To Kill a Mockingbird Literary Exploration Summer Assignment



To Kill a Mockingbird Literary Exploration Summer Assignment

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Created by Garrett Hable

Mrs. Woodworth

English 9H – Period 1

26 / 7 / 11

Index

The Great Depression

Compilation of Pictures on the Great Depression



FDR Inaugural Speech on Great Depression



Great Depression Songs



The Scottsboro Trials

Scottsboro Case Quotes



Scottsboro Case Pictures



Scottsboro Case Newspaper



Jim Crow Laws

Jim Crow Pictures



Jim Crow Laws



Jim Crow Poetry



Brown vs. Board of Education

Documents for Brown vs. the Board of Education



Brown vs. the Board of Education Quotes



Brown vs. the Board of Education Pictures



The Great Depression - 1

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One of the topics that I chose to research through this assignment was the Great Depression. During this time, there was a high level of unemployment in the United States due to the Stock Market Crash of 1929. Furthermore, this time was also affected by the value and discovery of gold in many western states, including California. In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, young Finch is just a small girl that is uninvolved in politics and the economy. Contributing to this is the fact that she lives in a Southern part of the United States, in a town often ignored by major events. In the above picture from the Library of Congress, we can clearly see the long row of temporary home settlements in a seemingly barren land. Houses are constructed out of cloths and held up by shambled wood. People in this picture are wearing minimal clothing with a noticeable sense of age to everything on them. Lastly, if you look at the sky closely, you can see a haze that is obstructing an otherwise clear sky. In the western United States, an event called the Dust Bowl came in which this geographical region was overtaken by a drought for a long period of time. In this book, Scout is just a young child, but she is still aware of what she is removed from. Her father is a man who teaches his children right from wrong, which includes current world events. Because so much of the economy in the South was based off of farming, and because Maycomb is so small, such a prolific event is difficult to comprehend. In my insight, I feel that the morals that Atticus teaches to his children about fairness and equality towards others are not just based to man like Tom Robinson, but all who were struggling during this time period. Unaffected by this, though, he shows his wisdom as he daily teaches his children.

The Great Depression - 2

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During the Great Depression, a man named Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected by the American people as the United States president. As I am sure everybody would understand, accepting this job in a time of such national disrepair would be a difficulty in itself, but inspiring such a group of people would be a task ten times harder. In this opportunity to make an impact upon history, FDR made his first impression an everlasting one. His inaugural speech was not about the next part of the political agenda, but it revolved around how he was going to lead the country out of the Great Depression. In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, there is a similar man of such respect and inspiration. It is evident that Atticus plays a role strangely similar to that of FDR. His children are simply just that, children. However, as they face struggles and changes in their lives, he guides them along and gives them words to remember as they grow older. FDR was a largely personal present. Instead of limiting himself to involvement in speeches, he created something called the Fireside Chats. Giving such hope to the citizens of a stricken country is admirable in a time like this. Atticus has been portrayed to do things similar to this. In fact, when Scout was still a little girl, Atticus would lift her up onto his armchair and read to her in the warmth of the fire. The tasks that the President and Atticus conquered in their lives took precedence over typical ways to act in the society at the time, whether it involved informalities with citizens as the president or overcoming a racial boundary as a lawyer and a father.

The Great Depression 3

This cultural song of the Great Depression time period shows how horrible the Great Depression must have really been. Such joy for being able to pay people money is kind of rare in the modern world, and I think that it shows just how impactful the Great Depression was on everyday life. This song, which was written during this time, is obviously placed once the Great Depression had ended. I think that such appreciation for life is something that could definitely be emphasized in the modern world, and I think that Atticus found this necessary as well. Atticus was a mellow man firm in his beliefs, and he never seemed to complain about the actions of his sister or perhaps the attitude of Mrs. Dubose. Atticus was able to pinpoint the things in life that should be noted as a gift and not a necessity, and it became clear in the way that he lived and raised children that his mindset was focused on being a good man. One line of this song strikes me in particular, which is “…when we see that landlord, we can look that guy right in the eye”. The fact that Tom Robinson was a crippled man defending his life in that court, he held his head respectably and trustfully. Other characters had a different behavior while on the stand that resembled arrogance or conceit, but Tom Robinson was much like Atticus as well. This was a man born at a disadvantage in this culture. When he became crippled in his arm, even more problems arose. However, these trials that Tom Robinson went through merely strengthened his appreciation to live. Personally, I am unsure that more than a few modern people would have been so adamant to fight for a life that was already extremely lopsided. Those that lived and struggled through the Great Depression did just this.

