friends. Harper Lee grew up in Alabama and this shaped her and To Kill a Mocking Bird. Since she grew up in Alabama and did not have a wealthy family she lived a simple life.“We had to use our own devices in our own play, for our own entertainment. We didn’t have much money . . . . We didn’t have toys, nothing was done for us, so the result was that we lived in our imagination most of the time.” (Anderson 1). Also, Lee grew up in Alabama where they had racial injustice. Therefore, she saw it first hand at what was happening in her own backyard. Harper Lee’s writing education also had an impact on her writing career. Lee attended public grammar school and high school in Monroeville (Anderson 1).
While she was there she continued her passion by writing columns (Anderson 1). After she dropped out she left Alabama and went to New York to pursue her literary career and follow her dreams (Anderson 1). Harper Lee also had many life experiences that shaped her as a person and as a writer. After her first novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, she began to retreat from all media (Coats 1). This meant that she declined requests for interviews because she preferred a more quiet lifestyle (Coats 1). So, she lived between her childhood home in Monroeville, Alabama, and her apartment in New York City (Coats 1). This was so that when she needed a break from the bustling city of New York, she could reside at her true home in the much more quieter Monroeville. Along with the life experiences she had friendships that shaped her writing styles and stories. She shared many of her childhood experiences with Truman Capote. Capote was a frequent summer visitor of Monroeville who was about the same age as her. Since they didn’t have toys they played pretend to amuse themselves. After those summers they had a life long friendship. This led to them working together on the book Cold Blood and in the end he dedicated the book to her (Anderson 1).
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee mostly portrays what growing up in the 1930’s in the South was like (Nair 2). The main character in To Kill a Mockingbird is Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, Jem which is her brother, and their father Atticus Finch (Nair 2). This story shows three years of Scouts life that had significant changes (Nair 2). Scout is a tomboy who likes to make friends with boys and prefers to settle arguments with her fists (Nair2). Scout tries to make sense of the world telling her to act like a lady, her brother telling her not to act like a girl, and her dad who accepts her the way she is (Nair 2). Atticus is a local lawyer of Maycomb who tries to balance being a single parent and raising his children to have honor and respect using himself as an example (Nair 2). This book took place during the Depression making times hard and no money to be found anywhere in town (Nair 2). They spent their time together by acting out stories (Nair 2). As time went on, Dill becomes fascinated with the spooky Radley place (Nair 2). The house is owned by Mr. Radley, whose brother, Boo has never went outside (Nair 2). They even went as far as to create a play on Boo’s life (Nair 2). Shortly after, Atticus forbid them to do anything involving Mr. Radley (Nair 2). Once Scout starts school she immediately hates it so she ends up gaining her most valuable knowledge on her own street from her father (Nair 2). Since she is starting school she has to walk to and fro every day. When Dill came back they began to act out Boo’s life again (Nair 2). As before Atticus put a stop to it (Nair 2).
Dill’s inquisitiveness grew, so on the last day of his stay they decided to sneak onto the Radley property (Nair 2). They were soon shot at because Mr. Radley thought they were thieves trying to steel his crops. Jem loses his pants during the escape and the next day he found them sewn up on the fence (Nair 2). The next winter they begin to find gifts in the tree again, which they presume to be left by Boo Radley (Nair 3). Nathan Radley eventually sees them finding the gifts and fills the tree with cement (Nair 3). Shortly after, the house next door turns ablaze and as Scout is watching the flames someone puts a blanket on her shoulders (Nair 3). They are convinced it was Boo so they decided to show Atticus the pants, the blanket, and the presents (Nair 3). Meanwhile, Atticus is going to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, in court because he was accused of rape to Mayella Ewell (Nair 3). The town immediately finds Tom at fault and they start to look at Atticus in a negative way for doing the right thing (Nair 3). Consequently, the children are tormented at school, but their father reminds them to stay collected in this hard time (Nair 3). Atticus knows that he will not win the case but he proceeds to go through with it to show the townspeople how unfair and prejudice they are being (Nair 3). The trial begins and Tom is put in a holding cell, after people hear of this they begin to form mobs outside intending to hurt Mr. Robinson (Nair 3). So, Scout and Jem appear and ask one of the men a polite question about his son (Nair 3). This makes them ashamed and they leave Tom alone.
On the day of the trial Atticus does not want the kids to be there, but they sneak out anyway. Since there is no place to sit on the main floor Rev. Sykes invites them to sit on the colored balcony (Nair 3). Since Tom is crippled, there is no way he could have beaten Mayella on the right side (Nair 3). This clearly proves that Tom did not Rape Mayella rather her father beat her for kissing Mr. Robinson (Nair 3). Tom is sentenced to prison and is soon fatally shot (Nair 3). After the trial is over Bob Ewell begins to threaten Atticus for embarrassing him in court (Nair 3). He soon attacks Jem and Scout while they are on their way home at night (Nair 3). Jem broke his arm and is passed out (Nair 3). Luckily, someone heard their screams and came to save them and carried Jem home, where Scout realizes that it was Boo Radley (Nair 3). When the sheriff came he found Bob Ewell dead under a tree and the medic announced that Jem would be all right (Nair 3). Scout walked Boo home and she realized that all this time he was watching over them all along and just for a little while she is able to stand in his shoes (Nair 4).
To Kill a Mockingbird represents how people know what is wrong from right, but they choose the do the wrong thing anyway (Nair 4). In To Kill A Mockingbird we see people struggling to make the correct decision (Nair 4). Atticus tries to win Tom’s case even though he know he will get backlash from it (Nair 4). Boo, is also a hero because he saves the children even though he is forbidden to leave the house (Nair 4). By saving the kids, he is putting his life and reputation on the line (Nair 4). So, both the sheriff and Atticus risk getting caught lying to save Boo from the wrath of the townspeople (Nair 4).
In conclusion, Harper Lee’s writing styles were very much inspired by her childhood and the people that she knew. Through the trial, the children learned that their town is extremely prejudice and will turn a blind eye to anything that has to do with someone that is not like them. They also learned that some people are different like their father, Miss Maudie and Mrs. Dubose. These are all people who knew what was right and acted on it. There will always be people who know what is right, but it is those who do the right thing that are the courageous ones.
Works Cited Page
Anderson, Nancy G. “Harper Lee.” Encyclopedia of Alabama, 19 Mar. 2007, Accessed 29 Nov. 2018. Coats, Karen. “I Am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee (Review).” Oral History Review, Oxford University Press, Accessed 30 Nov. 2018 DiPiero, Thomas. “University of Rochester.” Rochester Review :: University of Rochester, Accessed 30 Nov. 2018. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York :Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006. Print. Nair, Nilanjana. “A Critical Analysis on To Kill A Mockingbird.” Academia.edu - Share Research, Accessed 29 Nov. 2018.
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The Illiteracy of the American Population in the 1930s through “To Kill a Mockingbird”
In 2018, the US ranks 14th worldwide in overall education performance (www.masterandmore.com). This is a significant improvement from where we stood back in the early 1900s, particularly in the south. In the 1930s, 3.8% of white Americans, and 19.7% of black Americans from the south could not read or write in any language (NBER.org). Harper Lee elucidates the illiteracy of the American population in the 1930s through her famous book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Throughout this story, Lee highlights illiteracy in small town Maycomb, Alabama, and its wide-reaching effect on the attitudes and relationships in the community. Early on in the story, it is apparent that education in the town of Maycomb is not held in high regard. If anything it is viewed as unimportant, and actions are taken only because they have to be, not because people believe in them. For one thing, the school board does nothing to keep the Ewells educated whatsoever. “He’s one of the Ewells, ma’am, Whole school’s full of ‘em. They come first day every year and then leave. The truant lady gets ’em here ‘cause she threatens ’em with the sheriff, but she’s give up tryin’ to hold ‘em. She reckons she’s carried out the law just gettin‘ their names on the roll and runnin’ ‘em here the first day.” (Lee, p. 36).
Lee illustrates the town’s viewpoint on education in this scene by showing how the school board does not even try to give the Ewell children an education; instead, they do just enough to get by the law. Furthermore, when Miss Caroline finds out that Jean Louise Finch, who goes by Scout, is already literate, she scolds her, letting her know that her father should not teach her. Miss Caroline wants her students to learn, but she falters when they think for themselves. So while Scout loves to learn, school turned out to be a big disappointment for her. Lee used numerous examples in the book to show how education was not a priority. For instance, Bob Ewell is called as a witness of a court case later in the book. When asked if he was ambidextrous, he responded with “I most positively am not, I can use one hand good as the other.” His lack of education, and that of the entire Ewell family, is evident throughout the book and is a primary reason for the family being viewed as the lowliest white family in the town.
Although Lee sets the tone for Maycomb’s education as not being important, Lee also describes the education system as bias. It is already clear how racist the town is, but a large reason for this is the education. Maycomb has a social hierarchy where the white men are on top. If the schools teach the same thing repeatedly for years then the future generations will be the same way. However, Scout and Jem see things differently because of Atticus. Atticus said, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” (Lee, p. 39). Atticus has always believed in equality and that is why he defended Tom Robinson, though most of the people in the book do not feel the same way.
