Journal+8+-+TKAM+Lit+Crit

I am surprised that anyone would analyze this book enough to see the usage of "left" and "right" in the novel. While reading, I didn't think to question Harper Lee's application of the words as being more than merely a part of telling the story. After reading this article, I can plainly see the relationships between left and right in the different situations they were used in the novel. Although, parts of the article seemed a bit overthought, such as Atticus's words and Scout's thoughts about left and right contributing to the whole concept of the symbolism of these words. One of these thoughts by Scout that was cited in the article is, "Scout says that the dog 'had made up what was left of his mind,' turned around and began to walk toward the Finch's house (105)." In my opinion, these ideas weren't meant to serve any more purpose than contributing a small bit to the overall story. I do believe, though, after reading this article, that Harper Lee purposely used the words "left" and "right" to add to the large amount of symbolism in the story.

For my second response, I read the article //The female voice in 'To Kill a Mockingbird': narrative strategies in film and novel// by Dean Shackelford. I agree that the movie did not correctly portray the book in the way that Harper Lee wanted to show. The film's focus is on Atticus instead of Scout as it was in the book, and that definitely takes away the innocent, feminine views of every event in the book. Scout's occasional narration isn't enough to move any bit of focus her way, and it just makes the need for any narrations by Scout seem absent. I was also disappointed that, as mentioned in the article, the movie's main event is Tom Robinson's trial. Therefore, less emphasis is put on Scout's and Jem's experiences and how they adjust to the world around them. I, too, think that the filmmakers made the movie so that it revolves around racism because it was a hot movie topic at the time, whereas it was of less interest to put more focus on the children in the story.

The article also broadly outlines the fact that Scout's thoughts are explored more in-depth in the novel than in the movie. While reading the book, the reader constantly gains understanding through Scout's eyes about her father, the 1930's southern community, and racism. The movie is viewed in a much different way, and therefore is understood differently to those who haven't read the novel. The movie is mostly based on an adult's view of the things around him and how it applies to the community in that day and age. It fails to show not only Scout's views, but the admiration and love she feels for her father and the influence of his actions on her childhood being.