A quotation quiz tests your ability to make inferences by finding symbols in the quote, making connections to other scenes in the novel, and by discussing what the quotation reveals about the character.
Sample:
" ' Why one sprig of nut grasss can ruin a whole yard. Look here. When it comes fall this dires up and the wind blows i all over Maycomb county! ' " (56).
Circle the parts of the quote that you plan to discuss. Make connections. Think about what it might symbolize. Think about the context of the quote (i.e. what is happening when it is spoken and/or who is being addressed).
This quotation is Miss Maudie talking to Scout about the weeds in her garden, in particular, one hardy weed, called "nut grass" which spreads easily if not dug up. A weed which spreads more weeds symbolized the racism in Maycomb County. The fact that Tom Robinson does not have a chance, even though, the deed he is charged with is impossible due to his injured arm, proves Miss Maudie's point. The weed in this town is racism. And even worse, the fact that people do not want to change. Atticus is called nigger-lover by children, Cecil Jacobs and Francis, by neighbours, Mrs. Dubose and Mr. Radley, and even his sister, Alexandra doubts his effort to defend an innocent man simply because of his skin colour. Harper Lee is warning the audience that to let one weed grow such as (a false belief) will ruin the entire garden. Believing Mr. Ewell's word over Tom's based on skin colour is this pernicious weed.
To study:
Choose five quotations
from pages 1-112 that you find important. Write a paragraph for each
one. Arrive in class with this step complete and you can earn an extra
10% on your test.
During the test, follow the three steps we practiced. Circle the strongest words in the quote. Make connections to other scenes or characters. Decide what the image in the quote could symbolize.
You have done this type of exercise many times this year during the poetry unit. Remember what the "fleas in the vacuum cleaner" represented in Ruzesky's poem, "A Slow Fuse"? What did the window represent in Leedahl's poem, "Spring"? What did the cherries represent in the poem, "Cherries"?
Authors show but do not tell us what to think. We draw our own conclusions by making inferences and connecting our opinions to other parts of the novel.
INJUSTICE PROJECTS DUE: WED. NOV. 14. Focus on showing us the problem and let us draw our own conclusions.
You will not have any more class time. If you need the Maclab, plan to stay after school Monday or at lunch on Wednesday. Computers are available in my room at lunch.
T
