TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD - DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Language is a powerful tool in this film/novel. What lessons does Atticus attempt to teach Scout about the use of racial slurs?

Many of the characters hold stereotypes about how individuals will behave as a result of age, gender, race, etc. Which characters are the victims of stereotyping? Do any of them break through the behavior expected of them, showing individuality and exposing the falseness of labeling people?

Beginning with the voice of a mature adult recalling childhood events, the film/novel shifts to the point of view of a six year old. Did you notice the shift occurring? Did you find them distracting?

Compare the city of Maycomb to your hometown. What are the similarities and differences?

The story is set in a small town in Alabama in the 1930s. What aspects of the story seem to be particular to that time and place? What aspects are universal, cutting across time and place?

What other films does To Kill a Mockingbird remind you of? How are they alike? How are they different?

Does this film stand the test of time? Why or why not?

Did the story hold your interest? What parts held your interest the most strongly? Why? What parts were less interesting? Why?

How does the film compare to the images of childhood in other films or television programs you have seen?

A central symbol in the story is the mockingbird. Describe ways in which the following are symbols: the mad dog, the treehouse, the gun, the columns on the buildings, Atticus' pocket watch.