To Kill a Mockingbird Narrative
SELECT ONE:. Use your notes and re-read content as needed.
Scout’s first day at school – Ch. 2 (and beg. 3)
Walter eats at the Finch house -Ch 2
Jem loses (and finds) his pants -Ch 6 (and beg. 7)
Knothole gets filled with cement – Ch. 7
Miss Maudie’s house fire – Ch. 8
Atticus shoots Tim Johnson – Ch.10
Jem reads to Mrs. DeBose -Ch. 11
Calpernia takes the children to church. -Ch.12
AVOID TOO MUCH PLOT SUMMARY: Lean into the emotional responses of your
character. Really get into his/her mind regarding how he/she views others. This requires your inference based on your knowledge of the text and the character. This is where you CAN elaborate creatively.
For example, if writing from Atticus’ POV when he shoots Tim Johnson, you can
certainly include what he is thinking, feeling, etc. Or, if you assume Burris
Ewell’s character, you should include what he is thinking or feeling when he
confronts Ms. Fisher.
Retelling Chapter 10 from Tim Johnson’s point of view is a bad idea.
NARRATIVE PREWRITING
After you have selected your scene and your character, think about the following details to help you have a full understanding of your character.
Personality: Consider his/her emotional state throughout the scene.
Beliefs: What do you think your character’s ideologies are? What are his/her opinions about the other characters?
Speech: Find examples of dialect and break each down for its use of diction, syntax, tone, etc.
Are certain words or expressions unique to that particular character?
Actions: Write down specific things your character does during these chapters.
Plot: Write down a few key plot events that your character witnesses during these chapters and how he/she might respond in his/her thoughts