There was even one time on the playground at the school where “Cecil Jacobs announced that Scout Finch’s daddy defended negros.” (Lee, p. 99). Even most of the children feel this way because that is how they are being raised, and they do not have anyone in their lives like Atticus to teach them differently. Therefore, there is another racist generation on the rise in Maycomb. Furthermore, Bob Ewell (though not educated), is teaching his children the ways of which he is living currently, and there is a very good chance that they would grow up and be just like their malevolent father. To summarize, the author draws very clear conclusions about the literacy of the 1930s. Lee writes in her book To Kill a Mockingbird, of the illiteracy of the town Maycomb Alabama, and reflects upon all of the southern United States. Through her story, Harper Lee reflects the attitudes and relationships of the people from Maycomb, Alabama, and illustrates how important literacy truly is.
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Children’s Life in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
The New York Times states, that “Scores of motherless children are overlooked in America every day.” In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, the two children, Scout and Jem Finch, have been motherless since Scout was 2, and Jem was 6. Although they do not have a mother, they have three mother figures. One is Calpurnia, their maid, another is Miss Maudie their neighbor, and the third is their Aunt Alexandra. Even though these children are not raised by their biological mother, these three caring women provide them with a nurturing environment, so that the Finch children are not overlooked.
Calpurnia is the Finch family’s African American housekeeper. She acts as a mother figure to Scout and Jem, and raises them after their mother’s death. She helps teach the children the lessons that Atticus, their father tries to teach them. On the first day of School, Scout brings Walter Cunningham home for lunch. Walter pours maple syrup on his food, and Scout embarrasses him for that. Calpurnia reprimands Scout and tells her that guests should be treated properly. This corresponds with the lesson Scout and Jem learn about treating everyone with respect. Calpurnia has a warm side as well. The same day she scolded her, Calpurnia made Scout her favorite food. She is the first black woman that the children communicated with, and that influences their ideas on race and equality. The combination of discipline and affection makes Calpurnia the ultimate female role model for the Finch children.
Miss Maudie Atkinson is another important mother figure to the Finch children. She reinforces Atticus’s beliefs, and agrees with him that “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Scout confides in Miss Maudie when she is feeling left out from the boys, and Miss Maudie never criticizes her for being a tomboy. Scout does not have a mother, but she is blessed to have Miss Maudie in her life to act as a guide and a friend.
Alexandra Finch Hancock is Scout and Jem’s aunt. She is quite different from Atticus her brother. Alexandra became part of Maycomb’s “high society”, and judges everyone and categorizes them. Despite her preconceived notions, Aunt Alexandra loves her family. Even though she does not agree that Atticus should be the defending attorney for Tom Robinson (a black man),she is very disturbed by the insults he recieves by the townspeople of Maycomb. This proves even though Alexandra does not see eye to eye with her brother, she loves her family nonetheless. Aunt Alexandra doesn’t believe Scout should continue in her “tom-boyish ways”. Aunt Alexandra doesn’t understand that to change a child’s manner, you must bring them up with love instead of toughness. Because of the way Alexandra treats Scout, they do not develop a strong bond. Therefore they are not close, and it is difficult for them to live with each other. Although Aunt Alexandra has a different belief system, the children understand that she loves them and has their best interests at heart.
It is unfortunate that Scout and Jem Finch were not brought up by their mother, but they are blessed to have three strong mother figures in their life. Each women contributed to the children’s growth and development in their own unique way. The Finch children were definitely not overlooked. There is a saying that says “it takes a village to raise a child”, Scout and Jem needed a few people to help raise them to fill the role of their mother.
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Social Injustice in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Racism was a very large part of society in the south during the 1930’s. Many colored people were thought of as less than their peers. Whites were considered better than African Americans were, and almost every white person accepted the unjust judgment. Racial discrimination hit hard in the south. Many of the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird were impacted by racial discrimination but the one that was impacted the most was Tom Robinson. In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses Tom Robinson to highlight racist attitudes in the 1920´s Alabama when Tom was accused and killed by people that thought he was guilty only because he was black.
The blacks had no voice and were often oppressed by a white male. Even though slavery was abolished in 1865 the white people kept their racist views of being superior to the black community. In the eyes of the whites, black people would never be seen as equal. Although the times of slavery have been over for 70 years, during the times of the book is in the 1930’s, Lee portrays there to still be tension between whites and blacks. However Lee also shows the progression of racism during the trial case of Tom Robinson. In the past, a black man on trial accused of anything would always be seen as guilty in the eyes of a white jury, regardless of the circumstances. The jury would be characterized as wearing blinders for they would not look at the evidence and would use someone’s colour of skin to determine a verdict. In Robinson’s case it was the exact same. Yet it took the jury a very long time to come to the final verdict of having Tom be seen as guilty. In Atticus’s mind, this was seen as a victory. Since the jury debated on whether or not Robinson was guilty, it shows them trying to see past the blinders and trying to make a more informed decision. But through the loss of the case, Lee shows how society still has a long way to go before racism can be abolished. Hopefully, in the generations to come these steps towards a racist free society can be made. Harper Lee shows this hope through the young character of Scout Fisher.
One of the protagonists, Scout Fisher is a symbolic representation of the hope in the future she represents. Although Scout is only a young girl at the age of 7 years old, she is able to understand that racism is a terrible cycle that needs to end. Through her intelligent and humble father, Scout learns the harsh reality of how the color of someone’s skin can define their future and abilities. “I think there is only one kind of folks. Folks.”. Through this statement it shows Scout believes that the color of someone 's skin should not define them. Scout is a young Alamban women who is surrounded by a racist community. This also parallels the author, Harper Lee. Lee grew up as a tomboy with older brothers. She was born in 1926, Scout was also born around this time. The story is told in first person by Scout, in whom Harper Lee lives through as she has had similar experiences with the racism in the southern states being that she is a young, white girl with the same viewpoint. Lee’s background allows her to relate on a more personal level to the characters, especially Scout. This allows a reader to feel a deeper connection with the characters. As they are able to be written more in detail due to Harper Lee’s extensive knowledge and personal connections on the themes of the novel. The author also uses symbolism, circular plot, and irony to take the novel to the next level. It allows the reader to read between the lines and add depth to the novel.
The symbolism and irony in the book is evident through the title. The title’s significance is the innocence of a mockingbird. Normally, a mockingbird is an innocent animal who does nothing wrong. A mockingbird is known for it’s sweet melody and innocence. Due to this, when someone is to kill a mockingbird, they are killing someone who is innocent. The jury parallels someone who is killing something that is innocent. The jury forces Tom into prosecution and ultimately death. This also parallels what happens at the beginning of the story when another death almost occurs. A mockingbird at the beginning of the story is almost shot by Jem. Tom Robinson is symbolic of this mockingbird, as Tom is also shot at the end of the novel. These two events create one of the circular plots in the novel. During the first event , Atticus explains how it “...is a sin to kill a mockingbird” this indirectly implies that what the white jury did by prosecuting an innocent man and putting im in harm 's way, is a sin. Scout adds that it , “...was the only time [she] ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something.” . This quote shows the significance in Atticus’s mind that hurting something that has done nothing wrong is a misdeed and an immoral act. Just these two events allow for many different connections to be made and through them, the reader is able to learn the life lessons Lee explicitly gives.
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Social Injustice in "To Kill a Mockingbird". (2019, Feb 20).
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Symbolism of “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.” A mockingbird symbolizes the good in people. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, people in the town jump to bad conclusions before knowing what really happened. This does not show a mockingbird, this shows the bad about the town. Scout’s family is already educated and they do not have the same opinion about people as other town folks. Scout knows more than the teacher, and her father taught her how to read and write before she went to school. Scout is very intelligent, but she can struggle to focus on principles taught by her father by getting caught up on the rumors around town.
To start off Tom Robinson is a black field hand and he is employed to Link Deas. Tom is accused of raping and beating Mayella Ewell because he is black and she is white. Scout does not think Tom rape and beat her but everybody in town thinks he did. Also, they think badly because he is black and not white. Blacks and whites were not supposed to mingle. They were segregated, and they cannot be in the same place at the same time. Scout’s family does not believe blacks and whites should be separated. During the trial, Jem and Scout went on the balcony and sat with the blacks. Another person who is similar to Scout is Mr. Dolphus Raymond he would rather hang out with blacks than whites too.
Although, Tom being accused of raping and beating Mayella there’s another important topic. Walter Cunningham’s son was a classmate of Scout. He can never afford lunch, so he usually brought his own food, but he forgot one day. Miss. Maudie offered him a quarter so he could get lunch. He said he would not take it, but Miss Maudie did not understand what he meant. Scout went to explain how he would never ever take anything from someone. After explaining she got in trouble for trying to tell the teacher how it worked around here. Miss Maudie jumped to conclusions by yelling at Scout when she tried to explain about how Cunningham’s don’t take handouts. Cunningham’s do not feel good about taking them. They think they could never repay anyone back.
