Methods for Embedding
Quote: “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a
man with a gun in his hand” (Lee 112).
Analysis: Atticus makes Jem read to Mrs. Dubose so that Jem will get a different picture of what
courage is instead of thinking that guns bring courage. Atticus values personal strength and
moral fiber over the false bravado that usually accompanies those who hide behind guns to deal
with their problems. Further, he seeks to prepare Jem for the difficulty of the trial by providing
Mrs. Dubose as an example of triumph in the face of adversity.
I. When Atticus says, “I wanted you to see what real courage is,” he teaches Jem a lesson that
contrasts his shooting heroics from the Tim Johnson incident (Lee 112). Subordinate
II. Making Jem read to Mrs. Dubose teaches him that courage is not something that can be
achieved simply by shooting a gun (Lee 112). Gerund
III. Saying that Mrs. Dubose had “real courage,” Atticus teaches Jem that being brave does not
require owning a gun (Lee 112). Participial
IV. Atticus’s lesson of “what real courage is” teaches Jem that being brave does not require
owning a gun (Lee 112). Possessive
V. By making Jem read to Mrs. Dubose, Atticus seeks to teach him that “real courage” is derived
from something more than physical prowess (Lee 112). Prepositional
Helpful Words for Embedding:
Prepositions
After
Before
Beyond
By
Despite
During
Except
In
In addition to
Instead of
Rather than
Through
Throughout
Until
Upon
With
Without
Subordinating Conjunctions
After
Although
As
As if
Because
Before
Even if
Even though
If
Since
Though
Unless
Until
When
Whenever
Whereas
While