Discussion Question 1 – To Kill a Mockingbird

Now that you’ve watched the movie ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, who do you think was a courageous character? What was a brave thing they did?

Response to Discussion Question 1

I thought that Atticus Finch was a courageous and brave character. As Atticus is an attorney and state legislative representative, as well as a highly respected man of Maycomb. He was therefore asked to defend Tom Robinson in court by the judge, John Taylor. Tom was a negro who was accused of raping and beating Mayella Ewell. There is a lot of tension and racism viewed throughout the movie. In one scene, Atticus is talking to Scout about her fight with Cecil Jacobs for calling Atticus a ‘nigger lover’. Atticus then goes on to explain to Scout that there’s been some high talk going around town, that he shouldn’t do much to save Tom Robinson. He then goes on to say he wouldn’t be able to hold his head up if he didn’t, as it’s the right thing to do. Atticus knew that everyone would despise him for saving Tom Robinson, but he did anyway.

 

Discussion Question 2 – Laura Wishart

When Jasper shows Charlie that he has found Laura Wishart in “his” clearing, Charlie is understandably shocked and upset. Do you think that Charlie did the right thing in helping Jasper? Why do you think Charlie agreed to become an accomplice?

Response to Discussion Question 2

When Jasper shows Charlie Laura Wishart’s murder scene, I think there would have been many ideas and confused as well as shocked thoughts running through Charlies mind. I think that Charlie did the right thing in trying to help Jasper even though he didn’t have to, but more than anything. I think the reason Charlie helped Jasper was because he felt a sense of involvement, He knew and there was no going back as well as that he wanted to impress Jasper, as Jasper had come to him for help. Added to this Charlie believing that Jasper didn’t commit the crime, and he didn’t want Jasper to become Corrigan’s scapegoat. I think Charlie agreed to be Jasper Jones’s accomplice because he knew the truth, and if he didn’t help Jasper, nobody would, and Jasper would be on his own.