To Kill A Mockingbird chapter 2

Note: the structure of this novel is episodic (told in episodes) because the author, Harper Lee, originally wrote the books as a series of short stories.  Her friend, Truman Capote, helped her revise it into a novel.  Atticus is based on Harper Lee's father.  Dill was based on Truman Capote.  NOTE - Harper revised a short story collection into a novel. Think about this when you start revising your expository essays.  Because it is episodic the incited event will not come until chapter 8.  The first part of this book deals with the mystery of Boo Radley.  Here are some themes to consider as you read:

Prejudice and how it works in society (all types of prejudices can be found in this novel)
Appearance vs. Reality (are things truly as they look?)
The Meaning of Duty (to oneself, to one's family, to one's community and society)

The book is a bildungsroman novel (you should look up the term).  The protagonist is Scout. 

As you read, think about the following questions, then when your done, answer them.  We will discuss them in class:

• Why is Scout so looking forward to starting school?
• Why does Jem not want anything to do with Scout at school? Is his behaviour typical of an older child?
• What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher as a teacher? Can you find qualities which would make her good or not so good at her job?