Favorite Classroom / Literary Moments

This thread has been neglected for so long and I wonder if it is because it is buried under so many other posts....let's see what happens now that I've moved it up!

It happens to everyone: words get jumbled between the brain and mouth, we enter into a conversation a moment too late... or we are simply confused. Ironically, these are the moments that help us remember the important information from class; laughter is a powerful learning tool. This is an opportunity to remember the special moments, lessons, activities, characters, and, of course, the miscommunications from our class. Help me to keep track of them and I will compile these into a booklet at the end of the year. Please remember that class rules apply: I will not tolerate any malicious attacks on any student or teacher. This is not meant to poke fun at anyone; it is meant in a spirit of reliving the occasional happy moment in our very special circle of hell :-)

Did the children truly give Boo, "nothing"?

At the end of the novel, Scout remarks that “Boo gave us a broken watch, two dolls, and our lives ...neighbors give in return. We never put back into the tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad” (320). In fact, they never even got to put the thank you note inside the oak tree.
Is this true, however? Did they realize give nothing to Boo? Please support your response.

Is Atticus a Criminal?: Bob Ewell's death

In class, we have begun to discuss if Atticus can be called a hypocrite. Let's push this further. In failing to arrest Boo Radley at the end, Sheriff Tate is breaking the law, as is Atticus, who knows the truth of Ewell's murder. Do you agree with some critics that Atticus's actions are hypocritical, immoral, as well as illegal? Support your position.

Random Musings for TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD...and SYMBOLS!

I have really been impressed by some of the insights you have shared in class. As we cannot possibly devote enough time, in my opinion, to this novel and we only have a short time left in which to discuss it, please continue to share your scholarly brilliance here:

Have you thought of another meaning for a symbol? Have you found some significance in a particular passage or event? Would you like to continue, amend, augment (add to), or dispute an interpretation of a symbol or passage discussed in class? Do you have a question about our discussion ...or do you need clarification?

I look forward to having you continue to dazzle me!

From mockingbirds to mad dogs to mobs to geraniums at the Ewell "house": let's talk!

Epiphanies: Learning Something New Every Day

Last year, one of my 9th grade students adorably said, "I want to read Mockingbird again; I think I read a different book this summer!". Currently, some of you have expressed that you feel you have missed some of Harper Lee's more subtle points (MARSHMALLOWS!) when you read the book before. Some of you have even begun to hop up and down in your seat when something "click's" for you. Soooo........

After discussing TKM in class, what is your favorite epiphany or revelation? What symbol, motif, or stylistic device have you found the coolest ? What passage did you reread for class that you missed the meaning of before? Which passage, event, moment, character, or quote now has a deeper meaning for you or has evoked a new emotion from you?

Share with the rest of us, please!