Rubric
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
| Identification of Theme (s), Symbol (s), ... | All themes are correctly identified as i ... | Most themes are correctly identified, bu ... | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or ... | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correc ... |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the ... | Most quotes and examples are accurate to ... | Most quotes and examples are minimal, in ... | Examples and descriptions are missing or ... |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme (s), symbol ... | Depictions chosen for theme (s), symbol ... | Depictions chosen for theme (s), symbol ... | Most depictions are missing too many ele ... |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar ... | There are a few errors in spelling, gram ... | There are several errors in spelling, gr ... | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechani ... |
What are the major themes in "to kill a Mockingbird"?
The most important theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is the book's exploration of the moral nature of human beings -that is, whether people are essentially good or essentially evil.
What does the Mockingbird symbolize in 'to kill a Mockingbird'?
Quick Answer: In To Kill a Mockingbird, the mockingbird symbolizes innocence. When we think about the mockingbird, we often think about the novel called “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. In this novel, the mockingbird represents the idea of innocence.
What are some symbols in to kill a Mockingbird?
5 Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird & What They Represent
- The Mockingbird. More than just an animal, the mockingbird is a powerful symbol of innocence in this story, as well as...
- The Rabid Dog. The rabid dog in To Kill a Mockingbird is a symbol of racism. In the book, the dog is referred to as a...
- Miss Maudie's Nut Grass. The nut grass that Miss Maudie strives to...
What is to killing a mockingbird theme?
Symbols
- Mockingbirds. The title of the book references a moment in the story where Scout recalls Atticus warning her and Jem that killing mockingbirds is a sin, and Miss Maudie confirms ...
- Tim Johnson. The poor dog that Atticus shoots when it goes rabid has a name purposefully similar to Tom Robinson’s.
- Boo Radley. ...
How is the mockingbird a motif?
The mockingbird motif, in this case, gives the novel its name. It represents innocence in the novel and both Miss Maudie and Atticus feel that it would be a great sin to kill a mockingbird because this bird only sings a beautiful song and does not harm anyone.
Is the mockingbird a symbol or motif?
The mockingbird appears so much throughout the story that it's more than just a symbol; it's actually an example of motif.
What is the motif of education in To Kill a Mockingbird?
As is true of To Kill a Mockingbird 's other moral themes, the novel's conclusion about education is that the most important lessons are those of sympathy and understanding, and that a sympathetic, understanding approach is the best way to teach these lessons.
What is a motif in literature?
A motif is a repeated pattern—an image, sound, word, or symbol that comes back again and again within a particular story.
What are examples of motifs?
Examples of Motif in Narrative WritingA repeated reference or visual of shattered glass (something in life is about to break)Recurring dishonest characters (to cue up the discovery of an unfaithful spouse)A character who constantly misplaces things (as the loss of someone or something significant is on the horizon)More items...
Is Boo Radley black?
Boo Radley is a white individual who never left his house because of the ways society viewed him. Tom Robinson was a black man who got framed of a crime that he did not do.
What are the 3 main themes of To Kill a Mockingbird?
Three main themes include:prejudice.family life.courage.
What does Boo Radley symbolize?
Symbolically, Boo represents both Scout's childish understanding of the lives of people around her, and also the genuine risks and dangers that face children as they grow up in the world. As a ghost-like figure, Boo also symbolizes aspects of the town's past, such as intolerance, inequality, and slavery.
Why is Boo Radley a mockingbird?
Throughout the book, a number of characters (Jem, Tom Robinson, Dill, Boo Radley, Mr. Raymond) can be identified as mockingbirds—innocents who have been injured or destroyed through contact with evil.
What are the 4 types of motif?
Types of MotifPlant motif.Floral motif (flower)Traditional motif.Geometrical motif.Abstract motif.
What is motif and types of motif?
In art and iconography, a motif ( (pronunciation) (help·info)) is an element of an image. The term can be used both of figurative and narrative art, and ornament and geometrical art. A motif may be repeated in a pattern or design, often many times, or may just occur once in a work.
How do you identify motifs in literature?
If you spot a symbol, concept, or plot structure that surfaces repeatedly in the text, you're probably dealing with a motif. They must be related to the central idea of the work, and they always end up reinforcing the author's overall message.
What does the mockingbird symbolize in TKAM?
In this story of innocence destroyed by evil, the 'mockingbird' comes to represent the idea of innocence. Thus, to kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence." The longest quotation about the book's title appears in Chapter 10, when Scout explains: "'Remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.
What does it mean to see a mockingbird?
The most common interpretation of a mockingbird omen is self-expression. If you've been encountering these birds too often lately, it means that perhaps you don't express yourself enough.
What does the mockingbird symbolize in Chapter 10?
Mockingbirds are symbols of innocence, which makes this one of the most important themes in the novel. In addition to the symbolic mockingbirds of Tom and Boo, innocence can be found in Scout, Jem, and Dill, who undergo a loss of innocence later in the novel, when they watch Tom's trial.
Why is killing a mockingbird a sin?
The saying says “killing a mocking bird is sin” because mocking birds doesn't really do any harm they just sing out with their hearts a tune. The book refers to this saying meaning that the innocence are taken away intentionally by the the accusers or townsfolk.
Examples Of Archetypes In To Kill A Mockingbird
book, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, written by Harper Lee, is a very impactful novel that acutely connects an intricate plot and story to American history itself, specifically the time of the Great Depression, where racial oppression was rather common, and sadly, accepted.
Kill A Mockingbird, By William Robinson And Jean Louise
To Kill A Mockingbird Thesis: The phrase of "killing a mockingbird" represents the iniquity to vitiate something good and relatively unmarred, as mockingbirds do nothing but sing beautiful songs; they are innocent and harmless.
