Themes Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee - 939 Words

Sharon Yin Mrs. Reynolds English 9H 8 March 2015 Themes Foreshadowed in the First Chapter The first pages of a novel often introduce the major topics of the work, which is exactly what author Harper Lee did. The first chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird creates a basis and foreshadows the major themes that play out during the rest of the novel; themes such as prejudice, childhood and growing up, small town southern life, and bravery. One of the most crucial motifs in this novel is prejudice. The two kinds of prejudice displayed in Chapter One are racial and the fear of the unknown. The reader sees for the first time an indication that the white people of Maycomb discriminate against blacks, when Jem and Scout were shocked that Calpurnia said Mr. Radley was â€Å"the meanest man ever God blew breath into† (pg. 15), because â€Å"Calpurnia rarely commented on the ways of white people† (p. 15). Calpurnia’s comment is out of place because African Americans are usually respectful of white people since they were conside red superior in the 1930s, which is the time period that this novel is set in. Perhaps the biggest example of this racism is the trial involving Tom Robinson. Tom is accused of raping Mr. Ewell’s daughter, Mayella (pg. 164). During the trial, before Tom even has a chance to recite his side of the story, most people have already made up their minds about him. Even though Atticus is able to provide evidence that Tom was innocent, the biased white jury still found him guilty,Show MoreRelatedThe Mockingbird Theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee1047 Words   |  5 Pages This novel by Harper Lee has a seemingly curious title to a reader who looks at it in a literal way. Someone may argue that there are no mockingbirds in To Kill a Mockingbird but I beg to differ. An actual mockingbird may not play a large role in this story however the idea and connotation of a mockingbird becomes evident throughout the story in many characters. This is a major theme in the story and is s hown through the characters Boo Radley, Mr. Raymond, and Tom Robinson all connected in the factRead MoreTheme Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee2681 Words   |  11 PagesHonors III 01 June 2015 Independent Novel Project To Kill A Mocking Bird Knowledge Section Significance of Title The title of the book is â€Å"To Kill a Mocking Bird† which is a bird that Atticus told Jem not to shoot at, and Ms. Maudie has described as the one type of bird that shouldn’t be killed because it sings beautifully (119). Also Atticus told Jem that it’s a sin to shoot a mockingbird, and so the title â€Å"To Kill A Mockingbird† means to kill innocence (119). There are several characters in theRead MoreAnalysis Of Theme Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1765 Words   |  8 PagesAnalysis Of Themes In To Kill A Mockingbird The novel To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, published in 1960, comes out during a flourishing time of tremendous segregation and injustices in the United States. In fact, during this time in America, Civil Rights Movement are at their peak; also, some residents are pushing for equality for all, during this time period. One of those United States citizens who is exposing the South for what it truly is, is Harper Lee. Harper Lee, born on April 28, 1926Read MoreMajor Themes in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee989 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee takes place in Maycomb, Alabama in 1903. This novel is basically a coming of age story for a young girl named Scout and her older brother named Jem. Who grows up in a time where racism is normal. They soon learn to stand up for what is right, just like their dad, Atticus. The Coexistence of Good and Evil The most important theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is the Coexistence of good and evil. The novel approaches this theme in many ways throughoutRead MoreMaturation Theme In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1609 Words   |  7 PagesMaturation Theme To Kill A Mockingbird â€Å"Maturity is not measured by age. It’s an attitude built by experience.† This quotation says of how you don’t mature by aging and growing older but maturing by understanding situations and events you are found in and how you deal with those challenges or problems. The definition of maturity is to â€Å"have attained a final or desired state.