Seeking Justice: To Kill a Mockingbird (2020)

Lesson 17
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ELA

Unit 7

8th Grade

Lesson 17 of 35

Objective


Explain how Harper Lee uses specific lines of text to reveal aspects of characters, as well as racial dynamics within Maycomb.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee  — chapter 19

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

On page 224, Tom Robinson says of Mayella, “I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try more’n the rest of ‘em--”

Mr Gilmer responds, “You felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for her?”

How do these lines of dialogue reveal racial tensions and hierarchies in Maycomb? How does the use of italics emphasize this tension?

Key Questions


  • On page 218, Tom Robinson says, “I was glad to do it, Mr. Ewell didn’t seem to help her none, and neither did the chillun, and I knowed she didn’t have no nickels to spare.” What does this reveal about his character? Provide one additional piece of evidence from the text that also supports your answer.
  • How does Tom Robinson’s testimony reveal aspects of Mayella Ewell’s life and change Scout’s perspective of her? Provide two pieces of specific evidence from page 218 to support your answer.
  • Mr. Gilmer repeatedly calls Tom Robinson “boy.” What are the connotations of this word and what does his use of this word reveal about Mr. Gilmer?
  • What does Tom Robinson’s reaction to Mayella’s kiss reveal about race in Maycomb? Provide at least two pieces of specific evidence from the text to support your answer.
  • Discussion: How does Tom Robinson’s account of that evening differ from Mayella’s? What are the most significant points of disagreement?

Lesson Guidance


Notes

  • Today’s reading is relatively short, so consider having students read the text as if it were a play.
  • You may also wish to have students create a parallel timeline of events on the night Mayella was attacked (by her father or Tom Robinson).
  • This chapter includes the N-word and the word “whore.”

Homework

  • Read To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 20 and 21.

Common Core Standards


  • RL.8.3 — Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

Next

Explain the impact of Atticus’s word choice and references to historic texts in the development of meaning in his closing argument.

Lesson 18
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