The Scottsboro Trials – 1



The Scottsboro Trials were a tumultuous event of the US history during the 1930’s. Nine African-American teenagers were accused of raping a white girl under forced assault without any circumstantial evidence. The court case that followed led most of the Southern US in a long journey of racism and discrimination. Samuel Leibowitz, a part of the defending group, recognized that much of the hypocrisy in the South revolving around the topic of racism is very blatant and wrong. Because of this, Leibowitz acknowledges the biased sides of both the defendant and prosecuting groups. Furthermore, he mentions that a “poor scrap of colored humanity” deserves a fair deal. This automatically insinuates that the current affair is not fair, and I think that this is very true. During this time period, I think that “a colored scrap of colored humanity” is referring to the semi-existent laws that are meant to restrict the amount of segregation in the South. I think that Leibowitz is man who finds himself humble enough to admit that a single race isn’t superior to another, and I think that this kind of personality is similar to the one developed by Harper Lee in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Atticus was fully aware of the shallow establishment of “equality” in a location like this during the United States society at this time. However, he was willing to stand up against it, and he knew that those who acted morally wrong to the blacks were not proper. This led Atticus to attempt to make a paradigm change in his small town of Maycomb. Atticus is just a man making a basic living but he realized that representing a minority of a race is important, especially based off of what time in history that this was happening. Atticus makes sure that he tolerates all people, no matter their personal beliefs. By participating in a career where being able to represent people is essential, I think that Atticus made the right decision in helping Tom Robinson. Atticus is incapable of ignoring an accusation without evidence. Ironically, this case is quite similar to the Scottsboro Trials that occurred in another small Southern town. In both cases, certain people in the court room were able to bypass a racial boundary that was present in the US during this time.

The Scottsboro Trials - 2



This picture, taken in 1931, has many aspects within it that I think are noting. First of all is the courthouse distinctively populated by people in the background. This leads us to the mass crowd in the front of the building that looks to be a mix of white and black people. Typically, this crowd of integrated people would meet only on rare or important occasions. In this case, I think that it is clear that this is an extremely important case that is applicatory to both the white and black community. The Scottsboro Trials were based off of an accusation against nine teenage boys for rape against a white girl. As anyone can imagine, this caused a huge amount of controversy that attracted crowds of all colors. If you look closely in the left side of the picture, you can see the affluent people riding in a car while others seem to be dressed to travel. As I evaluate this picture, my eyes are drawn to the line of people that extends further and further off into the upper right hand corner of the picture. In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Atticus is defending Tom Robinson under a case eerily similar to this one. When Scout and her brother Jem take their friend Dill to the courthouse, they are seated in a higher group of seats reserved for the Negroes while the white folks are placed in the lower stands. Indeed, both races were interested in the case and went to support their own personal feelings, but the case in itself was highly segregated in both the book and the actual Scottsboro trials. Reading the book, it becomes evident that Maycomb is an extremely small town that is neither heavily populated nor interested in politics. However, such a case in this city aroused an interest in the judicial system that I can’t help but relate to the Scottsboro trials. The city of Scottsboro was another smaller city that attracted a crowd. From the picture above, I think it becomes apparent how interesting this case must have been to the citizens in order to attract such a large group of people willing to spend time amidst each other in an area such as Maycomb or Scottsboro. Atticus was a single man who fought for a minority percentage of people in the case that took place in “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

The Scottsboro Trials – 3

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This was a trial to revolutionize the perspective of black people in the Southern community. Obviously, the North had already made much effort to lessen discrimination, but the South was still highly prejudiced. This newspaper article shows how one of the victims of this case was convicted of death for a case based on minimal evidence. Obviously, the striking similarities between this real-world event and the plot of “To Kill a Mockingbird” are clear to see. Tom Robinson is the equivalent of one of the Scottsboro boys who was accused of rape in this small Southern town. However, I think that this source is especially unique because it extends to what happened to the boys after the trial was over. Tom Robinson was convicted on an easier sentence than this particular boy because he only received a sentence in prison. However, his futile attempts to flee from a prison system based derogatorily against African-Americans did indeed lead to his death. Tom Robinson believed in living his life to the maximum, and I think that he realized how difficult it was going to be to re-earn his title and reputation after he had been accused of rape. The segregation that was present during this time clearly showed racism, but I try to specifically emphasize how it is still present in the modern day. Today, people take offense to the smallest amount of racism even when it isn’t intended. I think that tolerance of people’s intolerance is necessary, but I think that things should still change to a certain degree revolving around how we treat each other. I think that the level of true racism has greatly declined, but using racist terms simply to fill in insulting remarks had become dominant in our society. Atticus realized the equality of people on a worldwide scale, and he tried his hardest to live an example of tolerance. Atticus tried to change the paradigm of thinking in a small Southern town. Atticus was a hero that created a legacy for his children towards whites and blacks alike in a small town remote of the malicious events of the world. (PS: Though informal, I want to point out the caption and opinionated statement in it. Wow)

