|
|
Post by shaunamackay3 on Aug 1, 2016 6:01:17 GMT
"When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem's fears of never being able to play football were assuaged , he was seldom self-conscious about his injury. His left arm was somewhat shorter than his right; when he stood or walked, the back of his hand was at right angles to his body, his thumb parrallel to his thigh. He couldn't have cared less, so long as he could pass and punt." page 1. This first paragraph of the entire novel has much more meaning and importance then it may appear. Not only may this be the hook for some readers, but this single paragraph could be setting the lesson for the whole novel. A possible lesson the author was trying to teach with this paragraph may be the importance of perserverance, but I don't believe that this was the true purpose of this story. I believe that Lee is trying to show how powerful passion is, and how passion can blind negativity. In this case, Jem's passion for football made him not even care about the appearance of his hand, while without that passion, the negativity of this situation could haunt him fopr the rest of his life. Throughout the rest of this book, I believe this story will be referenced, or a theme of strong passion will be present. Why else would the author insert this paragraph? Do you think that this paragraph has another purpose?
|
|
|
|
Post by noahenoch on Aug 1, 2016 16:44:36 GMT
I agree that this paragraph could be introducing the theme, passion blinds negativity. Another example of this theme is when Atticus takes Tom Robinson's case. In the book, "To Kill a Mockingbird," most white lawyers would decline a case if it was a black person who they were representing. However, Atticus was not raciest and never judged by the skin color of a man, unlike every other white person in Macomb. So obviously, when Atticus took the case he and his children were harassed around every corner. But Atticus wasn't blinded by negativity. His passion for black people helped him put together a totally convincing case that would have proven Tom Robison innocent in any reasonable non-raciest court. Even though Atticus didn't win the case, his passion did Tom Robinson a huge favor. Even though Tom Robinson wasn't voted innocent most people knew in their hearts that he was.
|
|
|
|
Post by shanarabrinkman on Aug 1, 2016 20:03:53 GMT
As well as showing a theme of strong passion, I believe that it is also foreshadowing that the brothers arm will get broken, but the story on how could also be why Jem is Carless on his appearance.
|
|
|
|
Post by rykerseats on Aug 5, 2016 22:38:05 GMT
I agree that the first paragraph was trying to show that passion is stronger than negativity. I agree because the book explained that being passionate in what you believe in is very important.
|
|
|
|
Post by beccarugg on Aug 6, 2016 23:24:23 GMT
I agree with this thought that passion, can overcome negativity. I also think that Lee was trying to show the kind of person that Jem was. Jem learned from Atticus, and you see this in the perseverance that Atticus has with the Tom Robinson case. Atticus never gave up on hum, no matter how many times people made fun of him or even when he was convicted. Jem breaking his arm and continuing football is similar to this in my mind.
|
|
|
|
Post by andrewklein on Aug 8, 2016 0:05:58 GMT
I agree with Becca, passion can overcome negativity, unless you're in such a spot where having passion could get you more hurt than if you were negative. Even though Atticus took the case that he knew he was going to lose, he never stopped trying to prove that Tom was innocent, and prove that his skin color has nothing to do with his conscience and morals.
|
|
|
|
Post by annalandolfi on Aug 8, 2016 2:34:14 GMT
This passage is very important to the story, and has many meanings. The ones you talked about, as well as others. One that just particularly sticks out to me is how, in the midst of crisis and uncertainty, as well ad conflict and fear, Lee perfectly wraps the story. Tying the opening to the end, and finishing the circle, just makes the whole story so much more impactful.
|
|
|
|
Post by laurenschuetz on Aug 10, 2016 17:25:40 GMT
I agree with every one, the main theme of the fist paragraph is passion can overcome negativity. I believe that this also has a great deal to do with Atticus and pursuing the case with Tom Robinson because he was very passionate about having equality for black men and women and helping his friend. Eve though all odds were against him, Atticus still gave his best effort.
|
|
|
|
Post by kaylagarcia on Aug 11, 2016 22:34:44 GMT
The first paragraph of the story is constructed to be include symbolism as well as foreshadowing. Harper's tone when she says, "got his arm badly broken" is important because it tells the reader that it wasn't just an accident. If it was just an accident the words "Jem broke his arm" would have sufficed. But the fact that it says "got" his arm broken foreshadows how it will break. (someone will break it) Tom Robinson injuries his left arm which is the same as Jem broke. This is not a coincidence. Also, Jem's age being 'nearly thirteen' and not just twelve holds significance. His near teenage years represents the break between childhood and adolescence as well as his violent coming of age.
|
|
|
|
Post by benswanson00 on Aug 13, 2016 17:31:01 GMT
I agree with this in many ways. Atticus goes to further this lesson later on in the story when he strives the help all, even others who are racially different, such as Tom Robinson. Atticus didn't care how he looked, just as Jem didn't. All he wanted to do is be able to help all, even if that made him different than the rest, just like all Jem wanted to do is to still be able to play football.
|
|
|
|
Post by judithmills on Aug 13, 2016 20:51:47 GMT
Your way of interpreting the first paragraph was really unique, and made me realize the importance of it, too. You could also say that this is the author's way of introducing her brother Jem. It is also able to tell the reader what point of view the story is told in, which becomes important later in the book.
|
|
|
|
Post by isabellajanney on Aug 14, 2016 3:27:28 GMT
This very first paragraph tells us so much about the kind of person Jem is: he doesn't give up and he is daring (sometimes a little too daring). This daring quality is brought up later in the book as well when Jem is dared to touch the Radley house. He is slightly hesitant at first, but after a couple seconds, he rushes up and touches it, having no thought as to the consequences.
|
|
|
|
Post by baileebrianne2573 on Aug 14, 2016 21:04:36 GMT
The first paragraph foreshadows a lot of the book. You find out that jem is going to break his arm but you don't know how or why this happened. This also shows you the type of person Jem is. He's passionate and determined, and that shows later in the book in many cases, specifically regarding the Radleys.
|
|
|
|
Post by maddyymorland on Aug 14, 2016 21:44:08 GMT
I believe the purpose of the first paragraph was for foreshadowing and the argument could be made that it was also to introduce a theme, but I think it could have been to draw parallels between Jem and Tom Robinson. They both have deformed arms and both are attacked by Bob Ewell. Also it allows the book to come full circle, beginning and ending with Jem breaking his arm.
|
|
|
|
Post by kailey on Aug 14, 2016 21:59:09 GMT
I agree that this passage is very important to the rest of the book. The book states that being passionate in what you believe in is very important. Also, this passage foreshadows what kind of person Jem is; passionate and strong-willed.
|
|