Finally, we have Scout actually gets mixed up and believed that Boo Radley actually dinned on raw squirrels and cats. His hands are always died red all the time, that’s from when you eat meat that raw or eat something you are not supposed to eat at that time. When unusual things happen in the town, they all think it was Boo Radley. Scout even believes the rumors of him because she thinks the same as the whole town. Boo did not mean any of it, or he actually did not do any of it at all it was just small town rumors like usual. He actually helped out Scout when Miss Maudie’s house burned down and everyone else was helps her out trying to save everything they could from her house. Boo snuck out and put a blanket on her. After that, he realizes he is not as bad as everyone thinks he is.
In the end Scout learned there is not evil if you do not see it. The town’s people did not learn anything because they thought they were right. They think they know better and they will not take what other people say into consideration. That why you could not jump to conclusions. You need to wait and see the two sides first.
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Symbolism of "To Kill a Mockingbird". (2019, Feb 20).
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To Kill a Mockingbird: Plot Overview
The novel To Kill a Mockingbird take places in the sleepy Alabama town of Maycomb where the Finches live. The narrator of the story is the youngest child of the two children of the Finches, a little girl named Jean Louise "Scout" Finch. The story is happening during the time of the Great Depression. Scout lived with her father and her brother. Her father, Atticus Finch is a lawyer with high moral standards at the time. Her brother, Jeremy Atticus “Jem” Finch who is four years older than her is a curiously and athletic young boy. Her family is considered wealthy compared to others. One Summer, Scout and Jem met up with Dill, Charles Baker “Dill” Harris a boy come to the neighborhood on summer, and become friend with him. They play together and exchanged stories. Dill got hooked by the mysterious of the story about Boo Radley, Arthur “Boo” Radley a mystery of the town.
The next summer Dill came back, and three were trying to take a look at Boo this time but got stopped by Atticus. He told them to think from another person’s perspective before they do anything. But, on Dill’s last day of summer at Maycomb, the three of them sneaked into the Radley's property and got a warning shot by Nathan Radley, Boo’s brother. They immediately escape from there but Jem’s pants got stuck and left back at the Radleys fence. When he gets back to take it the pants was mended where its torn and neatly folded hanging over the fence. Scout goes to school for the first time that fall and she hates it. The following winter, Scout and Jem also experience another mystery consider to be Boo Radley. They consistently found a mysterious gift from a certain tree’s knothole near the Radley house. When they tried to communicate with the mystery giver by leaving a note at the tree, they find themselves looking at Boo’s brother plugged up the knothole with cement the next day. On the coldest time of winter, Miss Maudie Atkinson's house catches on fire, Scout’s favorite neighbor. While she and Jem, shivering, watching Miss Maudie’s house burning to the ground near Boo Radley house, someone gave her a blanket over her shoulders. When she comes back home she then found out it was likely Boo Radley who gave her the blanket.
Atticus take a case to his hands. He, as a lawyer of the town, has been appointed to be a defender for a black man named Thomas “Tom” Robinson who has been accused of raping a while young lady named Mayella Violet Ewell. She is from the Ewell family which is a low layer citizen, some even call them “trash”, of the town. Because of this, the Finches received harsh criticism from some heavily racist of Maycomb. Despite knowing this case is almost impossible to win, the white jury at the time will never believe a black man’s words over a white girl’s, Atticus took the case it. He knows Tom is innocent and against all the odds he still wants to prove it. When Atticus, Jem, and Scout came to the family Christmas gathering Scout beat up her cousin Francis when he called her father a “nigger-lover” and that he is ruining the family name. Calpurnia, the Finches' black cook, took Scout and Jem to a local black church, there were some shocked but at the end, they warmly embraced the children. At Maycomb, Jem cut off the tops of an old neighbor lady's, Henry Lafayette Dubose, bushes. He got punished by Atticus for this and he has to read for her out loud six days a week, two hours per day, for a month. When Mrs. Dubose died Atticus revealing to Jem that he was helping her to break her morphine addiction.
Atticus has shown him that what Mrs. Dubose is what real courage is, the will to fight a fight that you knew you can’t win, and not a man with a gun. The next summer, Atticus’s sister, Alexandra “Aunt Alexandra” Hancock, come to live with the Finches. She is a proper and old fashion lady, and she wants to shape Scout into a Southern feminine ideal woman like her. At this time Dill ran away from his family to Maycomb, because of his mother and new father don’t seem interested in him. He stayed at the Finches house when Tom’s trial getting close. The night when Tom moved into the county jail to receive the trial. Atticus guarded outside the jail to prevent the possibility of lynching. Jem and Scout caught up to a hunch and sneak out of the house, Dill followed them, to check on their father. While they were looking at Atticus, a mob gathers in front of the jail door and told Atticus to let them lynch Tom and also threaten Atticus. Jem senses something and ran to Atticus along with the others. Jem recognized one of the men from the mob and asked politely about his son, and thanks him.
This made the man answer to her and bring the crowd out of their mob mentality, and dispersing the mob. The trial has come, Atticus told the children to stay home but sneak out to the court and got a sit in the “colored balcony” along the black community. The court started with the Ewell family telling the story as Tom got called by Miss Mayella to do some work, but instead of doing the work Tom jumped on her forcefully beat her up and rape her. Then ran when her father, Robert E. Lee “Bob” Ewell, appeared. Tom told a different version of the story as Miss Mayella tried to kiss her by hugging him from behind and this made him scared and ran away while her father burning in rage when he saw it. The Ewells testified that Tom beat Mayella by his left arm but in reality, Tom left has been dysfunctional from a long time ago due to an accident. Tom’s innocent was clearly shown by this. Atticus call out for everyone in the court as they should not be blind by racism and they should do what is right. But still, all of the white-jury pronounced Tom is guilty. While Atticus told Tom that there is still a high chance the higher up of the country will believe his innocent and let him free, but Tom couldn’t wait and tried to escape out of jail. Tom was shot to death.
This incident made Jem doubt about heavily justice around him. After the court, Bob Ewell loses his job. This brings Bob to tried to get back on everyone connected to the court. He threatening Atticus that he will not let him be for humiliated him in the court and vows revenge. He also tried to break into the Judge’s, Mr. John Taylor, house. He even attempted to do something to Tom’s wife but couldn’t because of Tom’s former employer, Mr. Link Deas, said that he will put him in jail if he tries to walk near her or his property. On Halloween, Scout and Jem go to a Halloween party but on their way home, they heart someone follows them. It was Bob Ewell, he tried to take revenge on the Finches children. He knocked Jem unconscious and tried to stab Scout with a knife but got stop by Boo Radley. While struggle with Boo and receive a fatally wound. Scout and Jem went back to their him with Boo carrying Jem. Atticus took care of Jem and called the doctor and report this to the police. Mr. Tate comes back after investigating the scene and said that Bob is dead.
This made Atticus consider for a court for his son and Boo’s legal defense but Mr. Tate stops him. They arguing and Mr. Tate says he might be not much but tonight Bob Ewell fell on his knife, then went away with his car. Atticus sat down and ask Scout does she understand what just happened. She said that she understands that Mr. Tate was right. Atticus surprise and asked her what did she mean. She says that it’d be like shooting a Mockingbird. Atticus regain his smile and thank Scout. Scout then walks Boo home while imagining how Boo views this town, she and her brother. Boo went inside his house and never appear in front of Scout again. But to Scout, he is now a human being, a kind one, and not a scary mystery of Maycomb. She then went back home and let Atticus read for her till she sleeps. 2. Focused Character 2.1. Jean Louise “Scout” Finch In To Kill a Mockingbird, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch is the narrator of the story. She is an American white girl. The story begins with Scout being six years old. She lives with her father, her brother, and their black cook in Maycomb. She is intelligent and be able to make logical conclusions inside her head were clearly the influent of her father, Atticus. We could considerate that Scout is more intelligent compared to the kids her age and is a tomboy girl by the standard of Maycomb. Even so, Scout is naive and extraordinary curious about her surround because of her inexperience.
This cause Scout often fights with her brother Jem. Scout character changed over time by the teaches of her father and interact with her surround. She believes in justice but it got shattered when her father loses the court of Thomas “Tom” Robinson. This changed her point of view and made she rethinks every action she took. In the beginning, Scout is an iconic tomboy where she solves everything with her fist. The part where she jumps on Walter Cunningham when the teacher mad at her, made the reader feel how Scout is just like every child blame on others, not themselves. Her rough image as a ‘let the fist do the talking’ is strongly appear here when she doesn’t scream or crying but just go straight to pick her fist as a solution resolver. This habit became rather sad when she hit Dill just because he didn’t pay attention to her. It is as if she still doesn’t know how to express her feeling in another way. But it is also made her strong and bravery, like how she decided jumps into the lynch mob to save her father. Even so, these behaviors made her father, Mr. Atticus, worries from the beginning of the story. Atticus needs to step in and talk to her when she started another fight with the subject about him.
