Consider the title of the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird”. 1.What is the mockingbird a symbol of? 2.Which characters might this relate to? Justify with evidence. 3.Which of the ideas underpinning the novel are explored through the use of this symbol? Write a paragraph in which you discuss one idea and analyse how the use of the mockingbird symbol presents this idea to the reader.

Number 1: Consider the title of the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird”. 1.What is the mockingbird a symbol of? 

The mocking bird is the symbol of a person/animal/thing representing innocence, one that has done nothing wrong, is completely harmless and is good to society. It deserves to be protected and and not prosecuted or hurt. Mrs Maudie quotes; “mockingbirds don’t do one thing but... sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.

2.Which characters might this relate to? Justify with evidence. 

The idea of the mockingbird being a symbol of something relating to the book "to kill a mockingbird' is in and through characters. The first character in the book is Boo Radley (otherwise known as Arthur). Many fear him in the community, however he has never done anything to hurt anyone, only ever done good, much like the mockingbird. He cares for and looks after the Finch children. This is first shown by him giving them gifts in the tree holes, and then during night of the fire at Mrs Maudines house. He wrapped a blanket around scout. The final portrayal of Boo being symbolised metaphorically in comparison to a mocking bird is when he saves the Finch children from Bob Ewell whilst he was trying to attack them. His relevance is shown when scout quotes in relation to Mr Ewells knife and Boo being blamed for it: "Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird..." pg 304

3) Which of the ideas underpinning the novel are explored through the use of this symbol? Write a paragraph in which you discuss one idea and analyse how the use of the mockingbird symbol presents this idea to the reader. 

To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee contains underlying and hidden messages, many displayed though the use of a symbol; the mocking bird. The mockingbird very much so adds to the ideas of racial predjudice during the time of scouts childhood. The author positions the reader to accept the definition of a mockingbird as something that does nothing bad for us ("mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy... they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird" pg 100), and they should therefore not be harmed.  This also ties in with the characters in the novel. Tom Robinson, a coloured man whom is accused of raping a white girl however is innocent, is able to relate to this definition. Racial prejudice also is portrayed though this as even though Tom Robinson has done nothing wrong, much like mockingbirds, because of the colour of his skin the discrimination is made clear in the novel. Harper Lee was able to tie in the underpinning ideas of this novel which is mainly revolving around racial prejudice and discrimination, with the symbol of the mockingbird successfully by using Tom Robinson as a character to demonstrate this. 

A reflective response to chapters 9- 11 A few weeks have passed since Mrs Dubose died and Jem has had some time to think about the events of the last few months. In role as Jem, write a response in which you reflect on these events and what they mean

"Its been a few weeks since the passing of Mrs Dubose. When I look back, even though she was a very old woman with her face the colour of a pillow case, and sometimes dribbled when she spoke, Atticus was so very right about her, as always. She was a very courages lady. I have come to the realisation now, that this courage didn't come from her being able to pick up a gun or shoot something, it came from deep within. Even though Mrs Dubose knew she was just about to die, she was trying to hard to overcome her addiction of Morphine, Scout and I didn't know this. Now that I think about it,  is a lot like Atticus defending the Negro Man, Tim, in the trial. Atticus knew that he would not win the trial again the whites, because if we're being honest when does the Black people ever win? My father displays courage from within and is a very heartless man and I am so very proud to have such a wise person as my father. He has made me believe and it is now obvious I should not have taken out my anger on Mrs Dubose garden and cut off all of her Camellia plants and ruin her garden. She did not deserve this, even though she sometimes did not say the most polite things."

The first eight chapters of to "Kill a Mockingbird" focus largely on the story of the children trying to make Boo Radley come out. List all of the events in this story including those which show the reader that Boo actually has come out. Now write a section in Atticus’s journal on the night after the fire at Miss Maudie’s house. How would Atticus reflect on the events that have happened?

There have been a series of events between the start of the book and chapter eight involving the children and Boo Radley. Some of these include:


-When Scout is playing in the tyre and it spins out of control, resulting in her hitting the Radley house hold and someone inside laughs.
-When Dill, Scout and Jem go to Boo's house at night time and see a shadow. When escaping, Jem gets his pants stuck on wire, and upon return, they are sewed back and folded. 
-The notes and other small objects found in the compartments of the tree. These included  a ball of grey twine, pennies, soap, and a pocket watch on a chain with an aluminium knife, and tarnished medal. 
-When Scout is given a blanket after the fire by Boo. 


