Say Mean Matter Chart To Kill A Mockingbird
"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel written by Harper Lee that was published in 1960. The novel is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression. The story follows the life of a young girl named Scout Finch, who lives with her older brother Jem and their father, Atticus Finch. The novel explores themes of racism, injustice, and the loss of innocence. One of the key tools used in the novel is the "Say Mean Matter" chart.
What is the Say Mean Matter Chart?
The "Say Mean Matter" chart is a tool used to analyze and understand complex texts. The chart is divided into three columns: "Say," "Mean," and "Matter." In the "Say" column, you write down what the text actually says. In the "Mean" column, you write down what the text means. In the "Matter" column, you write down why the text matters.
Using the "Say Mean Matter" chart to analyze "To Kill a Mockingbird" can help readers better understand the novel's themes and messages. By breaking down the text into these three categories, readers can identify key quotes and passages that illustrate the novel's themes of racism, injustice, and the loss of innocence.
Racism in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
"To Kill a Mockingbird" is set in the deep South during the 1930s, a time when racism was rampant. The novel explores the effects of racism on both the victims and the perpetrators. One of the key quotes that illustrates this theme is when Atticus Finch tells his children: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
This quote highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming racism. By putting oneself in another person's shoes, one can begin to understand their perspective and challenge their own prejudices.
Injustice in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
The theme of injustice is also prominent in "To Kill a Mockingbird." The novel explores the ways in which the justice system can fail and how innocent people can be wrongly accused and convicted. One of the key quotes that illustrates this theme is when Atticus Finch says: "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."
This quote highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Atticus Finch represents the idea that justice and morality are more important than social norms or the opinions of others.
The Loss of Innocence in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
The theme of the loss of innocence is also prevalent in "To Kill a Mockingbird." The novel explores how children can be forced to confront the harsh realities of the world and can lose their innocence in the process. One of the key quotes that illustrates this theme is when Scout says: "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks."
This quote highlights the idea that children are born without prejudices and that it is society that teaches them to discriminate. The loss of innocence in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving the innocence of children.
Conclusion
The "Say Mean Matter" chart is a powerful tool for analyzing complex texts like "To Kill a Mockingbird." By breaking down the text into the categories of "Say," "Mean," and "Matter," readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel's themes and messages. The themes of racism, injustice, and the loss of innocence are explored in depth in the novel, and the key quotes and passages that illustrate these themes can be identified using the "Say Mean Matter" chart. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.