When he asked her to not fight and endurance it. Scout’s respect for her father is so strong that it could make her conceals her own personality when she dropped her fist and walk away from a fight. She even feels noble just because she did what he ask him for three weeks, without the need of praise from Atticus. After experience three weeks of no violent Scout grown up as a bit. She learned that not everything needs to solve by her fist, but she showed us that she still not entirely throw the ideals all away when she said she would fight anyone who dares to pick a fight with her. As a tomboy as Scout is she still has a hard time when its come to get except by social. When Aunt Alexandra comes live with the Finches she forced Scout to change into an elegant lady. Her Aunt changed Scout clothes from pants to skirt made it hard to run, climb the tree or fight like the way she was before. Scout was angry and rebel against her aunt but after the courthouse of Tom, she starting to see the role of an elegant woman in a new light. By looking at her role model Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie shocked at the dead of Tom but still could get over it and calmly having a tea party, not bursting into tears. Scout now look at the role of a lady is to have courage than just wearing girly dresses or cooking in the kitchen. The willpower that just likes of her father’s, the person she respects the most. This erases the hate of Scout for her gender.
Scout’s personality developed the most when it comes to the story with Boo Radley. At first, she is curious about his existent and fear of the unknown at the same time. As the story moves on Scout started to interact with Boo more, like when they receive gifts from him in the knothole of the Radley tree or when Boo gave her a wear in the cold winter, and this changed her feeling about the person named Boo Radley. Its changed from blindly scare of the unknown to think about the unknown. Scout started to wonder what is the characteristic of Boo and what is he think stayed inside the house for years. After the courthouse of Tom, Scout has known what seen real evil, made she think on her own about the monster everyone called Boo, among human. She then under that Boo is no monster, not like the monster she saw, but just a poor man. When Boo Radley saved her brother from Mr. Bob Ewell, she realizes that the person everyone called a monster and fear was just a kind man. She at the beginning was just like others who believe in gossip and rumor changed her ideas and understand about the world. The four years of Scout wrote in the book, show us the rapid change of a child in their growing process. Scout was just a tomboy girl, kicking and punching, made her fist do the talking at the start.
Then changed to a girl who thinks that not everything needs to solve by her fist. Scout’s hates for her gender as a weakling lady changed to the image of respectable strong and determined, the strength of willpower and composure like Atticus. She realizes what is think is rightful and justice are not always true, the world is not just black and white of kind neighbor and evil Boo, but it is complicated. She needs to see it with her eyes and think to truly understand it. The character Jean Louise “Scout” Finch has been described as if she is the evolution that human needed at the time. The equal in races and the logical head to think before judge others. We could understand that Scout made the right conclusion for everything she experience and induce. Also, we could see that Harper Lee intentions are everywhere in Scout eyes. 2.2.Jeremy Atticus “Jem” Finch Jeremy Atticus “Jem” Finch is ten years old when the story started, 4 years apart from his sister. He is a typical American boy who interests in football and guns. As a child of Atticus, he is composure and smart. But still, as a child, he is naive and inexperienced about the world.
He also shows his emotional side when he misses his mom or shock about the court of Tom. Jem’s character changes through the eyes of the narrator, his sister, Scout. As a big brother, he is calmer than Scout, he stops Scout fights. He usually plays with Scout but when the story moves on he stops playing with her. Still, as her brother, he looks after her but in a bossy way. His ideas about justice, evil and goodness, shattered due to the trial of Tom. This makes he became extremely emotional when Scout mention the subject. At the same time, it made him understand the true meaning of the society, the mass decide the truth. At the begging of the story, Jem is described as a brave kid. He a typical American boy who never back down on a daring challenge. He prefers physical bravery and holds no pride for his father who never plays sports or possesses a gun in front of him. He believes that to earn respect one must always show other his strong side. This idea changed when he saw Atticus take out the mad dog with a gun, then learned that his father was Maycomb best shooter. He now learned that humble is more important than pride.
Then, he comes to interact with Mrs. Dubose for a month. When he learned she was fighting her own battle against drugs, his ideas about true bravery changed again. He learned that besides bravery, physical, there is also courage, mental. Atticus teaches him to not holds the idea of a man holding a gun is brave but a woman who took a fight that she can’t win is one. Jem still believes that this world is only about right or wrong, and the right always win. The night when Atticus watched Tom jail. He saw his father bravely stand alone against the racists, the lynch mob. He also saw his sister was the first one who ran to protect their father. The idea about the good will win enforced when he saw his sister dis group the mob. When the court of Tom ends, his ideas about the world changed. He has seen real evil in plain sight and saw the justice lose. He learned that what the mass believe will become the true, and one individual can’t easily win against it.
This became a bit of a trauma for him, but at the same time strengthened his understanding of society. Through the eyes of Scout, we see Jem mature through time but got shaped by his father. As the story progress, we can see that Scout does not think much about his brother but we can still conclude that Jem learned that bravery is not just about physical but also about the courage to took a fight that one can’t win. He learns physical “bravery” need the mental “courage” too. Finally, he learned that the world is not about just black and white. That to be like his father, he needs to have the courage to fight against all odds. He graduates from a naive young boy to a mature man who understands the complicated problem of the world.
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To Kill a Mockingbird: Plot Overview. (2019, Feb 20).
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What Makes Atticus a Good Father?
Billy Graham once said, “ A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” This relates to Atticus Finch in the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee because he is a very dedicated lawyer that does at times go unnoticed but it valuable to the society around him. Atticus Finch shows that he is a good father through his lessons that he tries to teach Scout and the way he disciplines his children.
Atticus Finch is a good father to Jem and Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird. He is a good father because of the lessons he tries to teach Scout. For example when Scout asks Atticus how Mr. Cunningham is going to pay back Atticus for the money borrowed since he is very poor. Atticus states, “ Not in money, but before the year’s out i’ll have been paid, you watch”(Lee 29). Atticus is trying to teach Scout that generosity doesn’t necessarily go unpaid. Just because someone doesn’t pay Atticus back in the money that was borrowed, he doesn’t get angry and mean, instead he tells Scout that he will eventually get paid back even if it is in a different way. He is trying to show her that it is okay to help someone without receiving anything in return. Next, Atticus shows that he is a very fair father to Jem and Scout through the way he disciplines his children. For example when Jem is planning on going out during the night to retrieve his pants from Boo Radley's property Jem isn’t terrified that he is going to get beat. When he is trying to leave Jem tells Scout, “ I - it’s like this Scout, Atticus ain’t ever whipped me since I can remember”(Lee 70). When Atticus gets mad at Jem and Scout or when they are in trouble for doing something they shouldn’t he doesn’t get physical, instead he disciplines them fairly and talks to them in a civil manner about what they had done wrong. Jem and Scout know that what they are going to do could get them in trouble but they also aren’t fearful that they are going to get physically abused by Atticus since he is not a violent father. Ultimately, Atticus’s actions and parenting skills show that he is a good father to Jem and Scout.
Despite Atticus’s fair parenting some may argue that Atticus Finch is not a good father to Jem and Scout. For example Atticus wouldn’t listen to his children’s reasoning when. He tells them, “... you’re to stay away from that house until invited there. You’re not to make fun of anyone on this street or in this town… no, putting his life’s story on display for the neighborhood”(Lee 60). Jem and Scout were just trying to invite Boo Radley out of his home to make him feel better and feel more welcomed but Atticus yells at them for their actions. He believes that they are just doing so to be nosy and invade his privacy when they were truly just trying to be kind to Mr. Radley. However, this is not true since he it trying to teach them to not invade other people's privacy. Atticus’s attempts to teach Jem and Scout valuable lessons and to punish them fairly out rules that he is not a good father to Jem and Scout.
Ultimately Atticus is a good father to Jem and Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. There are times where Atticus doubts what Jem and Scout’s actions intentions are and yells at them for it but he does try and teach them things that will help them in the real world. He is a good father because he pushes valuable lessons into their heads and disciplines them fairly instead of raising his hands at them. In conclusions, Atticus’s efforts to do everything he can to show and teach Jem and Scout valuable lessons, also proves that he is a good father to Jem and Scout especially during the time period they live in.
Research Paper FAQ
What kind of father is Atticus?
Atticus has a very humble personality, and it reflects that humbleness to his fatherhood. He is highly devoted to his kids, and he is also very loving and kind. Atticus is always there to comfort his children and teach them essential life lessons. He is very patient and caring.
Why is Atticus a good father?
Atticus is a good father for several reasons. He is dedicated to his children, and he gives them all the love they need. He understands their needs, and he is always there for them, no matter what. Atticus is ready to listen to their side of the story and finds time for them.
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Blood Symbolism in “Macbeth”
Everybody has blood in their body, but how much does Macbeth's have on his hands.The play is about Macbeth’s rise to power. He meets three witches who tells his fate. But instead of him let it come naturally he tries to speed the process of him becoming king. Which would have dreadful consequences.One of the symbols that shows this type of down fall is blood. Blood in this story could mean a multitude of things; it could mean guilt, actual blood, and Macbeth's ambitions and thirst for power. These are just the symbolism i could find about blood.
One of the things could mean is guilt .The term “blood on my hands” is a commonly used to show guilt.This evidence can be found in Act 2 Scene 2 it reads “ will all, great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hands”. This contributes to the theme of guilt. This evidence shows that Macbeth cant cope with the fact that he killed a man.As the story progress it shows the guilt gets to him, and starts to tear hi sanity apart.This is a good metaphor for the whole story in my opinion.
