H.L.+TKAM+journal+2

Journal #1  This afternoon the jury for the Tom Robinson case reached a verdict in the ongoing court battle between Bob Ewell and Tom Robinson. This case can be traced back to an event that has been described repeatedly by those testifying, __and__ this event was Mayella Ewell's claimed rape by Tom Robinson. __However__, this claimed rape may be just that, a claim. Atticus Finch's cross examination of Mr. Heck Tate, Bob Ewell, __and__ Mayella Ewell all showed inconsistencies in their stories. However his questions to Tom Robinson made Tom seem honest and innocent to some, __and__ ruthless and evil to others. __From the get go__ the problem that has existed in this case is the racial prejudice that has been shown towards Tom Robinson. When Judge Taylor assigned Finch as Tom's lawyer not a lot of Maycombers thought he would take the case. __But__ he did and now that the trail is over many thought that he would come out victorious. __However__, today was not to be the day that the racial injustices of Maycomb would change, __when__ the jury ruled in Bob Ewell's favor potentially sending Tom off to his death if Atticus Finch's appeal fails.

Journal #2

In response to Kelly's In the Persona of Jem I find the conviction of Tom Robinson despicable. It is a disgrace to humanity that people go around thinking they are high and mighty because of their skin color. This world that we live in, these people that surround us and are our neighbors; I don't know who to trust. I feel like an outcast in Maycomb because of what I think. How can people just accept this decision. Obviously the court was skewed in favor the Ewell's, trash that they are. Its not just a problem with the case, its a problem with the jury. They failed to see the blatant lies and deceptions of Robert E. Lee Ewell, Heck Tate, and Mayella Ewell. It frustrates me to know end that the men on that jury could not see what was clearly in front of them and make a decision based on simple logic. I am ashamed of the world that I live in, and when I grow up I will make sure that this cannot, and will not happen again.

Journal #3 chapters 25-27

One word that fits these chapters well is change. Change is a fitting word because of the events that transpire over the course. In chapter 25 Jem and Scout get into an argument and Scout says, "Jem was scowling. It was probably a part of the stage he was going through, and I wished he would hurry up and get through it" (Lee 320). Here we really see Jem and Scout growing apart because of their age differences. Jem is becoming more mature and is discovering new things and make new decisions about his beliefs. Scout has matured enough for this so tension is created between the two and their relationship becomes strained, but there is still love and compassion towards each other. In chapter 26 another argument erupts between the two siblings when Scout mentions the case of Tom Robinson. Jem gets angry with Scout and says, "'I never wanta hear about that courthouse again, ever, ever, you hear me? You hear me? Don't you ever say one word to me about it again, you hear? Now go on!'" (Lee 331) This quote really shows the change between the two. Scout is still young and understands that the trail was unfair, but Jem is older and sees the social implications of it and has a hard time coping with it. Jem in this situation is going through changes himself and has to come to terms that society is unfair and that things like the Tom Robinson court case unfortunately happen. In chapter 27 one change that takes place is the introduction of Halloween to Maycomb. "Until then, Halloween in Maycomb was a completely unorganized affair" (Lee 336) This change is symbolic because it shows the changing times in Maycomb and how it is changing from a typical southern town. This change also symbolizes Scout and Jem's changing lives and the new problems and situations that they encounter every day. All of these situations embody the word change and it is a fitting word to describe these three chapters.

Journal #4 Chapters 12-13

Scout something that is important to understand is the meaning of culture. When you visited Calpurnia's church you were unsettled by the differences in the service and they way Calpurnia talked. You have to understand that in America there are cultural differences between people. It takes a lot of maturity to realize that the differences between two people does not make one or the other weird or peculiar. It is these differences that makes each and everyone of us unique and it prevents our society from becoming a collective blob of limited imagination. When you saw Calpurnia act differently do not think of it as strange or odd, while it may be new to you don't think of her as a different person think of her as stepping into another pair of shoes that better reflects her true personality. This true personality may not be the Calpurnia that you know but it is the Calpurnia that is true and honest towards her culture. You have to try to understand that she acts differently around you, your brother, and Atticus because it feels better for her. Then when she goes to church and is with her family she might act differently because it is more natural to her. Scout what I am trying to say is to just be understanding and not to worry if someone you know makes a change in their personality.

Journal #5 In response to Erica's

Thanks for your advice. It really means a lot to me that you would write that to help me and to guide me through this tough and turbulent time. I know what you are trying to say about Jem. Atticus has told me a thousand times that I need to try to understand Jem and to myself in his situation. Believe me I have tried this. Every time I do I think I understand what he is going through, but then I do something else and he will get angry at me and I have to repeat the situation again and again. I'm doing my best to try to comprehend what is going on but it is difficult for me. I wish that things were back to the way we were when we were both little. When we would spend time together just goofing around not caring about real world problems and just be kid brother and sister. Thank you for your advice on Aunt Alexandra. Getting used her living around the house has been difficult I won't lie. But I find it hard for me to adjust myself to her prim and proper way of living. Sure I'm a girl but I'm not ready to be a lady. The thing that bothers me is that by doing what she wants me to do I have to start to give up my childhood and the things I enjoy. I guess this has already started with Jem changing, but it is hard for me to finally come to terms with it. Atticus and Calpurnia are two people who mean the world to me. I am taking your advice to heart and am being careful around them because I understand they are very stressful. I am trying to let them be, but I have needs to and being the youngest I deserve a little attention and I will get it. The next few years of my life are going to be some of the most difficult ever. I will try my best to deal with all the changes and I thank you for your support and encouragement.