† This means that although some don’t mature ever in life it is of something every human being must do to properly work inRead MoreThemes in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee Essay627 Words   |  3 PagesTo kill a mockingbird written by Harper Lee. Themes are the subject of a talk, a piece of writing or a persons thoughts. There are many themes present in this great American classic such as courage, racism, prejudice, morality and of course coming of age. Lee communicates these themes with characters, events that unfold and the scenarios that Jem and Scout have to face. One of many themes that is evidently present throughout the book is prejudice. The main action is of Atticus defending the innocentRead MoreTheme Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1013 Words   |  5 Pages1. Jean Louise Finch is a young tomboy who lives with her father and brother in Maycomb County, Alabama. 2. To Kill a Mockingbird sets in Maycomb County, Alabama, and takes place during the Great Depression Era. 3. After Bob Ewell accuses Tom Robinson of raping his daughter, Mayella, Atticus is chosen to represent and defend Tom at his trial. 4. The theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is that we should not judge people by their appearance, nor pick on people who don’t cause any harm, because it wouldRead MoreThemes Found in Harper Lee ´s To Kill a Mockingbird843 Words   |  3 Pages 20160752 To Kill A Mockingbird James P. Krehbiel once said â€Å"Inevitably, if we are to grow and change as adults, we must gradually learn to confront the challenges, paradoxes, problems and painful reality of an insecure world.† In Harper Lee’s book, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper lee sends many messages to the reader. Set in a fictitious town in Alabama in the 1930’s, one obvious theme is racism. However, while racism was the most obvious theme, it wasn’t the only one; other themes included innocenceRead MoreHow Does Harper Lee Present the Theme of Courage in to Kill a Mockingbird1048 Words   |  5 PagesHow Does Harper Lee Present The Theme Of Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird Harper lee presents the theme of courage through several of the characters within TKAM, such as Scout, Atticus, Calpurnia, and Mrs Dubose. Within the book courage is shown in different ways such as Scout’s innocence and naivety or Atticus’ reluctance to carry out an action but still having to carry it out. One character to show courage is Atticus who shows courage twice as he shoots Tim Johnson and stands up to the lynchRead MoreESSAY: The theme of human dignity in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.1501 Words   |  7 Pageseye. Thus, ones dignity would be decided based on societys opinion of them. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the theme of human dignity is portrayed by Scout, Calpurnia, and Atticus. This essay will analyze the theme of human dignity and describe how this novel proves that all people, regardless of race, social status, and family history are people of worth. Scout depicts the theme of human dignity by following Atticus words of wisdom and putting them to use in her everyday

Global Warming Essay - 932 Words

Global Warming When one starts a car or burns wood, the last thought on their mind is the consequences to these actions. Unfortunately, the daily dangers to earth are not widely known. Due to the constant change of society, this planet must cope with various problems. One of the most important ecological structures is the ozone layer. The same shield that protects us from the suns deadly radiation, can also act as a blanket engulfing us in heat. This situation is know as the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases cause global warming. What causes the greenhouse effect and what can be done to reduce global warming? The problem of global warming has been around for some time now. Though not until recently has it become a†¦show more content†¦This process is not new. In fact, without the greenhouse effect, the average surface temperature of the earth would be about 59 Fahrenheit degrees lower than it is today. Long before civilization intervened , the thin blanket of gases that surround the earth was efficiently trapping a tiny portion of the sun?s heat and keeping it near the surface to warm up the air just enough to prevent temperatures from plunging to frigid extremes every night- which, of course, is exactly what happens on the moon and on planets like Mars that have very thin atmospheres (Gore, 1992). The greenhouse effect received its name because the atmosphere of the earth acts much like the glass roof on a greenhouse. Sunlight enters the greenhouse through the glass as it heats up the plants. Then, the warmth is trapped as the glass slows the withdraw of heat. Similarly, the earth?s atmosphere lets most of the sun?s light enter and heat the surface. The earth then sends this energy, called Infrared Radiation, back into the atmosphere (showed in the diagram on page 7). This is when the actual effect takes place. Not all of the Infrared Radiation is sent freely into space. Certain gases in the atmosphere absorb it and send it back toward earth. Such gases are Carbon Dioxide, Ozone, and water vapor. As stated earlier, this process becoming more important. Due to the burning ofShow MoreRelatedGlobal Warming And The Warming1544 Words   |  7 PagesGlobal