Theme Of Life Lessons In To Kill A Mockingbird
Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird uses themes to help teach social life lessons for the reader to learn about during the early 20th century. The time frame is an essential aspect to teaching social lessons between ourselves and others.
Racial Characterotypes In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee
Pulitzer Prize winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, has sold forty million copies since its publication in 1960. This controversial novel is about a southern white girl named Scout Finch, who, in her small, racist hometown, grows up during a brutal racial trial for an innocent black man accused of rape.
Atticus Childhood
People learn life lessons when they are just children however they do not understand the meaning of these messages until they mature and grow up. Throughout Jem and Scout’s childhood they not only learn where evil is to be found in their community, but also develop the ethical principles to withstand it.
Why is Boo Radley a mockingbird?
Scout herself comes to realise that Boo Radley is a mockingbird figure because when he rescued her at the end of the novel, he was forced to kill Bob Ewell. But to bring such a retiring and bashful man to trial would be just like killing a mockingbird.
Why is Atticus able to defend Tom Robinson?
It is necessary to have a man with a high and ideal view of justice defending Tom Robinson because even Atticus knows that the case is hopelessly lost before it begins.
Why is Tom Robinson a mockingbird?
It is also evident that Tom Robinson is a mockingbird figure because he is destroyed by his willingness to help Mayella Ewell. His efforts to help her got him into trouble and finally cost him his life. Ultimately, to kill a mockingbird is equated with performing a deliberately evil and mean act.
What does Atticus Finch represent?
ATTICUS. Atticus Finch represents the rational man in a world of highly emotional people . Atticus is a stable and mature figure who is able to cope with the unreasonable and highly emotional element of the town. He can handle the prejudiced white people and still deal justly with the underprivileged Negro population.
What is a mockingbird motif?
(A motif is a recurring idea or thought that acts as a unifying device in a novel and sometimes develops as a commentary on characterisation or on the action of the novel). The mockingbird motif, in this case, gives the novel its name.
What is the reinterpretation of the old fable The Emperor Has No Clothes?
To Kill a Mockingbird is a modern reinterpretation of the old fable The Emperor Has No Clothes. We are given a glimpse of modern American society through the eyes of a seven-year-old girl called Scout. Even she can see the injustice and yet the adults fail to see the criminal miscarriage of justice and toxic levels of racial prejudice ...
What does Scout learn from the book?
As the novel opens she accepts people as they appear on the surface, but later she learns that society is complex and that people can be very prejudiced.
What are themes, symbols, and motifs?
Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
What is the difference between symbols and motifs?
Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete.
Why is it unfair to kill a mockingbird?
Don't kill mockingbirds, to kill a mockingbird is unfair because they are small and defenseless and don't bother anyone. Keep fighting, even if you know you are going to lose. The world is unfair.
What does the book Scout mean by mockingbirds?
Birds and Mockingbirds. In the novel Scout, almost kills a mockingbird. This upsets Atticus who says that Mockingbirds are weak and defenseless creatures. These birds are meant to symbolize people in the world who are weak and defenseless and cannot help themselves.
What does the depiction of a theme reflect?
They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. Depictions chosen for theme (s), symbol (s), and/or motif (s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes.
Is a theme, symbol, or motif correctly identified?
No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme (s), symbol (s), and/or motif (s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme (s), symbol (s), and/or motif (s) and highlight their significance to the story.
What is the symbolism of the mockingbird?
The mockingbird becomes a symbol of innocence in the story, connecting to the characters Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Characters, such as Jem, Dolphus Raymond and Dill, who suffer the consequences of society's hateful ways, are also connected to the symbol.
Why does Lee use the mockingbird?
She uses the mockingbird and characters to symbolize types of personality traits that can either help or hurt society's growth. Lee also provides the reader with vivid imagery to bring the reader directly into the town of Maycomb to better understand Scout's world and the symbolic nature of the landscape.
What is the difference between a symbol and a theme?
Before we begin, let's review the literary devices that we will discuss. A theme is a universal message or lesson. A symbol is a character, object, place or color that represents a deeper meaning , such as a concept, theme or idea.
Why do we use literary devices in books?
By using literary devices, we can peel back the layers of plot to find deeper meaning in a novel, which reveals a book's personality. These layers can help readers connect the story to their own lives.
What is the lesson of Harper Lee?
Harper Lee uses the themes of integrity and prejudice, reminding the reader to never judge a book by its cover and that it is important to do the right thing to help society grow .
What is the theme of To Kill a Mockingbird?
Courage and Bravery Theme. To Kill a Mockingbird emphasizes that standing up for what is right requires both courage and bravery . We see these traits in many characters of the book, while others exhibit cowardice. Atticus and the children exhibit courage and bravery in their insistence on speaking out for justice rather than going along with ...
What is the theme of Atticus Finch's book?
Throughout the book, though, he sees for himself that evil does often win out, especially when it grows out of ignorance, racism, fear, and hatred for people who are different or ideas that challenge the status quo.
What is the theme of Scout's book?
The book conveys the theme that true knowledge doesn't always come from formal classroom education. As a matter of fact, the teachers who work at Scout's school seem to be more focused on perpetuating ignorance and bigotry than teaching the children factual information and critical thinking skills.
Where does To Kill a Mockingbird take place?
Also think about the book's setting, both in terms of where it took place (a small town in southern Alabama) and when (prior to the Civil Rights movement). This can help you better understand the themes and lessons in this important work of literature, ...
What does Atticus learn from the book of Atticus?
Atticus learns that, in order to do what is right and just, one can't always rely on the law or the legal system. After all, laws are made by people.
