ELA 20
To Kill a Mockingbird
“I Have a Dream” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I Have a Dream – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Response Journal
Please read each question carefully and answer in full sentences. Keep in mind that each
question has a grammar/mechanics component worth 2 marks.
“It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her
citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has
given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient
funds."
But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there
are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to
cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the
security of justice.”
1) From the quote above, what does Dr. King mean by using a metaphor to describe the
“bank of justice” having “insufficient funds”? What is the comparison being made?
Explain.
/4
2) In chapter 20 of To Kill a Mockingbird (pages 203-205), Atticus speaks his closing
argument to the jury. How do Dr. King’s speech and Atticus’ argument relate to one
another? Provide an example from Atticus’ argument and explain the connection. /4
“We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New
York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not
be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."”
3) The quote above uses a simile to describe justice and righteousness. Using a dictionary,
explain how the definitions of the words ‘justice’ and ‘righteousness’ need one another to
function. Can we have justice without righteousness and vice versa? Explain. /4
“I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and
mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked
places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh
shall see it together."”
4) The quote above uses a Biblical allusion to describe the joy when all people can finally
come together equally. However, consider this: if the Lord wanted us to all be together,
would that not have happened in the first place? Why do you suppose we have had issues
such as racial equality – one that causes unnecessary sadness and pain – if the Lord
intended for us all to live together as one in the first place? Explain using real-life
examples. /5
TOTAL:
/25