warming has become a well conversed topic among scientists and peoples in the world today. There are extremists who do everything possible to stop contributing to the warming, but the average person does little to alleviate the issue and in many cases refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem at all. Dating back to millions of years ago, even before humanity was born, the world has always experienced one form or another of warming; so the warming seen today is not as bizarre as many mayRead MoreGlobal Warming And The Warming1353 Words   |  6 PagesGlobal Warming With it being the presidential election season the talk of global warming, also known as climate change has come up in conversation more. But should it be associated with whether you are republican or democrat? Global warming should not be rather you â€Å"believe† in because it is a stated fact. The definition by Oxford Dictionary declares that global warming is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth s atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect causedRead MoreThe Warming And Global Warming1442 Words   |  6 PagesThe Warming World Around Us The world is warming and we cannot deny it, the longer we deny the larger the problem it will become. Global warming is affecting the world economy, the overall health of the population, and most importantly the environment that surrounds us. Ignoring this problem will not just make it suddenly disappear; the world has to make an effort to stop it while it can still be maintained. Accepting the fact that it is happening is just the first step, the next step is takingRead MoreGlobal Warming1677 Words   |  7 PagesThrough the eyes of most scientists, global warming is seen as a very serious and severe threat. The actions taken by humans, such as industry and consumption of fossil fuels plus the increase in population and agriculture have played a big part in global warming. If something is not done soon the results could be very bad. By the middle of the twenty first century, there is evidence that the Earth will be warmer than it has been at any time in human history, and quite possibly since theRead MoreGlobal Warming1410 Words   |  6 PagesGlobal warming was first mentioned by ‘Svante August Arrhenius in 1896’, but in ‘1753, Joseph Black discovered carbon dioxide’ and in ‘1827, Jean-Batiste Fourier suggested that atmospheric effect kept the earth warmer than it would otherwise be’, (Direct.gov. n.d. A history of climate change). Since this time, reports, and study have be done with graphs to show the impact of global warming and what could happen to our planet. In 1979, the first conference was held this was called ‘International climateRead MoreGlobal Warming1245 Words   |  5 PagesGlobal Warming The major threat of today’s world is global warming. Due to various reasons global warming turns out to be a serious issue in the last few years. Today people believe in global warming while this concept was not so much believed and people interpreted in some other meanings what was happening in the past. Global warming is amplification in the temperature of earth because of industrial pollution, fossil fuels, and agricultural practices caused by human being, other and natural gasRead MoreGlobal Warming1316 Words   |  6 PagesControversy over Global Warming One of the largest argued topics in our world today is over global warming. People argue that is real, and others argue that it is fake. The effects of global warming create a growing danger for the ecosystem we live in by damaging glaciers and weather patterns. Humans contribute to global warming yet non-believers will think otherwise. Global warming is the greatest challenge facing our planet. According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change) mostRead Moreglobal warming1539 Words   |  7 Pagesof global climate over long periods of time. Climate model projections made by the US Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) show that, recently, global temperature has increased. This increase in temperature is referred to as global warming. One of the main causes of global warming is greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that absorb solar radiation to keep the planet warm. These gases have increased, so more solar radiation is trapped ins ide raising global temperaturesRead MoreGlobal Warming1050 Words   |  5 PagesTake a position: Global warming is a real problem. 1000 word Essay. Using persuasive technique Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of Earth’s surface. Since the late 1800’s, the global average temperature has increased about 0.7 to 1.4 degrees F (0.4 to 0.8degree C). Climate change is happening and its effects are real. However, the larger the change in climate, the more negative the consequences will become. Global warming will make life harder for mostRead MoreGlobal Warming1192 Words   |  5 PagesGlobal Warming Essay Global warming is an important issue for humans to consider and science to figure out. Personally I don’t care very much about global warming and have never been active in green movements. The evidence presented in this class is very informative and useful when taking into account the numerous known and unknown causes and cures for global warming. However, my attitude towards global warming is unchanged. According to the Common Attitudes Toward Global Warming handout I think

