I believe that the most important difference between the movie and the book, was in chapter 9. In chapter 9 we have the Christmas scene where some pretty nasty things are said by Scout's cousin Francis. One thing that Francis said was about Atticus, she said " He's nothin' but a nigger lover!" This of course was after we found out that Atticus was going to represent Tom Robinson. I believe that this is one of the most powerful quotes in the book, simply because it explains the mindset of most of the people in the south in the 1930's.
First, let's think about who was saying this. Francis who is Scout's cousin, and is no more than a child. We can see that he is somehow being influenced to think that way because nobody is born with hatred, people just normally acquire it from an influence at a young age. We see from this kid when he says that Atticus is a "nigger lover" we see that the younger generation is being influence to say things like that. It's a long vicious cycle that I will explain.
Second, we should focus on where this kid could have possibly heard such language. Answer is, everywhere! At home, on the street, and possibly even school. He probably hears his parents saying this like that so he is just repeating that. Remember that cycle I was talking about? Well the cycle is, he hears it from his parents, then remember and goes on talking like that for the rest of his life, so he eventually teaches his kids that.
Second, we should focus on where this kid could have possibly heard such language. Answer is, everywhere! At home, on the street, and possibly even school. He probably hears his parents saying this like that so he is just repeating that. Remember that cycle I was talking about? Well the cycle is, he hears it from his parents, then remember and goes on talking like that for the rest of his life, so he eventually teaches his kids that.
I agree with you how important the Christmas scene was. Though the theme of social inequality was shown through the Tom Robinson case, the movie should have added how CHILDREN are saying racial slurs. Like you said, it shows how children are being influenced. Great blog post!
ReplyDeleteI agree when you say that the representation of the "n-word" is showing the reader how the people of Maycomb think towards African-Americans. The attitude of Francis shows the reader that most kids were influenced from their parents or just from people in the outside world. The Christmas scene sort of showed me that Atticus is doing a good job when it comes to parenting. I felt like every parent of Maycomb county should learn more about the ways of Atticus. This can help create a more positive atmosphere in the town. Great Blog Post!
ReplyDeleteNik - You make an excellent point with the important difference. However, you do not go on further to explain the affect it has by not including it in the film.
ReplyDeleteI like that you addressed the Christmas scene. I think it was also very important that Francis called Atticus an n-word lover. It helped show how it is in the South and show Atticus' morals
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