Letters to the Editor

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Following the news of Tom's death, Mr Underwood includes an editorial/eulogy in The Maycomb Tribune in response to the trial. His remarks are quite scathing and would most likely have caused considerable talk amongst the citizens of Maycomb County.



Choose two of the characters listed below and write a letter to the editor, sharing your views on the way the trial was conducted, the jury's findings and the death of Tom Robinson. Aim to use supporting evidence from the text in your response - this may involve direct quotes or references to characters and/or plot.



Characters you may choose from are:



Miss Maudie Atkinson

Dolphus Raymond

Reverend Sykes

Aunt Alexandra

Mr Cunningham

Miss Stephanie Crawford

Bob Ewell

Link Deas

Reflection on Atticus

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Think hypothetically about the way that the plot in To Kill A Mockingbird is constructed and how the story would change if Atticus was not involved in the trial of Tom Robinson?



Consider the following questions and provide some scenarios or thoughts on these aspects of the plot and how they might develop without Atticus' influence:



Do you think that Tom would be given the same type of treatment?

Do you think that the trial would have followed the same type of course?

Do you think that Mayella and Bob Ewell would have been treated differently in the court room?

Do you think the trial would have gone ahead? (Think about the lead up to the trial and how Atticus has to sit in front of the jail during the night)

If the trial did go ahead, do you think that the jury would have taken so long to make its decision?

Do you think the people in Maycomb County would have payed so much attention to the trial if Atticus was not defending Tom?

Character Profiles and Quote Banks

For each of the important characters in the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, you should take the time to make notes on the following things:

1. What role do they play in the novel?
2. How are they linked to other characters?
3. What key scenes are they involved in?
4. How do they contribute to our understanding of the themes of the book?
5. General description of age, gender, personality, appearance, etc.
6. How do they view the other characters in the book?
7. How do others view them?

As you consider these elements, use quotes to reinforce your evaluations. This way, your character profile also become quote banks that will be useful in the lead up to your oral. For each quote that you use, indicate what page it is from, who says it (if relevant) and take the time to explain the significance of the quote.

Short Story Planning

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As you are beginning to consider how you wish to approach the short story task, I would suggest utilising the following 5 step process:

1. Brainstorm as many ideas as possible - keeping in mind that your story must involve a hero who challenges the social/cultural values, attitudes, beliefs, etc. Write down whatever comes to mind. You can always narrow your ideas later.

2. Narrow your brainstorm to three (3) central ideas. For each of these ideas, write a statement explaining how your story involves a hero who challenges the values, attitudes, beliefs, etc of his/her/its society or culture.

3. Choose a final idea from your shortlist. Choose the one that you feel most comfortable developing a story around.

4. Create a detailed character profile for your hero character. You need to have a clear picture in your own mind about this character in order to create an effective story.

5. Plot your storyline. This will work as your plan as you are writing. Consider the elements of the short story genre, e.g. orientation, obstacle, climax, resolution, etc.

There are documents on Blackboard that can help you in your preparation. Also, ensure that you run your ideas past me before you start writing if you have any concerns.