TKAM Quiz 17-21

• Edio​

• Class Resource page​

• To Kill a Mockingbird – PDF or physical book

​What was the verdict of Tom Robinson's trial? Why do you think the jury decided this?

1. Discuss the events of chapters 17-21

2. Quiz review

• reflect on the trial and verdict in the Tom Robinson case

• examine the rising action and climax in the novel

• analyze the theme of loss of innocence

• identify two motifs in the novel

The climax, or turning point, of a narrative is the highest point of tension and drama in the story. Usually, the climax marks the end of rising action and a turn toward the resolution of the conflict.

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​In chapter 21, court reassembles and, despite Atticus's best efforts, readers are presented with a guilty verdict for Tom Robinson. This marks the climax of the trial, and the first climax of the novel.

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Climax

Rising action is a series of events in a narrative that create tension, interest, and suspense.

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In chapters 16 through 20, tension builds as the townspeople gather for Tom Robinson's trial. As witnesses present their testimony, readers become more interested in the events of the case and begin to feel suspense building as the case moves toward closing arguments.

Rising Action

Making Meaning

Before examining the events in the novel, review the literary terms below.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Multiple Choice

In what order do the the testimonies occur at Tom Robinson's trial?

• Mayella, Tom, Bob, Heck

• Heck, Bob, Mayella, Tom

• Heck, Bob, Tom, Mayella

• Heck, Tom, Mayella, Bob

Is this order correct? Are there any changes you would make to the timeline?​

On the right are the events of the rising action.

Theme is the main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work, which may be stated directly or, more frequently, indirectly.

Let's watch this video to learn more about theme​

Theme

Poll

Which of the following is another definition for theme?

• The reason the author decided to write the story

• The action the author wants the reader to take

• The idea the author wants the reader to have after reading the story

• t

Multiple Choice

True or False: A story can have more than one theme.

• True

• False

After Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose's camellias, his punishment is to read to her every afternoon for a month. His original view of her as a mean, old lady is shattered, first, when he learns she struggled to overcome a drug addiction and, second, when she finally passed away. In this example, Jem learns that people are not one dimensional, good or evil. Adults can be not only mean and nasty, but also courageous and strong.

Jem and Mrs. Dubose

Scout expected a teacher who would encourage her to read and write, but she is met with disappointment in Miss Caroline's class. She is punished for being rude when she tries to tell Miss Caroline about the economic difference of some students, and is told off for knowing how to read and write. In this example, Scout has lost some of her enthusiasm for learning and distrusts her teacher's ability to provide her with a proper education.

Scout and Miss Caroline

One theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is loss of innocence. Let's look at some examples.

Poll

What other situations do you think might be an example of the theme "loss of innocence" in To Kill a Mockingbird?

• Scout and Jem build their first snowman, using dirt because there was not much snow.

• Dill runs away from home, showing Scout that not all parents are attentive.

• The children witness mob mentality outside the jailhouse, finding that not all neighbors are kind.

• The children see Tom Robinson's guilty verdict and learn about racial injustice.

A motif should not be confused with a theme. It is a reoccurring idea, image, or action that has symbolic significance in the story.

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Let's watch this video to learn more about motifs.​

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Motifs

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a motif in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?

• the mob at the jailhouse

• Tom Robinson's trial

• Scout's blissful unawareness of how gross it is to eat things they find in trees.

• Maycomb's history

The mockingbird is a motif used throughout the novel. It symbolizes innocence and beauty. Readers are told multiple times that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, which represents an act of senseless cruelty.

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The Mockingbird

Open Ended

Even though you have reached the climax of the story, the aftermath of the trial will bring more conflicts to the small town of Maycomb. Will Tom Robinson be put to death? Will the townspople view the Ewells differently? What will happen to Atticus, Jem, Scout, Calpurnia, and Aunt Alexandra? Make a prediction!