Seeking Justice: To Kill a Mockingbird (2020)

Lesson 7
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ELA

Unit 7

8th Grade

Lesson 7 of 35

Objective


Identify specific incidents and lines of text that reveal aspects of characters and develop the plot in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee  — chapters 7 and 8

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Select at least two incidents from today’s reading that reveal aspects of Boo Radley’s character. Explain what these incidents reveal and provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • Consider Jem’s behavior in today’s reading. What specific incidents and lines of dialogue in chapters 7–8 reveal aspects of Jem’s behavior? Be sure to carefully explain your thinking.

  • On page 73, Scout reflects, “Jem and I were burdened with the guilt of contributing to the aberrations of nature, thereby causing unhappiness to our neighbors and discomfort to ourselves.” What does this line reveal about Scout? Carefully explain your reasoning.

  • What does the fire at Miss Maudie’s house reveal about the town of Maycomb? Provide at least three pieces of evidence from the text and carefully explain your thinking.

  • Discussion: How does author Harper Lee balance humor and serious topics in this book? How does Lee use Scout’s narration and perspective to create humor?

Lesson Guidance


Notes

  • Scout uses the N-word in today’s reading (page 75). The text also includes the word “squaw” (page 81), which is considered offensive today.
  • Make sure that at this point in the text students understand that Boo Radley has been leaving the children gifts and that he is acting in ways that are kind and generous toward them.
  • Students should continue to keep careful track of characters—a number of different characters play a significant role in today’s reading.

Homework

  • Read To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 9 and 10.

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

Draw conclusions about Atticus based on specific lines of dialogue by paying close attention to the connotations of words and phrases he uses.

Lesson 8
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