Another symbol blood can be interpreted is actual blood.Yes,I said actually blood. Like the blood in your body.This can be shown by countless examples of people killing other people in this book.But in this paper I am just going to use my favorite scene to showcase this type of symbolism.In Act 1 Scene 5 it reads “I have done thee deed.Didst Thou not hear noise”.This show how he reacts to actually killing someone.This is the best line hands down ,because someone actually dies. I think the symbol is almost similar to guilt but this is more about the soliloquy than the actual murder. A noble man turns because of his fate being revealed. This is leterial and fugeritive blood.Those are the reasons why I like this scene the most.
The third and final reason is the meaning of Macbeth's burning ambitions to be king. This is shown a whole lot in this in the book. The blood of his enemies drives him closer to his main goal of the book. This shows Macbeths flaws as a character in the play.This in my opinion shows the thirst for power and the blood is what keeps him hydrated in this hustle.He sees the prophecy as truth and tries to beat around it.This shows his ambitions and his aragrance.In the play it states in Act 3 Scene 4 “...forin my you say it lies stars hide your fires let light see by blyk and deep desires”.This shows his thirst for power ,and in this story hear his fate from three witches” This show that the witches boosted his ambitions in the story,too. This speed his ambitions for power in the story to the point of murdering people for that position of power. His lust of power was given a boost because of these events, and probably would have never had died if he wasn't so intrigued by these old ragged witches.This is what really killed Macbeth(and a sword form somebody who was born of c-section).
In conclusion,this story is truly a tragedy that a man with great ambitions was told its fate to early, which drove this man mad and gave him a thirst for power.The symbol of blood is here to help convey one of many themes that are discussed through this story. Blood im my opinion is one of the most important symbols in this story hands down.With it showing guilt, actual blood ,and ambitions. This is up there with Romeo and Juliet in the tragedy and irony department(also R&J is overrated). This shows what happens when you give a mere mortal man the foresight of the gods, and tries to use it for evil or selfish ways. This is truly a “tragedy” what happened to Macbeth in the long run. How a man try to change his fate in mere months than just letting it happen normally beside just trying to do it naturally.And seeing the future was a gift and a curse, a blessing and a punishment because everything came full circle.
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Macbeth Diary
Today has been one of my busiest days. I have spent a better part of the day on a battlefield, and fortunately, we won the battle. It is an awkward feeling after seeing thousands in a pool of blood. Banquo, my friend, seems undaunted by the war. We were saddling our horses back to King Duncan's territory. However, a strange thing happened.
Three witches appeared to me and seemed to utter somethings regarding my future. However, it seems impossible because I have never believed in witches. A king? Well, how about Duncan. Does it mean that someone will have to kill him? Maybe, I will have to take the opportunity now that we have a meeting tomorrow and kill him.
King Duncan awards me with the title Thane of Cawdor for winning the war. I will have to write a letter to my wife, Lady Macbeth, and inform her to help me in making a wise decision. I know she has the idea regarding the procedure that I will use to ascend to power. Probably, the visitation by the witches has some implications.
Journal Entry #2
My wife has already received the letter. She is aware that the King will be coming tomorrow to celebrate the victory. I am glad that she has welcomed the idea of killing King Duncan so that I can take over the position. She has portrayed her loyalty, and I will strive not to disappoint her. However, with all the trust I have earned from the king, is it a wise decision to shove the dagger in this man's chest. I am baffled, but I respect my wife's choice.
We will have to terminate the king in a discreet way that no one will ever suspect. Lady Macbeth’s encouragement to proceed as planned is overwhelming. We will wait till the King goes to sleep and I will have to stab him on the chest. I will have to set up the bodyguard so that no one will suspect. After all, I will be the king, and the whole kingdom will be mine when all goes well. I cannot wait for tonight. Will I succeed? This murder is the only step that I need to accomplish to be crowned as a King.
Journal Entry #3
It was successful. No one has any leads to the king murder. However, I almost freaked out and messed the whole plan. Thanks to my wife who did not lose hope but encouraged me to pursue the project. She played a significant role by drugging all the servants, and we confirmed everyone was asleep during the incident. I almost disappointed her because of my fears and the weird feelings I had killed one of the most powerful men in the kingdom. However, the witches assured me that I would be the King, and now I am the King of Scotland. I will never forget this day. The evil secret will forever be between my wife and me.
Journal Entry #4
I cannot believe I will have to do this again. Banquo is my friend, but I can never allow anyone to take the crown from me. I will have to demolish him. I hate to do this, but I have to do whatever it takes to protect my kingship. I will not have to do it myself but delegate the task to the best swordsmen. Anyone threatening my crown must die by the sword.
I need to consult the witches on the way forward regarding the Macduff’s issue.
I have found the witches; they told me that Macduff is the bone of contention. He will attempt to snatch the crown but will never be successful. They have just instilled some confidence, and I know that I do not have to be paranoid about anything. Moreover, they assured me that the kingdom was mine long before I even decided. But I am still afraid of this tyrant, Macduff.
Journal Entry #5
Today, I curse the day I met those filthy creatures. They deceived me that the Kingdom of Scotland was mine. How I wish I knew I have been living a charmed life. I regret having killed kind Duncan because of the rigged thoughts that were influenced by these creatures. I never knew leadership comes with responsibility and it is not a bed of roses. I know I have not been the best king for Scotland, after killing everyone that tried to snatch the throne from me.
We have fought in the battlefields and won. Conversely, this is not going to be an easy fight. The confrontation with Macduff has been one of my biggest nightmares since I ascended to power. It is regrettable that what I have worked for in all these years are coming to an end. Building an empire from the dark forces and seeking their advice. It was not my wish to fail you Scotland. It shall be well.
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Differences and Similarities between the Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth
Have you ever watched The Little Shop of Horrors or read Macbeth? The Little Shop of Horrors is an entertaining film from the 1960s about a deficient florist that invents a people-eating plant. Macbeth is a tragedy about a general that becomes consumed with the idea of holding power in the Kingdom of Scotland. The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth are different regarding the time periods that each story is set in and the quality of each script, but are similar by using death in an attempt to be successful.
The first difference between The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth is the time periods that each story takes place in. The Little Shop of Horrors transpires in the 1960s. During that time, fashion and conversation were more modernized than that displayed in Macbeth. Individuals dressed in clothing similar to what is worn presently. Men, especially Mr. Mushnick and Seymour, wear nice shirts and slacks while women such as Audrey wear dresses, nice tops, and skirts. The characters converse using the same vocabulary that individuals use today. Macbeth, on the other hand, is set in the Renaissance and Elizabethan Eras. During that time in history, fashion and vocabulary were very formalized. Males like Macbeth, Banquo and his son, and Duncan and his sons dress in nice shirts, blazer coats, and knee-length trousers. Females such as Lady Macbeth and Lady Macduff wear gowns with fitted bodices and fuller skirts. Their choice of vocabulary is intricate and resembles Old English. Words like “whence,” “hath,” and “thou” are used frequently.
The second difference between The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth is the quality of each script. The Little Shop of Horrors is a poorly written and performed film. The screenwriters were drunk and wrote the movie in one day and then had it completely filmed in two days. The screenplay includes a human flesh-eating plant, Audrey Junior, which often shouts “Feeeeed meeeee.” As a result, Seymour, an employee at Mr. Mushnick’s flower shop, murders three individuals to feed to the plant. During the Sixties, though, B movies were very popular. Therefore, it is no surprise that the script and acting is worse than what one would see on television today. Compared to The Little Shop of Horrors, Macbeth is a very well written play. In fact, it was written by William Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers in the English language. During Shakespeare’s time, comedies, tragedies, and histories were common plays to be performed. Accordingly, the playwright wrote the classic tragedy, Macbeth. The play’s plot is structured and thorough. It begins with Macbeth receiving a prophecy from the three witches stating that he will reign as the King of Scotland one day. Next, he realizes that their prediction may indeed be correct. Then, several other individuals become involved and people who threaten Macbeth’s position in the kingdom are murdered. In the end, Macbeth notices that he misinterpreted the prophecy and is murdered by Macduff.
Despite the differences between The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth, there is a similarity within each script – the characters use death in an attempt to be victorious. In The Little Shop of Horrors, Mr. Mushnick’s flower shop’s success depends on Seymour’s new plant, Audrey Junior, which he names after his crush and Mr. Mushinick’s daughter, Audrey. Once again, the plant feeds off of human flesh and blood and is very demanding. As a result, Seymour is persuaded to kill a dentist, a railroad detective, and a promiscuous woman in order to help Audrey Junior continue to survive and attract more customers. As has been stated, in Macbeth, the Scottish thane is told that he will be the King of Scotland one day. He is skeptical of that prediction until he is triumphant in battle. Then, Macbeth either kills or has several individuals murdered who he thinks is an ultimatum to his rank. In spite of each of the main character’s endeavors to be successful, Seymour and Macbeth are both dead at the finish of each script.
