Seeking Justice: To Kill a Mockingbird (2020)

Lesson 12
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ELA

Unit 7

8th Grade

Lesson 12 of 35

Objective


Explain how Harper Lee uses specific words and phrases in To Kill a Mockingbird to develop tone and create meaning.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee  — chapters 12 and 13

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What is the impact of Harper Lee’s use of African-American dialect in chapter 12? How does this help to develop meaning in the text? Provide at least two pieces of evidence in the text to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • How has Jem’s tone when addressing Scout changed since becoming an adolescent? What specific words and phrases develop this changed tone?
  • Reread the dialogue between Calpurnia and Lula on page 135. What does Lula mean when she says, “Yeah, an’ I reckon you’s comp’ny at the Finch house durin’ the week”? What is her tone?
  • What is Scout’s tone as she describes Calpurnia’s church on page 136? What specific words and phrases help develop this tone?
  • Discussion: Lula uses the word “nigger” when referring to Calpurnia and to the black church. Why do you think she uses this word? What does this reveal about her?
  • Discussion: Gender is a recurring thematic topic in this text. Where is this issue addressed in today’s reading?

Lesson Guidance


Standard and Literary Concepts

  • Dialect: A dialect is the language used by the people of a specific area, class, district, or any other group of people. The term dialect involves the spelling, sounds, grammar, and pronunciation used by a particular group of people, and it distinguishes them from other people around them. Also sometimes called “vernacular.” (Students have already encountered the word “vernacular” in Lesson 2, but they may need a refresher.)
  • Ask students to consider why an author might choose to use dialect in a text. How does it change the reader’s experience of reading a text?

Notes

  • Today’s reading will focus on chapter 12. You may wish to briefly review the events of chapter 13 to ensure students have a good understanding of what happens in this chapter.
  • Chapter 12 includes use of the N-word and references rape.

Homework

  • Read To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 14 and 15.

Common Core Standards


  • RL.8.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

Next

Explain how specific incidents and lines of dialogue reveal aspects of characters and propel the action of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Lesson 13
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