TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Conflict vs. Character & Theme Atticus vs.
people of Maycomb (interpersonal) Atticus defends Tom Robinson -dont even see why you touched it in the first place. Youve got everything to lose from this, Atticus. I mean everything. - Link Deas that boy might go to the chair, but hes not going till the truths told Atticus Its time somebody taught em a lesson, they were getting way above themselves, an the next thing they think they can do is marry us. Teacher at the trial everyone thinks Toms guilty, but they dont know what even happened Atticus knows whats right stands rigidly committed to justice brought to trial Atticus makes decisive points proving Toms innocence convicted; displays the blindness of the prejudice in Maycomb slowly resolves itself after case Atticus taught a valuable lesson to citizens of Maycomb reinforces Atticus character => static => little to no development develops theme of its important to see things from the perspectives of others Character vs. Conflict & Theme Atticus wise, respectful, generous, intelligent caring, warm, open personality teaches Scout & Jem right from wrong You never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Atticus thoughtfully willing to view matters from the perspectives of others differs him from community stands by his morals gives his all for what he thinks is right provides important moral advice while maintaining his initial values static character I wanted you to see what real courage is you rarely win, but sometimes you do. Atticus to Jem I do my best to love everybody. Atticus Atticus character develops conflict in the novel morals completely different from those of others in the community doesnt affect him still defends Tom Robinson effectively
strongly supports theme its important to see things from the perspectives of others. theme relates strongly to Atticus in particular by retaining qualities in equal measure, very effective character
A CHRISTMAS CAROL Conflict vs. Character & Theme Scrooge vs. Society (interpersonal) vs. Fred (Nephew) visits Scrooge on Christmas eve invited him to Christmas dinner wants and asks nothing of Scrooge Why cannot we be friends? Fred Scrooge gives hostile responses and Fred leaves without an angry word develops impression of lonely, mean spirited, miserly old man bitter, greedy, selfish, insensitive, cruel no compassion vs. Business Men ask Scrooge for a donation for the poor, need, less fortunate replies, If they would rather die they had better do it and decrease the surplus population. Scrooge Scrooge vs. self (internal) conflicted with himself after visited by Ghost of Christmas Past, is now aware how his relationships with others have failed sense his sadness, guilt, regret realizes what he is missing wants to see no more Scrooge was deeply affected by these images BEGINNING OF CHARACTER INSIGHT & CHANGE; DYNAMIC is now willing to change Tonight, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it. -Scrooge completely different outlook Have they no refuge or resource-Scrooge concerned for the poor develops theme of its important to see things form the perspectives of others saw his life through perspectives of other May you be happy in the life you have chosen -Belle conflict caused him to realize his wrongs Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life! Scrooge his internal conflict made the theme dominant in which it was the reason he changed Character vs. Conflict & Theme
Scrooge Covetous old sinner, selfish, cold, solitary, lonely, insensitive, greedy lonely, mean spirited, miserly old man no compassion If they would rather die they had better do it and decrease the surplus population. Scrooge doesnt care for anyone lack of care/respect develops a conflict between him and society character develops; becomes caring, warm hearted, generous, loving very dynamic Have they no refuge or resource? Scrooge changed character develops theme if he hadnt seen things from others perspectives, he wouldnt have changed wouldnt have opened up would still be living his cold, miserly life
SIMILARITIES Character both made tried to make changes within their life Atticus tried to change the prejudice/racist thoughts of Maycomb o taught the town a lesson o may not have changed, but certainly uncovered the truth o proved Tom innocent, although still convicted Scrooge changed himself throughout the course of the novel o Changed outlook on life o Now open, caring, loving, generous Both characters differed from their society Atticus was not prejudice/racist o Maycomb was o Agreed to defend a black man o I do my best to love everybody Atticus Scrooge was not like anyone else in his community o doesnt give money to poor, needy, destitute o doesnt celebrate Christmas/show Christmas spirit o beggars didnt beg to him Conflict no similarities Theme development of theme was largely projected by actions/experiences/abilities of characters Atticus ability to view things from others perspectives allowed him to be different, and to effectively defend Tom Robinson Scrooges experience to see his past the perspectives of others gave him the ability to change his character
DIFFERENCES Character Characters were complete opposites Atticus was selfless o was open, caring, generous, helpful o would do anything for anyone o character projected as a leader/hero o highly respected Scrooge was selfish o was cold, insensitive, miserly o didnt help/talk/notice anyone o everyone avoided him o kept their distance Perspectives about life differed Atticus thought ethics and morals were important o provided, educated, helped others Scrooge thought he was the only important one o focused on himself o spent life trying to obtain greater wealth Conflict Conflict occurred differently Atticus vs. Maycomb o interpersonal o was about social issues (racism) o conflict didnt affect Atticus Scrooge vs. himself o internal o was about conflicting emotions (past/present) o reason for character change Theme Its important to see things from the perspectives of others. Applied to novels differently Atticus applied this theme consistently throughout the whole novel o Boo Radley o Tom Robinson o retained his qualities in equal measure Scrooge applied this theme halfway through the novel
o after applying the theme, changed drastically o became a new person because of it o gained new qualities
