You have drawn a number to determine if you are part of the inner or outer circle for this group discussion.  You have all been given a list of questions that you have helped to create and have made notations in response to these questions.  Below you will find a description of each circle’s responsibilities during the discussion.

Inner Circle - You are responsible for leading a focused discussion on the following questions about Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.  You must speak clearly, one at a time, and must cite examples and quotes from the text to support your opinions.

Outer Circle – While the group in the inner circle is discussion To Kill a Mockingbird, you are responsible for listening carefully and taking notes on their discussion.  If you hear something you disagree with, want to elaborate on, or wish to correct, please make a note beside that question.  When the inner circle has finished their discussion you will be able to rebut their statements or add to their discussion.  You may also wish to bring up questions of your own.  It is important that you use the text to support your opinions.

1. Discuss the character of Scout.  How does Harper Lee characterize scout.  Be specific.  What does Scout look like?  What do others say about Scout?  What does Scout say?  What does Scout do?  What does Scout think and feel?  What do all of these things tell you about Scouts character?  Be sure to give specific evidence from the text for support.  Is Scout a reliable narrator?  Why or why not?  Be specific.  Can Scout be believed?  Why or why not?  How does the story being told from Scout’s point of view color the story?
2. What is the setting of this novel?  Describe the setting.  Why is the setting important?  How does the setting influence the actions/thoughts/feelings of the characters?  Be specific.  How and why does Harper Lee develop the setting in Part I of the novel?  Be sure to cite specific examples.  Also, be sure to discuss information you found while researching the 1930’s in the library.
3. To Kill a Mockingbird shows human beings at their best and their worst.  Discuss characters in the novel who exemplify the best of human nature.  Discuss characters whose behavior exemplifies the worst of human nature.  Do you think all human beings struggle with this duel nature?  Explain.  What role does environment and upbringing play in this struggle?
4. In what ways do Scout, Jem, and Dill experience a rite of passage?  What lessons about life and human nature do they learn because of their childhood experiences?  Discuss several experiences and be sure to explain how the children grow and change as a result of these experiences.  Be sure to cite specific examples from the text.  Also, be sure to focus on experiences from both Parts I and II.
5. What lessons did you learn about human beings from this novel?  Discuss these lessons.