Journal+8-+Lit+Crit

Response 1

I found this article very interesting. In some ways I feel that the author is just over analyzing the book and trying to prove a point that isn't there to be proven. On the other hand I found some of the points that the author brought to our attention were very interesting. Its quite odd how when ever the word "right" is used it is denoted in a positive way are used with a good character and how quite the opposite is found with the word "left" which is denoted in a negative way and describes bad characters. I can't decide if there is truly symbolism in the Right vs Left or if it is purely coincidental.

Response 2

I'm surprised and somewhat appalled that someone would disagree with Atticus being a hero. He never does anything morally wrong in the book and only does what is best for his family and the community. Just because he is a white man helping a black man doesn't mean that he is just conforming to the societies view of black people. The fact that he tried so hard to defend Tom goes against the average member of society at that time. Most people that were forced to defend him would have just thought him to be guilty because of his race but Atticus went against society to do what is right. If thats not heroic then most heroes shouldn't be heroes. He showed Maycomb that what was happening is wrong and made the first step to ending racism and truly getting equality for all.