To conclude, The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth are different regarding the time periods that each story takes place in and the quality of each script, but are similar by striving to be victorious using death. Watching this film or reading this play would be an exceptional pastime for any individual and would certainly leave one speechless.
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The Little Shop of Horror and Macbeth
Do you know the differences and similarities in the book about Macbeth and the movie about The Little Shop Of Horrors? There are many differences and similarities in this essay about Macbeth and The Little Shop Of Horrors. Both of the stories provide great information because the details are given, shows and tells how all of the killing scenes went, and it gives you the suspension, to make you wanna know what is going to happen next. Here are the first differences between The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth.
The first difference would be how Macbeth killed the king of Scotland, and Seymour killed the railroad man just to feed his plant. Macbeth murdered King Duncan because some witches told him that one day he will become king. So he took it in his own hands to kill Duncan. Seymour killed the railroad man because his plant convinced him that he wanted blood and flesh. Both of them killed someone but it was for different reasons.
The second difference is Macbeth had people kneeling before him not knowing what happened to King Duncan. Seymour did not know Mr. Mushnick seen him feed the body parts to the plant. Macbeth had people kneeling before him but the people did not know what happened to King Duncan because he killed him in his sleep while the lady Macbeth drugged the bodyguards. Seymour did not know that Mr. Mushnick saw him. The only reason how Mr.
Mushnick saw him was that he forgot his wallet. Macbeth and Seymour have hidden agendas. They do not think no one is going to catch them.
The third difference is Macbeth was told by witches that Macduff is a threat to his throne. Seymour was about to get a trophy until the faces popped up on the plant of how many people were fed to the plant and who they were. Macbeth knew that Macduff knew what really happened to King Duncan. So Macbeth took it upon himself and hires a murderer to kill Macduff’s family. He thought that killing Macduff's family would cause Macduff to back down. Seymour felt guilty of what he did when Frankie and Joe caught on to who killed the railroad man and the dentist. So, Seymour ran and ran until he came upon a junkyard with lots and lots of toilets. They could not find him because he hid inside the toilets. They both have come to realization that what they did was wrong.
In conclusion, Macbeth and Seymour both killed others, had hidden agendas, and thought no one was going to catch them. They both knew that killing was wrong but they continued to do it because they felt that it was pleasing. It felt pleasing because no one knew what was happening at the time. The moral of this essay is that if you know that what your doing is wrong, do not continue doing it because it will come back to bite you in the butt.
Works Cited
Griffith, Charles B. The Little Shop of Horrors. Directed by Roger Corman, Santa Clara Productions, 1960, YouTube, uploaded by NAveryW, March 15, 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhSP0ldQnuk. Accessed August 25, 2018. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. Folger Shakespeare Library, www.folgerdigitaltexts.org/html/Mac.html. Accessed September 25, 2018.
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Lady Macbeth Character Analysis
What Crimes does Lady Macbeth Commit?
As a startling and illustrious female character in Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth, there are numerous crimes that Lady Macbeth committed. There are significant sins that the play has extensively aligned with Lady Macbeth including Envy, pride, greed, murder and wrath, lust, sloth, and greed. Lady Macbeth’s desire for power is seen when an insatiable thirst for the thrown develops (Uddin and Sultan, 2017). She subsequently began contemplating of how she could have it. For gluttonous, Lady Macbeth is a gluttonous-in-wealth character (Uddin and Sultan, 2017). She has an overindulgence in wealth and pursuits to acquire more wealth. Moreover, despite Macbeth being crowned as the Thane of Cawdor, Lady Macbeth was greedy to the extent of augmenting his husband’s pursuit of acquiring the King’s crown (Smith, 2016). Lastly, Smith (2016) states that as a result of Lady Macbeth’s pride, she thought that only her husband who should be king and this pride pushed his husband towards his pursuit of becoming a king.
What is her punishment?
Lady Macbeth is portrayed by the play as an evil person who influences her husband’s decisions and diversion of her husband’s roles. She is therefore punished for her crimes (Smith, 2016). First, she faces guilt having, becomes insane and eventually kills herself. This was her punishment in totality. Lady Macbeth has a psychological disorder that makes her lack rest. In this state, she sleepwalks and recalls all the murderous events that she influenced. Additionally, Lady Macbeth suffers from great emotional pressures, and her speech also is not comprehensible as it lacks logical connections.
Does she deserve her fate?
Lady Macbeth deserved death as her fate. Although she later realized her wrongdoings, the same sins later tormented her and made her understand that whatever she had caused could never be undone, for instance bringing the dead to life. Lady Macbeth’s death suffering was also deserved as a lesson on consequences of cruelty and greed (Uddin and Sultan, 2017). The play demonstrates Lady Macbeth as a controlling, complex and greedy woman, who as a result plans the death of King Duncan. This later causes her psychological problems such as depression and guilt. This shows that the suffering made her regret some of her earlier actions supporting the reasons why she deserved suffering. Moreover, Smith (2016) adds that since Lady Macbeth well knew of her sin’s consequences and her greed stormed up in her, she was heartless, and her suffering was well deserved. Lastly, since Lady Macbeth is a heartless monster with so many flaws, suffering was the only way that Shakespeare could have used in making her understand the difference between good and evil as well as consequences of our actions.
What is the implied claim about the effects of guilt and consciousness giving evidence from the play?
Shakespeare extensively developed the themes of consciousness and guilt throughout the play. The two main characters that were creatively used to disseminate the two themes are Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. Consciousness is the aspect that differentiates between good and evil, on the other hand, guilt is the psychological that is experienced when morals are violated. Macbeth is demonstrated as a loyal and valiant character as the play begun. However, his character gradually changes to worse as he pursued to for the King’s crown. Consciousness is first displayed when Macbeth kills King Duncan (Smith, 2016). The subsequent effect is that his character in the play is weakened. Similarly, Uddin and Sultan (2017) explains that the guilty and consciousness of Lay Macbeth eat her determination and strength away to the extent that she eventually kills herself. The effects of guilt and consciousness in the play had the enormous impact on the character’s direction such as death.
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The Development of Macbeth’s Character
Macbeth is a character who changes his ways through the influence of others. He does many things throughout to cause corruption and tragedy. Macbeth does hurt everyone in this story including himself. Macbeth is called a bold person and is rewarded in the start. The characteristics of Macbeth are smart and noble. This specific action costed Macbeth’s level of stability to continually decrease as he starts to realize the cost of his actions. Macbeth tries to forget what he has done and be the person that barks out the orders. As we start to see Macbeth being a wise decrease, as we begin to see Macbeth continually questioning his decisions, and he tries to cover his actions up but only confuses others. Macbeth's pride is now very noticeable later on.
This shows his ways are well seen in Act IV, he goes to see the Witches, with no reason to. His pride is the main cause for all of his problems. After becoming king from the mess he made of King Duncan, you can see Macbeth’s behavior completely change - from someone who has a clue what he is doing. Macbeth’s behavior changes drastically from the beginning to the end. As the play begins to get more intense due to Macbeth’s want for power, we start to see how Macbeth chooses to move from his wife. This place in time is where Macbeth starts to act different by going to the witches for help instead of anyone trustworthy. So his behavior and actions have changed as he now does not go to a situatuon with caution, but as if he is a King in power. His distance from Lady Macbeth results in Macbeth’s thoughts to be seen through his soliloquies. When his actions start to happen quickly, he starts to sense differently about being caught or seen as a killer for power.
How Does Lady Macbeth Change Throughout the Play
Macbeth does not want people to question what he has done beacuse he is already slowly losing his sanity. accordingly, Macbeth’s actions increase worse, when he hires people to kill Banquo and Fleance. This is part of the reason to the fact that they were people to take caution to Macbeth's rule. Macbeth's behavior is believed to be seen to be ruthless, blood hungry and a shame to someone in power. Macbeth changes to a basic psychopath that has his ‘strong’ hold over Lady Macbeth. Even though Macbeth’s eagerness is starting to show to Lady Macbeth, it is really obvious that it is making him want to hurt a lot more people.Macbeth is not a bad person until he gets greedy and wants more power without realizing his consequences.
This play shows that people’s natural desires often overcome what a true person is satisfied by. Unfortunately ,the writer is trying to convey things through the person of Macbeth, as when he says that it is not a bad thing to be greedy, but to be too greedy will make a person create their own suffering. To continue, in Act III, Macbeth tells all the kings around to come to a dinner of some kind in the , his ways get very strange, because of his actions. through the part of the play Macbeth starts to see Banquo in his apparition and moves with this by screaming, creating attention from Kings who are present. Macbeth’s crazy behavior is creating a vibe in the play, as Macbeth makes the reader to see his mistakes will reassure what people will think of him. His behavior has drastically differed from being respected, known to a person who only cares for power and to a man who is just letting people let him know of his own suspicion. Macbeth is scared of what he has done down to himself, and starts to believe his dispicable actions have costs.
