Metaphor
A thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else
Metaphors are present throughout To Kill a Mockingbird. A main example of a metaphor is the mockingbird, which comes up a lot in the book. It represents innocence, and the most important time it is mentioned is when Atticus tells Scout and Jem not to shoot the mockingbirds. "Remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird. "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy… but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."
Irony
A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often wryly amusing as a result
Ironic situations happen throughout the whole text. An example of irony can be seen in one of Miss Gates' lessons about democracy and dictatorship. She says "Over here we don't believe in persecuting anybody. Persecution comes from people who are prejudiced. Pre-ju-dice,". It is ironic that she can recognise the persecution of the jews, yet cannot recognise the persecution that happens in her own country- the persecution of the African-Americans.
Satire
The use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticise people's stupidity or vices
Satire is another rhetorical device used by Harper Lee. An example of this is in chapter two, when Scout's teacher, Miss Caroline, tells her she can't read at home anymore. She says "We don't write in the first grade, we print". The author uses satire here to comment on the inadequacy of the education system.
Get into groups of 4 and see how well you know the book
The second period will have 30 minutes spent doing an assessment task.