Say Mean Matter Chart To Kill A Mockingbird

In Harper Lee's timeless masterpiece, To Kill a Mockingbird, the complexities of prejudice, justice, and morality are laid bare, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society. One powerful method to dissect these intricate themes and character motivations is through the application of the "Say-Mean-Matter" chart. This analytical tool allows for a deeper understanding of the novel's nuanced layers, revealing the profound messages embedded within its narrative. By systematically examining key passages and character interactions, we can unlock a richer appreciation of Lee's literary genius and the enduring relevance of her story.

Understanding the Say-Mean-Matter Chart

The Say-Mean-Matter chart is a critical thinking tool that helps readers analyze texts more deeply. It breaks down a passage into three components:

• Say: What does the passage literally say? This involves summarizing the text in your own words, focusing on the explicit information presented.
• Mean: What does the passage mean? This requires interpreting the underlying meaning, considering literary devices, context, and character motivations.
• Matter: Why does this passage matter? This involves evaluating the significance of the passage in relation to the overall themes, plot, and character development of the work.

Applying this framework to To Kill a Mockingbird allows us to dissect the complexities of the novel, uncovering the layers of meaning that contribute to its enduring power.

Applying the Say-Mean-Matter Chart to Key Passages

Let's explore some key passages from To Kill a Mockingbird using the Say-Mean-Matter chart:

Passage 1:

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Atticus Finch, Chapter 3)

• Say: Atticus tells Scout that you can't truly understand someone until you see things from their perspective and try to understand their experiences.
• Mean: Atticus is teaching Scout the importance of empathy and understanding. He's suggesting that judging others without considering their circumstances is unfair and inaccurate. He is encouraging her to step outside of her own privileged world to understand others.
• Matter: This quote encapsulates one of the central themes of the novel: empathy and understanding. It highlights Atticus's moral compass and his commitment to fairness, even when it's difficult. This passage is crucial because it establishes Atticus's character as a moral guide and sets the stage for the challenges he and his children will face throughout the novel. It also serves as a guiding principle for readers, urging them to approach the characters and situations in the story with compassion and an open mind.

Passage 2:

"Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." (Atticus Finch, Chapter 10)

• Say: Atticus tells Jem and Scout that they can shoot bluejays, but it's wrong to kill mockingbirds.
• Mean: Miss Maudie explains that mockingbirds are innocent creatures that only sing beautiful songs and do no harm. They represent innocence and purity. Atticus's statement is a metaphor for protecting the vulnerable and innocent in society.
• Matter: This quote is the title of the book and a central metaphor. Mockingbirds symbolize innocent people like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, who are harmed or misunderstood by society. It underscores the theme of protecting innocence and the injustice of harming those who are defenseless. It warns against the dangers of prejudice and the importance of standing up for those who cannot defend themselves.

Passage 3:

"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." (Atticus Finch, Chapter 11)

• Say: Atticus explains to Jem that true courage isn't about physical strength or weapons, but about facing a challenge even when you know you're likely to fail.
• Mean: Atticus is referring to his decision to defend Tom Robinson, knowing that he is unlikely to win against the deeply ingrained prejudice of Maycomb. He is demonstrating that moral courage means doing what is right, even when it is unpopular or difficult.
• Matter: This quote defines true courage as moral resilience and integrity. It reinforces Atticus's character as a man of principle and challenges the conventional understanding of courage. It inspires Jem (and the reader) to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be brave and to stand up for one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity.

Passage 4:

"Before I lived in peace I must live out the law. I must do my duty to my children." (Atticus Finch, Chapter 9)

• Say: Atticus tells Uncle Jack that he must follow the law and fulfill his responsibilities to his children before he can live in peace.
• Mean: Atticus is wrestling with the moral implications of defending Tom Robinson. He knows it will disrupt the peace in his family and community, but he believes it is his duty as a lawyer and a father to uphold justice and teach his children the right thing to do.
• Matter: This quote highlights Atticus's internal conflict and his unwavering commitment to justice and moral responsibility. It emphasizes the importance of doing what is right, even when it is difficult, and the impact that a parent's actions can have on their children's moral development. This passage sheds light on the sacrifices Atticus is willing to make to uphold his values and protect his children's innocence.

Passage 5:

"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." (Atticus Finch, Chapter 11)

• Say: Atticus tells Scout that people are entitled to their opinions and respect, but he must live with his own conscience first. Personal conscience is not dictated by what most people think.
• Mean: Atticus is explaining that while he respects others' opinions, his own moral compass is what guides his actions. He emphasizes the importance of individual conscience and integrity, even when it goes against popular opinion.
• Matter: This quote underscores the theme of individual morality and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of social pressure. It reinforces Atticus's role as a moral exemplar and highlights the power of individual conviction in a society plagued by prejudice. It suggests that true integrity requires the courage to follow one's conscience, regardless of the consequences.

Analyzing Character Development Through the Say-Mean-Matter Chart

The Say-Mean-Matter chart can also be used to analyze character development throughout the novel. By examining key passages that reveal a character's thoughts, actions, and interactions, we can gain a deeper understanding of their motivations, growth, and impact on the story.

Atticus Finch:

Atticus is the moral center of To Kill a Mockingbird. His unwavering commitment to justice, empathy, and integrity shapes the lives of his children and challenges the prejudices of Maycomb. Applying the Say-Mean-Matter chart to his dialogues and actions reveals the depth of his character and his profound influence on the narrative.