I woke up to the sound of yelling and shouting outside. I get out of bed and look out the window to find Miss Maudies house is burning down in flames. I quickly grabbed my coat and shoved a pair of shoes on my feet and rushed to wake Scout and Jem, helping them into their bathrobe and quickly going outside. I told Scout and Jem to go stand away from the fire for safety, and not to go back in the house, whilst the neighbours and I helped Miss Maudie to save all her furniture and belongings that we could. The fire truck arrived shorty after and stopped the fire spreading to other houses, however Miss Maudies house was burned down to the ground :(. I returned to my children to find a blanket draped over Scout. I asker her where she got it from, however she was uncertain. Jem was as well, so that made three of us very confused. It was then Jem realised whom had put it on her, Boo Radley. He continued to explain and reveal as what came as a shock to me about the presents in the tree, his mended pants that got stuck in the wire fence, and the knothole. I wanted to give the blanket back, however for some unknown reason, he told me not too. 

Look up the meaning of the word which constitutes the title of the play, "crucible", and give a dictionary definition. How appropriate do you consider the title to be? Write a paragraph in answer, referring to one of the play's themes to justify your response.

There are many reasons as to why the crucible by Arthur Miller is named what it is, and it also has a more deep meaning behind it.The dictionary definition of a crucible is firstly; A ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures, and secondly, a place or occasion of serve test or trial.  I think that this title is somewhat appropriate, as it shows what the characters in the play went through in more of a metaphorical meaning, in comparison to its actual definition of a container. As mentioned previously, a crucible is a small container used to super heat objects for purification, and also to trial and test. The characters in the play go through some very difficult tests, and also the crucible cleanses things, and in this case could be related to the fact that the church and the court are trying to cleanse the community from the devil and all evil, as well as the witches.  A crucible container is also used to heat things up, and this is exactly what happens throughout the story line of the Crucible in Salem. The village/town is constantly having trouble stirred,  rumours being started, and innocent people being blamed, portraying and demonstrating the theme of hysteria. The metaphorical meaning of a crucible is most definitely shown in the play The Crucible and it can be understood why this title is appropriate.  

The connection between the McCarthy Era and the play 'The Crucible'

The McCarthy era and The Crucible may not seem like they have anything to do with each other, however, this is not true. When looked into, there are many similarities between the two. The first is the idea in both of how innocent people are being blamed for things they didn't do, as a result of hysteria and when something goes wrong. No one would stand up to these accusations because they were scared of the outcome until the issue was taken too far, much like Abigail in the Crucible. As a result of no one standing up for themselves in the McCarthy era (the same for the crucible), many were effected to a great extent. The accusations in Salem led too executions of many, and even though none were killed in the McCarthy era, in America numerous careers where permanently ruined and people were imprisoned.  These communists who were imprisoned were ostracised like the witches in Salem. There are many ideas in the play The Crucible that relate to the McCarthy era, and Miller is most definitely pointing out the echoes that he finds still in existence in the America of his time.

POINTED NOTES: What is the connection between the McCarthy era and the play?

Notes:

• The idea of blaming other innocent people came from McCarthy in the same sort of context as in the Crucible. 
• Links between characters, HUAC is like the girls in the trial, communists are like the witches, Hollywood ten are like those who refuse to confess.
• Both a result of hysteria
• Once someone was accused the could not escape it
• If you confessed you had to then name other people
• No one was willing to stand up against Abigail or McCarthy until they took it to far
• Blaming others when something goes wrong
• The accusations in Salem led to executions and in America careers were permanently ruined or other people were imprisoned
• The group of communists were ostracised like the witches were
• Miller is pointing out the echoes that he finds still in existence in the America of his time. 

Is John Proctor a hero or not? We have debated this in class. Now choose the most effective point in the argument for or against and write a paragraph on this point with a really effective topic sentence and evidence from the play in support. Include at least one correctly punctuated quotation.

