To Kill a Mockingbird - Ending of The story

Guiding Question - Did the ending of the novel surprise you? If you were the author would you have ended the story differently? Explain.

I think that if I was Harper Lee, I would still have ended the story in a similiar method, as the ending of the story encompasses several main points:

1. Appearance of Boo Radley
2. Death of Bob Ewell (End of the Conflict)

Therefore, the end of the story, also allowed for the closure of the main story arcs, being the Kindness of Boo Radley, and Bob Ewell's actions. The ending also shows how Boo Radley left the safety and comfort of his house to protect Jem and Scout, even though he might have endangered himself in the process. Also, the death of Bob Ewell ends the story on a calmer note. The last few sentences of the story, implies how Boo was actually like.

" 'An' they chased him 'n' never could catch him 'cause they didn't know what he looked like, an' Atticus, when they finally saw him, why he hadn't done any of those things ... Atticus, he was real nice....' " (Pg 287)

Lastly, the last sentence of the story, ends the story on a calm and peaceful note, with Scout falling asleep in bed.

To Kill A Mockingbird - Character Analysis

My favourite character in TKAM is Miss Maudie Atkinson. I find that her defining qualities are how she is very sharp tongued, and also quite sarcastic.

She is also very witty, and her sharp tongued comments usually force the other party to give in. For example, when Miss Stephanie Crawford told the town that she saw Arthur Boo Radley staring at her at night, Miss Maudie replied, "What did you do Stephanie, move over in the bed and make room for him? That shut her up for a while." (Page 51, Chapter V)

Furthermore, unlike other characters in the book, Miss Maudie treats Scout and Jem very fairly (like Atticus), and does not hide things from them. She also tries to teach them about how all people are equal. She might also be seen as teaching Scout and Jem many lessons throughout the events of the book. For example, when Jem was upset by the outcome of the trial of Tom Robinson, she reassures him that the town was taking baby steps to become less prejudiced. Also, when Scout is embarrassed of Atticus, Miss Maudie tries to convince Scout that Atticus is quite talented, although Scout is only convinced after Atticus shot Tim Robinson.

Also, Ms Maudie is very strong, as even after her house burned down, she still continued her gardening, and did not seem to be deeply affected be the event.

How To Kill a Mockingbird Short Analysis

Why is it necessary to understand the historical and cultural context of the Novel?

How does it help to understand the author’s background? Is it necessary to learn about the author’s background?

Is it possible to appreciate the text without pre-reading about the historical and cultural context of the novel/background of the novel?

It is necessary to understand the historical context of the novel, as because nowadays, prejudice is less common (though it is not eradicated) Therefore, we might not be able to properly understand the nuances of the novel itself. For example, a person who did not understand the background of the novel would not understand the true meaning of the novel, and would also miss out on some of the parts of the novel.

Knowing the author's background is important, and would help with understanding the novel, and the author's reasons behind it. However, it most books and cases, it is not really necessary to understand more about the author. Harper Lee (Actually Nelle Harper Lee). She wrote the novel in 1944, approximately 79 years after the conclusion of the American Civil War, which was fought to free Negroes from Slavery. The book is actually set a few years after the American Civil War, in a Southern State (Which supported Slavery and fought against the Union during the Civil War).