To Kill A Mockingbird
STANDARDS FOCUS: THEME IN CONTEXT
Theme
 Theme is the central idea of message in a work of
literature.
 The theme of a piece of literature should not be confused
with the subject of the work, but rather, theme is the
general statement about life or human nature.
 Most themes are not completely obvious and must be
inferred by the reader.
 A reader must take a good look at the entire novel: the
title, plot, characters, setting, and mood, which all
work together to reveal the themes in a piece of
literature.
Each member is responsible for explaining of the following themes from TKAM. Find two
appropriate quotes or incidents from the text that best illustrate that theme. Write it and a
page #. Be prepared to explain the context of the quote to your group. This will be a small
group discussion.
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5.
Prejudice is a disease with deep and farreaching roots.
Racism is kept alive through fear and
ignorance.
True courage is not the absence of fear,
but the willingness to proceed in spite of
it.
What you see is not always the truth.
Before you can judge someone, you must
walk a mile in his/her shoes. (Empathy)
Theme and Symbolism
 What interesting objects, characters, or names hint
toward a larger meaning in the story?
 What is the significance of the name “Boo” or the
nickname “Scout”?
Symbols
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Mockingbird
The mad dog
The gun
The cemented hole in the tree
The soap carvings
The tree house
The Radley house
The electric light with extension cord
Scout’s overalls
Ham costume
Red geraniums
Tree house
Atticus’s glasses
Pocket watch