In the play The Crucible written by Arthur Miller, one of the main characters is John Proctor, and some are unsure that he would be considered a hero or not, however, he is certainly not one. By dictionary definition, a hero is one,  typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities the chief male charter in a book, play or movie, which is typically identified with good qualities. These qualities may include being selfless, trutheful and courageous. This is most certainly the opposite of John Proctor.  When Johns actions are looked at as a whole throughout the whole play, they are almost villain like. Firstly, he disregards his religion and is unfaithful. John Proctor rarely comes to church as he is too busy 'farming' on sundays, some of his sons aren't even baptised, and he also FORGOT some of the ten commandments when reciting them. Not only is he not faithful to God, he is also unfaithful to his WIFE! John Proctor not only once, but countless time cheats on his wife in a long lasting affair with Abigail, practically still a child living in the village. John Proctor quotes in the play "God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance. . . .". A real hero does firstly not cheat on his wife and his loved ones, and secondly, a hero does not call people such disgraceful names like 'whore'. John Proctor is also certainly a hero, as hero's a selfless, courageous, and he is definitely not. In the play, he states merely before his death "How may I live without my name?". Selfish is the only word that he can be described as. In the end of the story line, he is faced with the decision to live with a lie, still being able to support his family, his pregnant wife, or die, knowing he isn't lying, abandoning everyone, and somewhat giving up. This is most certainly not being selfless, one of the main characteristics and qualities one must display to be considered a hero.  It is clear evident that John Proctor is an unfaithful, non-religious, selfish and heartless man. 

Script between characters - By Emma, Camille & Anais

Camille: This is getting out of hand

Emma: People are dying and its all our fault

Anais: No, it’s Abigail’s.

Camille: Yes, she was the one who made us lie! She drank the chicken blood!

Emma: Well we can’t tell on her without getting in trouble as well.

Camille: I don’t want to get hanged!

Anais: Well what’s the point of living with these lies if we are going to be damned to hell for them anyway?

Emma: This has gone too far

Camille: There is nothing we can do anymore. We have to keep this up and hope that it does not go much further.

Anais: No one is safe anymore! For all you know tomorrow your mothers could be on trial

Emma: But that would be more likely if we defy Abigail.

Camille: Exactly, so we have to keep on her side if we want to be safe and keep our loved ones safe as well.

Emma: So we agree? We have to keep this up.

Anais: Innocent people are dying!

Camille: Do you want to be one of them?

Anais: No

Emma: Then you will not tell the truth okay?

Anais: Fine

Camille: Right settled then.

Why do you think John Proctor decides to confess? Why does he change his mind? Give evidence for both your answers

At first, it is thought that because John wanted to live, he would most definitely confess to witchcraft, especially considering Elizabeth is pregnant and has other children, whom he wants to be alive and there for. He asks his wife if they are healthy and how the unborn child is going. However, as they deepen in conversation, John becomes unsure of his decision.  He decides to confess, however after writing the paper, he changes his mind as he does not want to be living his life in a lie, it is too much of a sin.  Evidence of this is shown in Act four:
Hatherone cries, “He will confess! Proctor will confess!” 
which is followed by John Proctor replying:
“Why do you cry it? It is evil, is it not? It is evil.”
He is at this stage now very uncertain at what choice he is going to make, and looks to his wife for guidance, however, she replies 'I cannot judge you, John". 
He then decides to confess, and sign the paper, finally understanding what Elizabeth was trying to say to him, which was that he shouldn't not and cannot be able to live with himself lying, and thus stick to the truth and his beliefs, even if it means he will be hanged. 

Re-read the final scene between John and Elizabeth. Elizabeth refuses to advise her husband but she clearly has a point of view on his situation. In her heart, what does want him to do? What would she say to him if she could?

In the final scene, Elizabeth refuses to advise her husband but clear she has a point of view in this situation. In her heart, she wants him to truly confess, because she loves him and doesn't want him dead, and even though they seem like a dull couple. She knows however that if he does confess he won't be able to forgive and they may even become an even worse couple. She does not want him dead, but also doesn't want him to be living a lie.

Construct a response to Danforth. What do you think she might have wanted to say to him in response to his accusation that she is "stone"? Make your response as long as Danforth's speech.

Danforth on pg. 116:

Goody Proctor, you are not sum-moned here for disputation. Be there no wifely tenderness within you? He will die with the sunrise. Your husband. Do you under-stand it? She only looks at him. What say you? Will you contend with him? She is silent. Are you stone? I tell you true, woman, had I no other proof of your unnatural life, your dry eyes now would be sufficient evidence that you delivered up your soul to Hell! A very ape would weep at such calamity! Have the devil dried up any tear of pity in you? She is silent. Take her out. It profit nothing she should speak to him!

Elizabeth’s reply:

How dare you Danforth. Thy be filled with wifely tenderness, my words will not change any accusations towards my John, what do you expect me to say. Am I stone? AM I STONE? Are you stone? No matter what I could or can say, nothing will change ones indictments, I cannot make or tell such an innocent person to lie, that would be a sin against thy Christian beliefs. No decision is mine to make, Judge Danforth, only I will animate with ones consequence. 

