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RR and Historical Approach PPT

The document outlines objectives for critiquing literary texts through historical and reader-response approaches, using 'To Kill a Mockingbird' as a primary example. It discusses key themes, character analysis, and the significance of the historical context of the novel, particularly regarding racial injustice and social dynamics in the 1930s American South. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of personal experience in interpreting literature and provides instructions for a literary analysis assignment on 'Little Women.'

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kirkdespe9
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7 views

RR and Historical Approach PPT

The document outlines objectives for critiquing literary texts through historical and reader-response approaches, using 'To Kill a Mockingbird' as a primary example. It discusses key themes, character analysis, and the significance of the historical context of the novel, particularly regarding racial injustice and social dynamics in the 1930s American South. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of personal experience in interpreting literature and provides instructions for a literary analysis assignment on 'Little Women.'

Uploaded by

kirkdespe9
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CRITIQUING A SELECTION BASED ON

HISTORICAL AND READERS’


RESPONSE APPROACH
• Objectives

1. Compare and contrast the historical


and reader-response interpretations of a
literary text.
2. Apply either of the two literary
approaches.
1
TELL ME

2
3
1. What is Reader Response Theory?
2. How does Reader Response Theory
help us understand a text?
3. What role does the reader’s
personal experience play in
interpreting a text?

4
3 Think of a word you may associate
with the word “History”

5
Summary of To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is set in the racially
segregated town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great
Depression. The story follows Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and
their father, Atticus, a lawyer. Atticus takes on the case of Tom
Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman,
Mayella Ewell. Despite clear evidence of Tom's innocence, he is
convicted due to the town's racism.

The trial exposes Scout and Jem to the injustices of society, and
they grapple with understanding the prejudice they witness.
After the trial, Tom is killed while trying to escape prison.
Meanwhile, Bob Ewell, Mayella’s father, seeks revenge on
Atticus for exposing his lies in court. He attacks Scout and Jem,
1. What does Atticus Finch’s decision to defend Tom Robinson
reveal about his character and his values?

2. How does the trial of Tom Robinson expose the racial and social
prejudices of Maycomb?

3. What is the significance of Boo Radley’s role in the story, and


how does Scout’s perception of him change over time?

4. How do Scout and Jem’s experiences throughout the novel


contribute to their moral and emotional growth?

5. What does the title To Kill a Mockingbird symbolize, and how


does it relate to the story’s central themes?
Reading To Kill a Mockingbird felt like being guided through a
mirror reflecting the complexities of morality and injustice in both
the fictional town of Maycomb and my own world. As I followed
Scout’s journey, I couldn’t help but feel personally drawn into her
observations and questions, as they mirrored many of my own
from childhood. Her perspective as a young, curious child
reminded me of moments when I first began to notice that the
world isn’t always fair, making her confusion and growth feel
deeply relatable.

One part of the book that struck me emotionally was Tom


Robinson’s trial. I felt a mixture of anger and helplessness as I
watched the courtroom dismiss clear evidence of Tom’s innocence
simply because of his race. It made me think about how systemic
injustice persists even today and forced me to reflect on
Atticus Finch’s character made me question my own values and
courage. His unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even
when the odds were against him, made me ask myself: “Would I
have the same strength to stand up for justice if it cost me my
reputation or comfort?” His quiet yet powerful presence inspired
a sense of hope, but it also left me wondering how often I fall
short of such ideals.

At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration


with Mayella Ewell. Her tragic circumstances made me pity her,
but her false accusations against Tom filled me with anger. This
conflict within me highlighted how human emotions are rarely
black and white, much like the characters in the novel.
3 By the end of the book, Boo Radley’s emergence as a
protector felt like a reminder that people are often
misunderstood until we take the time to see the world
from their perspective. This idea resonated with me
personally, as it reminded me of times I’ve made quick
judgments about others without considering their
struggles or intentions.

For me, To Kill a Mockingbird was more than just a


story about a small town; it became a deeply personal
journey, challenging my beliefs and encouraging me to
reflect on my role in confronting inequality and
Historical Approach Criticism of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper
Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird reflects the social, racial, and economic realities of
the American South during the 1930s, a time marked by the Great
Depression and pervasive racial segregation under Jim Crow laws. Harper
Lee’s novel captures the cultural and societal tensions of this era, serving
as both a snapshot of history and a critique of systemic inequalities that
were deeply rooted in American society.

The trial of Tom Robinson is a central event that mirrors the real-life racial
injustices of the time. Tom’s wrongful conviction despite overwhelming
evidence of his innocence is reminiscent of cases like the Scottsboro Boys,
a group of Black teenagers falsely accused of raping two white women in
Alabama in 1931. Just as in the novel, these trials highlighted the deeply
ingrained racism in the legal system, where Black defendants were rarely
given a fair chance in court. The public outcry over these cases, as well as
the pervasive prejudice that allowed such injustices to occur, underscores
Economic struggles also play a significant role in the novel,
reflecting the impact of the Great Depression on Southern
communities. Characters like the Ewells represent the lowest rung
of the white social hierarchy, struggling with poverty and seeking to
maintain their sense of superiority by clinging to racial prejudice.
This dynamic underscores how economic hardship often
exacerbated social divisions, as individuals sought to protect their
status by marginalizing others.

Atticus Finch’s character embodies a progressive stance within this


historical context. His decision to defend Tom Robinson challenges
the prevailing norms of the time, highlighting the tension between
traditional Southern values and the emerging calls for civil rights
and equality. However, Atticus’s portrayal also reflects the
limitations of white allies during this era; while he seeks justice, the
Finally, the depiction of gender roles in the novel reflects the
expectations of the 1930s. Scout’s resistance to traditional
femininity and her tomboyish behavior challenge societal norms,
while characters like Aunt Alexandra emphasize the importance
placed on maintaining appearances and adhering to gendered
expectations. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the rigid
social structures of the time and the challenges faced by those
who sought to deviate from them.

In conclusion, To Kill a Mockingbird is deeply rooted in its


historical context, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the
racial and social dynamics of the American South during the
1930s. Through its exploration of these issues, the novel not only
provides a critique of the past but also prompts reflection on the
Ballpen or Paper?

• Raise your pen if you think the answer is historical and


raise notebooks or paper if you think it’s Reader-Response
Approach.
• If you raise the wrong in response to a question, you will
be eliminated from the activity.
• Continue participating until all questions are answered
correctly.
How can considering both the history of a
situation and your own personal experiences
help you make decisions better?

11
Instructions for Literary Analysis:

Review Little Women (2019) and choose a Literary


Approach
(Reader-Response, Historical).
1. Write your analysis on one whole sheet of paper.
2. Use the rubric from the PowerPoint to guide your
work.
3. Submit your analysis by Friday.

ANOTHER
ONE
THANK YOU

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