• Example: When Atticus defends Tom Robinson, he faces intense criticism and animosity from the community. However, he remains steadfast in his decision, explaining to Jem and Scout that he couldn't hold his head up or tell them what to do if he didn't defend Tom. Analyzing this through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals Atticus's deep sense of moral obligation and his dedication to teaching his children about justice and equality.

Scout Finch:

Scout's journey from a naive and impulsive child to a more empathetic and understanding young woman is a central theme of the novel. Using the Say-Mean-Matter chart to examine her interactions and observations reveals her evolving perspective on the world around her.

• Example: In the beginning of the novel, Scout struggles to understand the complexities of racism and prejudice. However, as she witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson and observes Atticus's unwavering commitment to justice, she begins to question the prevailing attitudes of Maycomb. Analyzing her reactions and questions through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals her growing awareness of social injustice and her developing sense of empathy.

Jem Finch:

Jem's character undergoes a significant transformation as he grapples with the harsh realities of prejudice and injustice. The Say-Mean-Matter chart can be used to analyze his emotional responses and his evolving understanding of the world.

• Example: After the trial of Tom Robinson, Jem is deeply disillusioned by the injustice of the verdict. He struggles to reconcile his belief in fairness with the reality of racial prejudice. Analyzing his anger and disappointment through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals his growing awareness of the complexities of human nature and the challenges of fighting against systemic inequality.

Boo Radley:

Boo Radley is a mysterious and misunderstood character who represents the theme of prejudice and the dangers of judging others based on appearances. Applying the Say-Mean-Matter chart to the passages that involve Boo reveals the depth of his humanity and the tragic consequences of social isolation.

• Example: In the end of the novel, Boo Radley emerges from his seclusion to save Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell. This act of courage and selflessness reveals the true nature of Boo's character and challenges the preconceived notions that the children (and the community) had about him. Analyzing this through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the importance of looking beyond appearances and recognizing the humanity in others, even those who are different or misunderstood.

Exploring Themes Through the Say-Mean-Matter Chart

To Kill a Mockingbird explores several important themes, including prejudice, justice, courage, empathy, and the loss of innocence. The Say-Mean-Matter chart can be used to analyze how these themes are developed throughout the novel and how they contribute to its overall message.

Prejudice:

Prejudice is a pervasive force in Maycomb, shaping the lives of its citizens and influencing the outcome of the Tom Robinson trial. Analyzing passages that depict racial prejudice through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the insidious nature of discrimination and its devastating consequences.

• Example: The racist remarks and actions of characters like Bob Ewell and the members of the jury highlight the deep-seated prejudice that exists in Maycomb. Analyzing these passages through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the irrationality and injustice of racial discrimination and its impact on the lives of innocent people like Tom Robinson.

Justice:

The pursuit of justice is a central theme of To Kill a Mockingbird, as Atticus Finch fights to defend Tom Robinson against overwhelming odds. Analyzing passages that depict the trial and its aftermath through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the complexities of the legal system and the challenges of achieving true justice in a prejudiced society.

• Example: The trial of Tom Robinson exposes the flaws and biases of the legal system, as the jury is swayed by racial prejudice rather than the evidence presented. Analyzing the trial scenes through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the limitations of the legal system in addressing systemic inequality and the importance of individual courage in challenging injustice.

Courage:

Courage is a recurring theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, exemplified by Atticus Finch's decision to defend Tom Robinson and his unwavering commitment to his principles. Analyzing passages that depict acts of courage through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the true meaning of bravery and its power to inspire others.

• Example: Atticus's decision to stand his ground against the mob outside the jail and his calm demeanor during the trial demonstrate his moral courage and his determination to do what is right, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Analyzing these scenes through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and the power of individual courage to challenge injustice.

Empathy:

Empathy is a key theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, as Atticus Finch teaches his children the importance of understanding and compassion. Analyzing passages that emphasize empathy through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the power of perspective-taking and its ability to bridge divides and promote understanding.

• Example: Atticus's advice to Scout to "climb into [another person's] skin and walk around in it" encapsulates the theme of empathy and highlights the importance of trying to understand others' experiences and perspectives. Analyzing this quote through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the transformative power of empathy and its ability to foster compassion and break down prejudices.

Loss of Innocence:

The loss of innocence is a poignant theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, as Jem and Scout confront the harsh realities of prejudice and injustice. Analyzing passages that depict their growing awareness of the world's complexities through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the challenges of growing up in a society plagued by inequality and the importance of preserving one's moral compass in the face of adversity.

• Example: Jem's disillusionment after the trial of Tom Robinson represents the loss of innocence, as he realizes that the world is not always fair or just. Analyzing his emotional response through the Say-Mean-Matter chart reveals the painful process of coming to terms with the complexities of human nature and the challenges of maintaining hope in the face of injustice.

Conclusion

The Say-Mean-Matter chart is a powerful tool for unlocking the complex themes and character motivations in To Kill a Mockingbird. By systematically analyzing key passages and interactions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the novel's enduring message about prejudice, justice, courage, and empathy. Through this analytical framework, we can appreciate the nuances of Harper Lee's writing and the enduring relevance of her story in today's world. The application of this chart not only enhances our comprehension of the novel but also encourages critical thinking and empathy, essential qualities for navigating the complexities of our own society. To Kill a Mockingbird challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths and to strive for a more just and compassionate world, and the Say-Mean-Matter chart provides a valuable framework for engaging with this important message.