How Does Macbeth Change Throughout the Play
As a result, through the continuous changes of Macbeth’s actions, we begin to see trend on this mess he has created. Macbeth’s behavior is because of suspicion by the Kings and by macbeths use of his power.When the play slowly gets going the audience is able to start to see on Macbeth’s crazy changing thoughts. Through his soliloquies, it was clear to the listener that the simple reason in what Macbeth does not have is the ability to make is own decisions. This perk of being smart makes up for the looks that Macbeth has for power. To start, Macbeth had great thinking in which was not in doing of killing Duncan. So, as his actions and ways change so will Macbeth's brain and hands . Looking in on Macbeth’s metal ways from a basic standpoint, Macbeth’s gruesome ways are involved within what he thinks. There is a lot of clues in the script that support this. One is right following Macbeth killing Duncan, Macbeth was trapped in a pool of self-pity. His pity can be seen when he does not respect Duncan after he kills him. His disbelief and how scared he is has led Macbeth to allow crazy things to happen. This is an important part of script, as when we realize Macbeth’s faithfulness and love, the audience sees that Macbeth can not sleep because he is too caught up in what he has done.
Additionally when Macbeth begins to turn disgraceful act with his life. the audience is likely to see Macbeth’s greedy side. this is seen through Act III, when Macbeth invites the other Kings to come over and eat. As Macbeth sees Banquo’s apparition, he starts to feel really scared, and worried because of the serious relationship Banquo and him have created. The vision of Banquo’s soul comes due to the thoughts of Macbeth really affecting him. Through the way in which Macbeth acts to Banquo in his apparition, the audience can see some of his guilt obviously because to how Macbeth wanted him and his son to be dead. Macbeth's thoughts on the hanging dagger, is a very strange hallucination in that shows from the instant regret of the killing of Duncan. The dagger takes the place of a large amount of uneasiness as Duncan's killing is dwelled on. As Macbeth sees that Banquo knows the witches apparitions, he quickly wanted Banquo and the son Fleance to be killed, so this would not allow him and his secret to be told to everyone. Macbeth’s thoughts have overtaken him, as his actions can clearly reveal that. Macbeth was feeling really paranoid because of the things he has committed, his carelessness to his victims and also the ways he has been having meetings with the 3 witches. His feelings and thoughts at this right now moment reassure.
Macbeth’s attitude towards the sad story show as without these strange factors, the play would not have developed.Macbeth's thoughts have taken over majority of him and it is partially allowing him to deny his role and ways on to what really took over his thoughts and feelings. Macbeth's thoughts, partly revealing circling his own personal ways ,are and can be proved by when Macbeth went to see the witches in Act V, and he started to boast and brag about his secret ways and his power over the people. This really solidifies Macbeth's thoughts of carelessness as he kills all the people in relation to certain issues he doesnt like and seeks advice from the people he should not. Getting to the end of the play,
Macbeth is summarizing up his life’s work and completing on the note that it does not mean absolutely anything. Macbeth’s thoughts and really strange feelings are what have allowed him to really think about the question,shouldn’t we all be very greedy, since it does not even really matter in the end? Through all of the struggle, self doubt and killing after killing, have all of them led down to the same path, where it all begins. Malcolm will one day eventually become the Lord, and Macbeth will always be known as a horrible traitor. Macbeth’s thoughts and feelings are a very important in the playing of his overall character, as well it is the thing in which in the end, creates Macbeth, the Tragic Leader.Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a Realistic tragic and reasonably two-sided play in which describes a scary and noble warrior, whom is shown to be a bloody leader, through the witches’ apparitions, his own greed, thinking he is unstoppable and selfishness.
Through these changing aspects of the sript, it makes consequently allows Macbeth to show as a important character; who will have great role and impression on the play’s theme. The various themes in which Shakespeare creates throughout this play, is mainly achieved through the role of the character Macbeth. A couple of the themes in what Macbeth explores from his own actions, behavior, thoughts and attitude may be his own ambition and greed. The theme of greed is one of the most serious themes within the play write, as it forms almost all of the play’s conflict and then turns into one of the craziest turning points through Shakespear. Macbeth accordingly accounts for the very slow development of the stories line, as he takes on one of Shakespeare’s messages he wants to show. Too much greed may not be a bad thing, but the kind of greedone may have, can create a lot of problems.Henceforth giving ideas in Macbeth’s important rolein the play, as he was the instrument, or the main reason in which morals were being delivered through.
Macbeth’s importance involving the play is extremely important, due to the reasoning fact that he is the character that also evolves the natural reason of the play. Through the theme of manliness/manhood or masculinity constantly being represented throughout Macbeth’s character, the audience is subsequently exposed to the manner in which the storyline continues. The play initially started with Lady Macbeth declaring more power, greed or ambition in contrast to Macbeth; however, as the play progresses Macbeth starts to exemplify his manliness over his wife. The theme of masculinity being displayed throughout the play, particularly by Macbeth himself, reinforces his position in terms of importance.
This revolving notion can be justified through the manner in which the audience views Macbeth’s own urge for power- over femininity and also for the throne; thus slowly developing a setting for the preceding plot. Once again Macbeth is also imperative in regards to the story line, as he is the figure in which Shakespeare tends to propose certain principles and consequences. Macbeth’s role towards the storyline can be justly spoken at an angle in which puts Macbeth’s key character traits into light. Through the abundant amount of scenes within the composition, Macbeth is portrayed as the backbone supporting the entire play itself.
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The Role of Witches in Macbeth
Shakespeare expected to draw in his group of onlookers with something that is certified and that was critical in his time and at that explicit time that was the extraordinary, and Shakespeare created the play Macbeth for King James I in help of him getting the chance to be supporter of the theater, also the ruler was incredibly fascinated into the heavenly, even made books on the issue, Shakespeare even took from the book for the commence of the 3 witches, For instance, James expounded on the capacity of witches to either revile men with ineptitude or accomplish a similar outcome by debilitating them with rehashed sexual experiences. In Act 1, Scene 3, the primary witch portrays her intend to torment the mariner "I'll deplete him dry as roughage" and "I'll do and I'll do and I'll do", recommending that she will abandon him depleted and restless by more than once engaging in sexual relations with him which is evil without any charms simply activity.
The gathering of spectators back in the Elizabethan time were making their psyche up whether Macbeth choices were up close and personal or affected by the three witches since Shakespeare showed what witches of that time would do and act, yet with the exception of Macbeth being self-important and dubious about what he has made sense of how to utilize it for his own one of a kind favorable position, anyway the likelihood of the powerful did not start in this right period it was passed down. Witches and extraordinary had been a subject of numerous for quite a while.
Many believed in the force of enchantment, dull charm which was always poisonous, and spirits in the midst of the Elizabethan time in history dated back to feelings from a ton earlier events. Trust in old charm and herbs in like manner animals (familiars), yet the Elizabethans didn't have to rely upon Shakespeare for verification of witches' "mischiefs complex and magic works awful" (Supernatural-Shakespeare).
In the play Macbeth asks the witches," Though you loosen the breezes and let them fight against the spots of love anyway bladed corn be ceased and trees blown down... reply to me to what I ask" which implies Macbeth acknowledges what they can do and this is what everyone thought about witches how they are loathsome, additionally for current groups of onlookers it could be hard to comprehend why Macbeth, who was a successful fighter in that century in Scotland, gave his thoughtfulness regarding something so malevolent, yet Shakespeare's gatherings of people would have seen totally, black magic was a piece of the general population's day by day life.
Individuals blamed unnatural events as made by witches, yet some believed they had no genuine method to ensure themselves "Most Elizabethans supported a methodology of non-experience with those they thought were witches"(Papp and Kirkland), however the conviction was profound to the point that the overall public started to used retaliatory charm that would switch the revile."
For most Elizabethans, dark enchantment was malicious, and uncovering and communicating charms was the most notable ways witches worked. In the midst of the trust they were excessively far to simply trust that there were no heavenly occasions going on.
Shakespeare used dark enchantment to movement to his gathering of spectators that Scotland was in a powerless and disturbed state. What made witches unsafe was their staggering want and energy to pitch their spirits in order to achieve control (for their circumstance, vile rather than political). In like way, Macbeth falls prey to comparable inclinations. Macbeth is molded by heavenly powers with the utilization of the abnormal witches, the nebulous visions like the separated head, wicked kid and the imperial tyke wearing the crown were seen by the charms and elixir given to Macbeth by the witches, and the phantom of Banquo.
The phantom of Banquo frequents Macbeth by helping him to remember the horrendous activities he has submitted so as to be in the best spot when the apparition of banquo shows up in the play it demonstrates a ton about the character Macbeth we perceive how he responds when he look at the apparition, likewise the drifting blade which was the most significant time in the play, the knife is symbolizing Macbeth plummet into franticness, however there he can't tell the knife isn't genuine, yet later in the play Macbeth's vision and reality get stirred up and he supposes the phantom of Banquo is genuine , and gradually every one of the dreams and mind flights began to wear on his cerebrum and his conscious."is the blade which I see before me.." which was a visualization.
At the point when the blade appears to Macbeth he turns into the casualty of the hallucinations he is having, the knife is the reason Macbeth submitted. The knife is utilized to urge Macbeth to perpetrate the wrongdoing and this is what demonstrates to us that the blade is insidious Macbeth says "is this a blade I find before me, with its handle indicating my hand? Come let me hold you.".The powers lead Macbeth to act the manner in which he did and add puzzle to the play and leaves the crowd in tension.