Molly Brown Essay Example For Students

Molly Brown Essay The woman who would come to be known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown was bornon Denkler Alley and Butler Street in Hannibal, Missouri on July 18, 1867. She was born duringa very bad thunderstorm and her mother predicted right then that Molly would not be justanother pretty face. Margaret (Mollys birth name) grew up in a small town with a surprisinglysmall population of less than 20,000 people. (Heroine of the Titanic, 1) Margaret attendedschool for thirteen years. It was during these years that she earned her nicknames Maggie andMolly. She had a very open and close family. There were eight people in her small childhoodhome. These eight consisted of her two parents, her five brothers and sisters, and Molly herself. At the age of ten Mollys father taught her how to row a boat. He insisted that this skill would beuseful for her later in life. If he only knew what laid in store for his daughter! A little knownfact about Mollys family is that they were poor. She tried to keep this fact abou t her family asecret because she found it shameful and embarrassing. As a young girl Molly worked at thePark Hotel. She was soon dismissed for being too opinionated for a young lady. She then wentto work in a tobacco plant, but found the conditions disgusting and vulgar. (The UnsinkableMolly Brown, 1)At the age of nineteen, Molly was getting bored in her small same ol, same ol town. When she heard that one of her favorite cousins and his wife were taking a train cross-country toColorado she literally jumped at the idea of going with them. She had heard all of the stories ofadventure and excitement in the West and wanted very badly to try her hand at it herself. Mollys parents decided to let her go because their small town had nothing to offer theirdaughter. Mollys main goal in life had always been to achieve success and be well known. They hoped their oldest child could make her dreams come true in the great land of Colorado. Once Molly got to Colorado, she was anxious to begin her own adventure and see what was instore for her. She got a job sewing carpets while she got her new life started. Her co-workersdescribed her as a capable and pleasant employee. They all adored her because she had abright, charming personality, and beauty to go with it. Mollys move to Colorado was also a bitterrifying because she could have found herself working in a crib house, as a prostitute, or acook in a boarding house instead of fulfilling her dreams. It was here in Colorado that she mether future husband while the both were mining for silver. Molly met James Joseph Brown in a local mine. He fell madly in love with her charmand wit. Stories say that when he came to her house for their first dates he pulled up to her gatewith an old , worn carriage and an aging horse. Molly said to James, Certainly you are nottaking me anywhere in that! The next time James called on her, he had purchased a brand newhorse and carriage just to show Molly off in. Maggie and J.J. married on September 1,1896. Not long after their marriage James struck it rich in the silver mines of Leadville. The couplebought a sixteen-room mansion that is now a museum. ( Molly Brown, 1) Legend says that notlong after they moved into their large home, J.J. brought home his $300,000 paycheck . Mollyplaced it in the stove for safe keeping. When James came in later that evening and lit the stoveto warm himself up, he did not realize that Molly had hidden the money there and in a splitsecond their monthly fortune was gone. As good as things were going for J.J. and M ollyfinancially, their marriage was heading for trouble. J.J. was sick of all the commotion Mollywas causing around the town. Although documents do not reveal what commotion Molly gotinto , we can only begin to imagine what kind of things she stirred up! J.J. soon left Molly andshe sent their children to boarding school. With no one for Molly to care for she decided to setoff on her own

Satyricon Essay Example

