Characterization

No one can deny that everyone changed a little throughout this story. But to me one character that grew the most was Jem Finch. At the beginning he was a kid with an imagination, loved playing and creating games with his sister and didn't think about consequences before his actions. But soon he starts to mature and grow into a teenager. He became more self conscious about who he hung out with, he starts to be more protective about Scout and lastly he starts to understand the world more. You can tell that Jem has started to mature when he learns his lesson about Mrs.Dubose."I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyways and you see it through no matter what."(p.112)After that point Jem is turning into a young man, even Calpurnia knows Scout didn't really know what was happening when Jem started being more moody, and difficult. But she did know to stay away from him. After Mrs. Dubose died I think that was when the real breaking point for Jem that is when he learns his biggest lesson throughout this book and where he starts his journey to adulthood. Through the book Jem hadn't appreciated his sister and acts like any sibling does and says he is going to ignore her during school. But soon he finds that Scout needs a role model in her life besides Atticus, so Jem steps in. "Someone had filled our knot-hole with cement "don't cry, now, Scout....don't cry now, don't worry" he muttered at me all the way to school."(p.62)This is where I think he shows compassion towards Scout and that their relationship can grow and they can be friends even if they are family. After that I feel that Jem takes the responsibility to keep track of Scout, especially when Atticus is busy with the trial. Another example is when he takes responsibility to get Scout home for dinner during the trail. Jem takes her hand and walks her home all by himself. Scout looks up to her brother and that was proved when Mr. Ewell attacked Jem and Scout. She had faith that Jem would save her because of all of the other times he did. Jem not only learns about himself and grows but he learns about the world too. "When Lula came up the pathway toward us Calpurinia said, " stop right there." Lula stopped, but she said, " you ain't got no business bringin' white chillun here- they got their church, we got our'n. It is our church, ain't it, Miss Cal? Cal said," It's the same God ain't it!" Jem said, " let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here-." When that happened that's where I think he gains an understanding of the black communinty. Jem and Scout both learned just how hard it is to be African American, most can't read or have an education at all. Also they see that Calpurnia uses different tones and words with her folks. Jem wasn't the only one who learns lessons and grows but I feel that he grows the most throughout everyone. Many people teach Jem lessons and give him advice about growing up, about the world and about himself.

This literary circle I was an illuminator for chapters 17-21. My first question for this was describe an important symbol from this section of the book and what it stands for. I thought that an important symbol from these chapters was when Atticus took his watch off and loosened his tie, while he was talking the jury. I thought the reason why he did this was he was trying to relate to the jury and not have be intimidated by his presence. I also thought that he did this because he wanted them to see him as a friend and not as a lawyer. My next question was describe the way in which the author creates a setting that you can clearly picture in your mind. One way the author creates a setting is she grabs you and makes you want to keep reading. She uses enticing words and makes it easier for the reader to read. My third question was describe one of the conflicts in the book. I said it was the Tom Robinson trial. What type of conflict is it? It was a man vs. man. How did the author make the conflict intense? She made this conflict intense by making the setting in the court room when the jury is make their decision, it seemed like it actually took hours for the answer. She make it more anticipating, because you already know that Tom will be accused guilty but maybe just a little glimpse of hope he won't. How did the author solve the conflict? She solved the conflict by have the jury giving there answer. Why do you think it was solved this way? I think it was solved this was because they couldn't have a black man    be not guilty. That wasn't acceptable in that time of society. My next question was how does the author create emotion in the book? I thought that she creates an atmosphere that makes you want to keep reading. She made me imagine a very clear picture in my head, and showed me instead of told me. What is the primary tone of this section? In this section I thought at the beginning it was full of hope that Tom could win, but after it was more gloomy. How do you know? You could tell the way Scout had described the way Atticus acted and the way she felt. My last question was, if one of the characters from the story was in your lit. circle describe how you know they would act or talk based on their character in the book? I chose Tom Robinson. I thought that he would be very polite and be respectful to everyone. He would have compassion and kindness. He was never rude or mean to anyone in the book and he seemed like a very nice man.

The discussion my literature circle had was mostly about the trial with Tom Robinson. We were all wishing that Tom would be not guilty, and having to wait so long to find out made it more anticipating. We couldn't wait. We also talked about how Jem has grown throughout this book and is becoming more mature. We were also making guesses on what will happen to Tom after the trial.

During these chapters you can really see how much Jem and Scout notice how whites discriminating against blacks. This reminds me of my third grade class. We got a new girl and she had colored skin but instead of ignoring her we invited her to join us and got to know her. That really shows how much times have changes since when Scout was around and now.