 Student Writer Instructions:
Chapter 15 of To Kill a Mockingbird captures the differing viewpoints of Atticus Finch and the lynch mob about Tom Robinson, a black man who is accused of rape. Atticus stands his ground in this chapter, doing all he can to protect Tom Robinson from the angry mob of men who have come to harm, and probably kill, Tom. The angry mob of men takes advantage of Tom Robinson being held in the town jail cell for the night to show their protest of the trial of this black man. Atticus does not back down, and defends Tom’s right to a fair trial under the American justice system. Although this is a very serious situation, we all have experienced what it is like to disagree with someone. In your disagreement, you hope that your voice is heard and your viewpoint is taken into consideration.
The first task you will complete for this assignment is the graphic organizer for “Atticus vs. The Mob”. In this graphic organizer you are asked to find and explain quotations from this chapter which represent the differing viewpoints of Atticus and the mob. As you look for the quotations, think about what the different characters say and how they express their views. Why does each side feel the way they do? How and why does Atticus feel the way he does about Tom Robinson and taking on the trial? Why does the lynch mob feel that Tom doesn’t deserve a trial? Why does the lynch mob feel so strongly about harming, and even killing, Tom Robinson? Consider these questions as you fill out your organizer.
Once you have filled out the graphic organizer, think about two characters you could create in order to show two opposing views on a subject. If you need some help coming up with ideas, click on the buttons in order to view some choices for characters and topics. When you have chosen your characters and topic, fill out the graphic organizer to help you think about the voice you will need to use for each character, as well as what words and phrases your characters might actually say in order to get their point of view across.
Now look at the example of the Poem for Two Voices. Using this example as a model, write your own Poem for Two Voices in which you clearly show through words how each side would argue their point of view.
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