The witches clearly had an effect on Macbeth in the play and you can see as Macbeth experiences his change, from better warrior than a power hungry despot and this helps upgrade the change he experiences on account of the witches.
All witches said "reasonable is foul, and foul is reasonable; float through the mist and dirty air." which means doubt everything and in the haze it's difficult to tell what's truly there.
The supernatural help as a job of an visible sign of hatred, and clear soundness and judgment to wander off to a killers mind with the appearance of banquo's ghost. The witches played an very big part that encourages Macbeth's response to the level where his moralities are flawed, and his section of blood shed, also being blamed and commiting disgusting acts.
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A Letter from Macbeth
Earlier today, Macbeth sent me a letter. In this letter was something I did not expect. The letter said that there were some elderly sisters that he met. They greeted him as the “Thane of Cawdor”. I didn’t think much of it because I just don’t believe what some random old hags say. But as I kept reading, I realized that Macbeth was not lying. It felt like he was truly enthusiastic about this, and believed he will become thane of cawdor. I didn’t want to believe the things I was reading. I’d hate giving myself a false sense of hope. I have always wanted this, and now I can finally get it. I wondered if this was just a dream. Finally, I let my greed and hope overwhelm me. I had these inner emotions wandering in my head. Morality questions without any clear answers. Should I make my dream a reality, or should I stay loyal to those who trust me. This is a dilemma that has kept me thinking for a very long time now. In order to make my dream come to fruition, the actions that lead up to it would be killing the beloved king, Duncan. My dream feels closer than it ever has been before.
I didn’t want to do it, but I had to convince Macbeth to kill the king. I was blinded by greed. I wanted to live a luxurious life. What woman wouldn’t want fine clothes and shiny jewelry? I want to be the queen, and I know Macbeth wants to be the king as well. When Macbeth came back to me after killing the king, his hands were drenched with blood. He still had the daggers in his hands. His eyes seem dreadful. I can tell he felt a heavy amount of guilt on his back. He was always on the weaker side after all. I told him to put the daggers back, he didn't listen, nor did he move. I took the daggers from him and put them back myself. The more I realized how far we’ve come, and how close we are to royalty, the more frustrated I got with Macbeth. He can ruin everything if someone notices his behavior.
Ross, Lenox, lords and a few others are in our palace. I saw Macbeth talking to the killers behind Banquo’s death. I couldn't believe that Macbeth was capable of ending Banquo’s life. Meanwhile everyone was eating, I tried to be a nice hostess for everyone in the palace. Being polite and didn’t interrupt any of their conversations. Out of nowhere, I hear Macbeth saying “Which of you have done this”. Everyone was shocked, including myself. Ross told his men to leave because he was worried about Macbeth’s health conditions. I had to intervene. It seemed like I was fixing macbeth's mistakes constantly these past few days. it’s getting more and more irritating.
Everyday, I've had a healthy amount of sleep, but I still feel tired. i've also noticed that my maid looks at me with fear. The look in her eyes shows pity. One memory which keeps haunting me in my sleep, is washing Duncan's blood off of my hands. I am not so sure why I feel this traumatic guilt now. Why didn't I feel this before? I feel constant fear, the guilt is finally catching up to me. No one can help me now. Not even Macbeth. He is just as mad as me. I feel like it’s my fault he became as deranged as he is now. If only I hadn't pushed him to kill Duncan, maybe things would have ended differently. I miss his kind side. But I know I will never see that side of him again. I feel many emotions at once, but I also feel great emptiness. Like a dark abyss. I know that there is not much time left. I will fall, so will Macbeth, and so will our dream.
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The Tragedy of Macbeth
Arguably one of Shakespeare's best plays The Tragedy of Macbeth filled with prophecies, murder, and nightmarish visions is timeless. Once a proud noble warrior the title character Macbeth finds himself captivated by the prophecies of 3 evil witches that change his life forever they give him a chance for power a chance to be king. With the help of his wife they set a course of murder lies and betrayal to keep themselves in power but in the end this leads to both of there dooms. The play has been adapted many times but the same endless cycles of guilt, ambition ,and deception are always present. Throughout the play the overarching themes of corruption, guilt, and ambition play a key role and seal the fate of Macbeth who questions his fate constantly we are sympathetic for him even when he himself realizes there is nothing left he can do to save himself.“I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as going over” -Macbeth. The play begins with the evil witches immediately setting the tone of the dark play they make plans to meet with Macbeth they encounter him and his trusted friend Banquo on there journey back to Macbeth's castle. They predicts the pairs future telling Macbeth that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and soon after king of Scotland and that Banquo's descendants will in fact be kings themselves before either can ask any questions the witches disappear.
Macbeth begins to ponder the idea of being king what he must do to gain the designation, he is shocked when he eventually becomes Thane of Cawdor after the former title barrer was found out to be a spy and when King Duncan announces he will be a guest for the night at Macbeth's own castle he realizes everything is falling in line with the witches prophecies. In a letter he writes to his wife telling her everything that has transpired she immediately sees that King Duncan's vacancy in their castle as the perfect opportunity to kill him and she convinces a very reluctant Macbeth to commit the deed. But Macbeth cant do it he has always been loyal to Duncan who is a good king he tells Lady Macbeth he wont commit the deed she then calls his manhood into question saying “When you dared to do it. That’s when you were a man. And to be more than what you were you would be so much more the man.” Macbeth who wants his wife's approval and to prove himself murders Duncan Lady Macbeth using her power against her own husband to gain even more power as queen. Lucky for Macbeth the kings 2 sons flee the country in fear of there own lives themselves leaving macbeth as the king he finally has the crown he sought this leaves Banquo suspicious having him think back to the witches prophecies Macbeth is now king just as they said but also he would spawn kings as well.
This part of the prophecy deeply troubles Macbeth who now sees his former best friend as a threat to his reign paranoia gets the best of him he decides to hire 2 murderers to kill Banquo and his son on the night of his banquet. Unfortunately the plan goes awry Banquo is assassinated but his son escapes Macbeth decides Fleance will have to wait because he must attend his own banquet but at the banquet with fellow lords and wife all attending he Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost at the table yet no one else can see him this frightens Macbeth who yells at the apparition because of this his guests are startled and the party gets broken up. After the banquet he remarks “We have scorched the snake, not killed it.She’ll close and be herself whilst our poor malice Remains in danger of her former tooth. But let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds suffer, Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep In the affliction of these terrible dreams That shake us nightly. Better be with the dead, Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace, Than on the torture of the mind to lie In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave. After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well. Treason has done his worst; nor steel nor poison, Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing Can touch him further.” This reveals that Macbeth has had trouble sleeping that he lives in fear of being caught and that Duncan is lucky to be in his grave dead he is at peace while he himself has problems of his own his guilt is the only thing he thinks about ever now so much so he can't enjoy being king.
Banquo and Duncan are now dead all the strange deaths make Lennox suspicious who thinks Macbeth had a hand in there demise many Scottish people now see there king as a tyrant and they want something to be done about it Macduff goes to the English courts where Malcolm has been accepted to raise a army against Macbeth this is the beginning of the end. To ease his mind Macbeth seeks guidance from the witches again who show him even more prophecies in the form of visions which tell Macbeth to beware of Macduff he wants to head there warnings so when he hears that Macduff is in England he uses this opportunity to ambush his castle and slaughter Macduff's wife and kids eventually Macduff will hear about this and he vows to kill Macbeth for the murder of his family he takes Malcom back to Scotland with an army to dethrone Macbeth. Throughout the entire play Lady Macbeth always scolded her husband for his guilt in killing King Duncan dismissing her own as well but in act 5 her repressed guilt is revealed when she sleepwalks her bizarre behavior has caught the attention of one of her servants who calls a doctor for some help they watch as she reenacts her part in the murder of king Duncan with washing the blood off her hands, yelling at Macbeth, planting the daggers, etc she says many things but one quote that stands out is “What's done cannot be undone.”
Once she persuade Macbeth to kill Duncan once she planted the daggers and framed Duncan's guards for the murder they set themselves on this dark path there was no turning back the ambitions they once had now drive them insane Macbeth has now become a tyrant and Lady Macbeth kills herself over her guilt. In the final act Macbeth has lost so much he feels like he has nothing left now he decides he will go out in one last blaze of glory at this point Malcolm and his army have arrived at the castle. Malcolm confronts Macbeth killing and beheading him reclaiming the throne of Scotland and bringing an end to Macbeth's tyrannical reign. Unchecked ambition and the lust for power turned Macbeth into his own worst enemy. His ambition to kill King Duncan gave him new power as king a power he didn't deserve which he abused and the guilt he once set aside for his crimes could no longer be ignored they drove him mad to the very end all 3 factors leading into the tragedy of Macbeth. But who is really to blame is it fate, Macbeth, or the witches themselves was Macbeth a killer all along or did the witches implant the idea into his head? These questions echoed in our our own ears throughout the play but ultimately Shakespeare leaves us up to decide who is guilty and who is not after all.
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The Tragedy of Macbeth. (2019, Feb 20).
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