Monday, February 4, 2013

Identify your impressions of Dill, Calpurnia, Jem, Scout, Atticus, the Radleys, Miss Stephanie Crawford, and Miss Caroline Fisher from To Kill a...

Dill Harris-Dill is a talented, imaginative child who seems like a lot of fun. Throughout the novel, Dill is able to play any character in Jem's skits during the summers, and he comes up with fanciful plans to get Boo Radley out of the house. Dill is continually making up stories to try to impress Jem and Scout. His home life is rather sad, and all Dill really wants is attention. I feel that he is a sympathetic character who keeps Scout and Jem occupied each summer.

Calpurnia-Calpurnia seems wise and understanding throughout the novel. Her unique ability to read and write conveys her intelligence.
She has the ability to interact easily in the Finch household, as well as around her community members. She disciplines the children, but also shows them support and wishes them the best. She is a strong female role model for Scout, which makes her an important character throughout the novel.


Scout Finch-Scout seems like the prototypical "tomboy." She has a short-temper, loves playing with the boys, and occasionally curses. I feel that Scout has a pure heart because she listens to Atticus' advice and tries to please him. Her naive viewpoint makes the novel interesting and fun. Scout matures and gains perspective on life throughout the novel without becoming jaded. Her positive attitude and charismatic personality make the novel a classic.


Jem Finch-Jem is a smaller, younger version of his father. Jem has a conscious and looks up to Atticus throughout the novel. He has a love-hate relationship with Scout that is typical of most siblings. Jem has a good heart and encourages Scout when she needs it the most. He is loyal to Atticus, enjoys school, and matures during the novel. Jem was once naive until he witnessed injustice during Tom's trial.


Atticus Finch-Atticus is the morally upright character throughout the novel. He is the epitome of a gentleman and treats his neighbors with tolerance, respect, and hospitality. Atticus lets his actions speak for himself, and displays character and courage throughout the novel. Atticus does not compromise his beliefs to fit in with the majority and willingly defends Tom during the trial. Atticus cares deeply about his children and tries his best to raise them with morals.


Mr. Radley & Nathan Radley-Mr. Radley is a "foot-washing Baptist" who believes in a strict interpretation of the Bible. He is rather callous and harsh towards his neighbors and family. Mr. Radley is wrong for confining Boo inside the house all those years as punishment for Boo's youthful pranks. Nathan is similar to his father, although he is a bit more open. He is also strict and takes part in Boo's abuse by filling the knothole with cement, effectively ending Boo's communication with the children.


Boo Radley-He is the misunderstood, shy neighbor throughout the novel. Boo has a bad reputation because of the many rumors and lies spread about his life. In reality, he is a kind, caring, fun type of individual. He gives Jem and Scout gifts in the knothole of the tree, laughs as the children play, and even saves their life at the end of the novel. Boo is an innocent character who becomes a victim of Maycomb's prejudice.


Miss Stephanie Crawford-Stephanie is the town gossip. She is continually spreading false rumors about Boo Radley throughout the neighborhood. She is partly responsible for Boo's bad reputation.


Miss Caroline Fisher-Miss Caroline is the innocent, attractive first-grade teacher who is new to Maycomb. She is not very creative in regards to her teaching practices and seems to know little about her students. Miss Caroline is fresh out of college and tries to teach the children from the curriculum template...no exceptions. She is quickly finding out how difficult teaching first-graders really is.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What is the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, and Falling Action of "One Thousand Dollars"?

Exposition A "decidedly amused" Bobby Gillian leaves the offices of Tolman & Sharp where he is given an envelope containing $1...