Jim Crow Laws – 1



Shown above are two separate pictures. However, both of them came from a generally similar time period. The upper one is quite self explanatory. Essentially, this sign would be posted in a restaurant or perhaps a courtroom that would have been considered a higher level. Because of this, things such as dogs, African-Americans, and Hispanics wouldn’t have been allowed to enter. Perhaps I am simply reading into this sign a bit too much, but my job is to evaluate the source. I find it odd and perhaps wrong that the sign mentions dogs before Negroes and Mexicans. I understand that all three of these groups are being turned away, but the fact that one sign is used to incorporate the same general rule for two groups completely different from each other is almost appalling. I understand that this was during the time of the Great Depression, but I have a feeling that signs were in abundance, especially signs regarding these sorts of matters. Today, if you walk into a store, there might be a sign that distinguishes two things, like No Weapons and No Pets. However, these people put a part of the human race in the same category as an animal. In the second picture, you can see a sign that says “Whites Only” for a restroom. I am confident that there was a specifically “Blacks Only” restroom as well, and this is bothersome. Restrooms aren’t necessarily a place of luxury or even any social interaction, but something as basic as a bathroom has to be distinguished between the types of people that can use it. Jim Crow Laws managed to restrict the possibilities for growth in the black community during this time period. In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Tom Robinson is a hard worker who works for others out of the good of his heart. However, the laws and statutes that are in place in the small town of Maycomb prevent Tom Robinson from receiving a fair jury, even when he was fortunate enough to be given Atticus as support and health. Jim Crow Laws are extensive and they hurt people more than anything. Recognizing this was what challenged so many people during this era and what led to so much pain and suffering.

Jim Crow Laws – 2



Above are four basic Jim Crow Laws that were enacted in the early to mid 1930’s. The first law states that blacks and whites aren’t even allowed to play together. Something as docile as enjoying yourself or having a good time with somebody else was prohibited during this time if there was more than one race involved. The next one is what I consider to be even more disheartening. It states that white people aren’t able to be chained or handcuffed in any way to a black person. One thing to point out briefly is that whites are the ones who can’t be near blacks. This in itself is racist because it is putting whites, even though they are felons or criminals, above blacks. The third law basically mentions that black barbers aren’t allowed to provide a service for white females. This is not revolving around talking to them, or asking them of something, but it is of them doing something for a white woman. This is just horrible. This is worse than slavery in my opinion. In slavery, blacks would be able to work for a living, no matter how basic and non-luxurious. However, taking away the opportunity for a black barber to work is simply heresy in my opinion. Plus, on a quick side note, being a barber isn’t even a high-ranked profession job. This Negro has pursued a career that is pretty mediocre in a society lacking many technological wonders. However, he has been deprived of opportunities to make money by being limited with who he can work for. The last law basically relates to interracial marriage. The minor noticing point is that even 1/8 of a race considered impure is too much for marriage. This shows that Jim Crow Laws were not h=just applicatory to African-Americans but to all foreigners. In the book “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Tom Robinson is a man of his word. The life that he lives has been accepted by him a long time ago, and I think that he is content with it. If not, he does a great job of maintaining a positive attitude even in times of complete confusion. Obviously, the plot of this book is one of those times, and it is unfortunate that the system beat Tom Robinson in a small town of hypocrisy and discrimination.

Jim Crow Laws – 3

If within the cruel Southland you have chanced to take a ride,

You the Jim Crow cars have noticed, how they crush a Negro's pride,

How he pays a first class passage and a second class receives,

Gets the worst accommodations ev'ry friend of truth believes.

'Tis the rule that all conductors, in the service of the train,

Practice gross discriminations on the Negro—such is plain—

If a drunkard is a white man, at his mercy Negroes are,

Legalized humiliation is the Negro Jim Crow car.

'Tis a license given white men, they may go just where they please,

In the white man's car or Negro's will they move with perfect ease,

If complaint is made by Negroes the conductor will go out

Till the whites are through carousing, then he shows himself about.