The Crucible Act 1 In his introduction of John Hale starting on page 37, what attitude does Arthur Miller take to the belief in the devil/evil spirits? Write a paragraph response using quotations in support of your explanation. This is quite a difficult passage. You will need to read it carefully and give your response some thought. Post on your blog by Monday 8.20

In The Crucible, Act one we are introduced to a character named John Hale. John Hale is a reverend, and it is described that his ultimate goal is to 'fight the devil' thus meaning he does take a strong attitude to the belief in the devils and spirits. He is also a very intelligent but is somewhat a naive and complex man, and can even carry out 'tricks' to see if there are any evil spirits amongst or hiding in Betty Parris. He is desribred by Arthur Miller in the book as “a tight-skinned, eager-eyed intellectual. This is a beloved errand for him; on being called here to ascertain witchcraft he has felt the pride of the specialist whose unique knowledge has at last been publicly called for.” John Hale, being a pure Christian, he believes that by travelling to Salem to find people guilty of being possessed by the devil and committing acts of witchcraft he is doing the right thing.  He also believes that if one believes in Heaven, God, the creation of Earth and Jesus, they must also believe in the devil and what comes with it.  Arthur Miller suggests in the Crucible that our beliefs are a “divided empire in which certain ideas and emotions and actions are of God, and their opposites are of Lucifer (Satan)". Arthur Miller has led us to believe just like himself, that John Hale believes in the devil and his attitude towards it is that Satan, spirits and devils are just as relevant to religion as God, Heaven and the creation of earth are.

(John Hale in the movie, The Crucible, Right)

Choose 2 characters one of whom you person positively one to whim you respond negatively. What aspects of the text have positioned you to respond this way? You may want to consider representations, characterisation and voice. Quote in support.

A character I like: John Proctor

A character whom I personally respond to positively is firstly John Proctor. I find that I respond to him positively because he is very noble and loyal towards his wife. He chooses not to go off with Abigail even when she tells him she loves him and what not. I find this positive as we is trustworthy towards his wife. He sticks to his morals and ethnics. Throughout the many discussions of witchcraft and devils etc., he continues to remain calm, does not loose is composure and definitely even-tempered. He is faithful and stands up for what he believes in and I find this very positive also.

A character I dislike: Abigail

I dislike and respond to the character Abigail negatively. She is extremely selfish, only thinking of ways to get herself out of trouble, is very feisty and does not fit into the society. She is not proper and cannot control her temper; he individuality is almost too strong.  She lies towards everyone’s face and uses this to manipulate and overpower everyone.  She also tries to blame everyone else on her actions, especially blaming Tituba.  She is also very violent, especially in the scene where she is trying to wake Betty, slapping her across the face and hurting her. 

What things have contributed to the situation we ding at the end of Act 1 where people are being arrested for witchcraft, make a list of all these including indirect things. For example why does this act include a seemingly irrelevant discussion of pariss firewood.

• The fact that the girls were in the first chanting with Tituba because they were doing something that was forbidden and they were caught dancing is seen as a devils practice and they fear that they will be declared witches so they accuse others. 
• Mr. Hale's attitude which is that the devil exists is that this is not superstition tips the community over the edge as to blame the devil and itches for the situation.  His reputation as a knowledgeable man adds authority to his claims. He is very intelligent and people believe that because he believes in the devil//witches that it must be true.
• Abigail and John Proctors secret relationship means that Abigail wants his wife dead so she can have him and replace her.  There has been talk in the town as to why Abigail was sacked by the Proctors as a domestic servant.
• Paris is feeling insecure about his position and authority and sees the situation with the girls as a threat to his power and in order to save his position he feel he has to deal with the threat provided by the claims of witchcraft. 
• Mrs. Putnam has lost 7 babies out of 8 and is looking for someone or something to blame. She thinks witchcraft seems to be a good place to look. She also encourages her last child, Ruth, to conjure up the babies spirits to ask what happened to them. 
• The women who also helped to deliver babies were already the ones on the outside of the community, possibly sussed to start with as they are into herbal medicines. Goody, a woman who delivered Mrs. Putnam's babies is one of these. 
• This situation gives people the opportunity to bring out the small issues with others. For example, Giles brings out his issue with his wires reading, and the issue of Paris's fire wood also comes to the fall.
• There are some individuals in the community who are not wholly committed to the authority of the church. John Proctor stands out as an individual who will go his own way if necessary. 
• There is a lot of animosity in the community especially over land. Accusing somebody of witchcraft was a way to express the animosity but also a way to get rid of individual so you can claim their land. 
• A level of hysteria creeps in and people being to accuse others just because they can and because others are doing it.