Satyricon Essay The Satyricon, like many other works written in the time of early Ancient Rome, is a narrative whose author is not known definitively. However, the best candidate from the time was Titus Petronius (Arbiter). The story, looking especially from the scene â€Å"Dinner with Trimalchio,† is a satiric masterwork of the pragmatic and materialistic attitude of the time, soon to be replaced by Christianity. â€Å"Dinner with Trimalchio† tells a tale from the perspective of Encolpius, a vagabond student of the master Agamemnon, who is invited along as a pupil of Agamemnon to a banquet. The host of the banquet is Gaius Trimalchio, who was once a slave but now a freedman millionaire, who worked hard to attain his power and wealthy status. Trimalchio is known for throwing elegant and overly extravagant dinner parties complete with exotic foods and fine wines. This banquet, however, takes a turn for the worst when Trimalchio, who is superstitious and very obsessed with his own death, begins describing in detail his tomb in which he will be buried, which is overly grandiose, and even goes as far as bringing out his will. Quickly the dinner party turns into a drunken circus, eventually coming to a conclusion after the guests, solely to tickle his fancy, act out Trimalchio’s funeral. ?I believe, in discord with critic John Wright, that Petronius in fact had a moral purpose for writing The Satyricon. Furthermore, I feel that there are underlying cultural traits that support ideas of divisions of social classes, the value of education, and the love of material wealth. We will write a custom essay sample on Satyricon specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Satyricon specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Satyricon specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Because Petronius colloquially writes about serious topics including exposing blindness to spiritual values, distrust of the intellect, and preoccupation with the awareness of being cheated by one’s neighbor, some critics do not accept that he is writing on a much more incisive level. ? Petronius, in my opinion, wrote The Satyricon as a call for change in Roman society. Through his satirical writing, he specifically harps on the cultural traits of the time. For example, the man-centered society seems to be unjust and unequal for the women of the social order. Classical gender roles make the women behave as if they are second-class citizens, being grateful to be in the presence of a powerful male figure; where in actuality, Fortunata, Trimalchio’s wife, sold her jewelry to finance Trimalchio’s first wine selling business, which is how he made his millions. Without the help and generosity of Fortunata, Trimalchio would, himself, be a second-class citizen who struggles to pay for daily bread, like most of the poor lower-class Romans.? Another way Petronius exemplifies his purpose of writing this story is showing the importance of education in ancient Rome during the time, and how the culture valued it so much. Agamemnon, the scholarly teacher and friend of Trimalchio, is very well respected by the populace of the story. There is one passage in particular where Trimalchio tries to spark a conversation with Agamemnon about the stores of Hercules and Ulysses wherein Trimalchio makes obvious to Agamemnon that he is not well read in Homer’s literature, yet pretends to be. Trimalchio questions, ? â€Å"Do you remember the twelve labours of Hercules and the story of Ulysses—how the Cyclops tore out his thumb with a pair of pincers. I used to read about them in Homer, when I was a boy. In fact I actually saw the Sibyl at Cumae with my own eyes dangling in a bottle. †? This unintelligent miscue may not be noticed amongst the banquets’ crowd of guests, but among the educated individuals familiar with Homer’s work who will later reflect on the satirical comedy of the situation.? Perhaps one of Petronius’ most important reasons for writing The Satyricon is to show the evilness behind coveting material things and worshiping false idols. Trimalchio’s love for money and material wealth makes him stand out in the city, but as suggested by Petronius, for the wrong reasons. His taste for fine wines and glamorous cuisine at the lavish parties he throws—mainly to show off his great prosperity— is particularly revolting thought, knowing Trimalchio could easily share his riches with the hungry and suffering people of his city. Trimalchio does not know any god other than Mercury, the patron of business operations. He has dedicated a gold bracelet, worth one tenth of his total savings, to Mercury’s honor; but instead of depositing it into a shrine of the god, he wears it on his arm. Clearly Trimalchio is not humbled by the great fortune with which he is blessed. Petronius’ remarkable argument is that people, if fortunate enough to be as prosperous as Trimalchio, should not invest their savings in materialistic things and live o nicely, yet they should give back to those in need; for the true treasures in life are not made of gold and silver, it is more important to be spiritually rich. ? As for not having a moral purpose for writing such a profound satirical piece, I cannot agree with the critics. I accept the idea that Petronius was using this work as a tool for individuals to better themselves in cultural ways of thinking, the acceptance of others, and grow introspectively with consideration of the ideals of humility.