They will often raise a riot, butcher up the Negroes there,

Unmolested will they quarrel, use their pistols, rant and swear,

They will smoke among the ladies though offensive the cigar;

'Tis the place to drink their whiskey, in the Negro Jim Crow car.

If a Negro shows resistance to his treatment by a tough,

At some station he's arrested for the same, though not enough,

He is thrashed or lynched or tortured as will please the demon's rage,

Mobbed, of course, by "unknown parties," thus is closed the darkened page.

If a lunatic is carried, white or black, it is the same,

Or a criminal is taken to the prison-house in shame,

In the Negro car he's ushered with the sheriff at his side,

Out of deference for white men in their car he scorns to ride.

We despise a Negro's manhood, says the Southland, and expect,

All supremacy for white men—black men's rights we'll not protect,

This the Negro bears with patience for the nation bows to might,

Wrong has borne aloft its colors disregarding what is right.

This is called a Christian nation, but we fail to understand,

How the teachings of the Bible can with such a system band;

Purest love that knows no evil can alone the story tell,

How to banish such abuses, how to treat a neighbor well.



This poem is one of my new favorites. Even though I merely stumbled across it while I was researching, I grew to like it beyond most others that I have read. In the first verse, the poet is talking about the train rides during this time. The author, Lizelia Moore, mentions that Negroes would pay the fee for a first class ride but only receive a second class treatment. In the second verse, she says that all train conductors follow this sort of treatment, and calls the train cars that they are forced to ride in Negro Jim Crow Cars. In the third verse, Moore says that Negroes are at the mercy of all passengers and conductors because complaints lead to problems on the train. In the next verse, the author mentions that white men occupy the Negro Jim Crow Car because nobody can stop them and they like to harass the Negroes. This verse in particular stands out to me because it seems like it would be such a purposeful mistreating if you are only ever willing to be around blacks when you have the opportunity to assault them. Next, the sense of hypocrisy is shown when the poem describes the way Negroes are punished if they try at all to fight back with resilience. I couldn’t imagine being unable to stand up for myself. It really reminds me of how much I take for granted the freedom that the United States has to offer to all of its citizens. Essentially, the rest of the poem refers to the hypocrisy of the US citizens of the South at this time in saying that we treat others poorly but consider ourselves religious. Tom Robinson faced many of the same struggles in his life. I think that what set Tom out from the rest was his positive attitude and ability to work hard.

Extra: Brown vs. Board of Education





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"We're in the Money," lyrics by Al Dubin, music by Harry Warren (from the film Gold Diggers of 1933, 1933)

We're in the money; we're in the money;

We've got a lot of what it takes to get along!

We're in the money, that sky is sunny,

Old Man Depression you are through, you done us wrong.

We never see a headline about breadlines today.

And when we see the landlord we can look that guy right in the eye

We're in the money, come on, my honey,

Let's lend it, spend it, and send it rolling along!

Oh, yes we're in the money, you bet we're in the money,

We've got a lot of what it takes to get along!

Let's go we're in the money, Look up the skies are sunny,

Old Man Depression you are through, you done us wrong.

We never see a headline about breadlines today.

And when we see the landlord we can look that guy right in the eye

We're in the money, come on, my honey,

Let's lend it, spend it, and send it rolling along!

Samuel Leibowitz -

"Let us assume that the prosecution is prejudiced. Let us assume the defense is also prejudiced. Let us assume both sides are trying to prove their points."

"Now, I'm not going to assault your ears with any such ranting and raising the roof as you have been forced to hear from the gentleman seated over there. I shall appeal to your reason as logical, intelligent human beings, determined to give even this poor scrap of colored humanity a fair, square deal."

“It shall be unlawful for a negro and white person to play together or in company with each other in any game of cards or dice, dominoes or checkers.”

—Birmingham, Alabama, 1930

“It shall be unlawful for any white prisoner to be handcuffed or otherwise chained or tied to a Negro prisoner.”

—Arkansas, 1903

“No colored barber shall serve as a barber to white women or girls.”

—Atlanta, Georgia, 1926

“Marriages are void when one party is a white person and the other is possessed of one-eighth or more Negro, Japanese, or Chinese blood.”

—Nebraska, 1911

The whole matter revolves around the self-respect of my people. How much satisfaction can I get from a court order for somebody to associate with me who does not wish me near them? –Zora Neale Hurston

-respect of my people. How much satisfaction can I get from a court order for somebody to associate with me who does not wish me near them?

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