Pattern Guide for
To Kill a Mockingbird
Directions:
Consider Scout’s attitude toward the following concepts and characters.
These columns require you to consider her attitudes towards these things
twice – the way she feels at the beginning of the book, and the way she feels
at the end. Whenever possible, include the page numbers on which this
attitude is alluded to.
Characters and
Concepts
Prejudice
African Americans
Atticus
Boo Radley
Bravery
Justice
Judging
Lowell 2002, BYU
Scout’s attitude in the
beginning
Scout’s attitude in the
end
Pattern Guide for
To Kill a Mockingbird
Purpose:
This pattern guide is an excellent tool to provoke deep thinking by the
students. It encourages students to focus on a character and the changes
that take place in him/her throughout the novel. They are able to see the
changes and watch a flat character become round in their own minds.
Instructions:
Have students fill out the first half of the chart provided after reading the
first half of To Kill a Mockingbird. Allow about 15 minutes to do so. When
the class has finished the book, give the students another 15-20 minutes to
fill out the second half of the chart. After doing so, lead a class discussion
on the differences in the mentality of the character in the beginning and
the end of the book. Talk about how experiences and people can shape and
mold our ideas about life.
Assessment:
This activity gives students a chance to really chart the internal progression
of a character in the book. As one reads a book or novel, sometimes changes
take place in characters, but so gradually that they do not notice. This gives
physical evidence to the students that this change does take place, and they
are able to see where this character began and ended internally. When
finished, have each student write a one-page essay about Scout and how her
attitude changed throughout the book.
Lowell 2002, BYU
Pattern Guide Example
Characters and
Concepts
Prejudice
African Americans
Atticus
Boo Radley
Bravery
Justice
Judging
Lowell 2002, BYU
Scout’s attitude in the
beginning
Doesn’t know it exists,
Naïve to it, doesn’t feel
it…
They are like everyone
else…accepts them and
loves them as equals
She loves him as a dad
but sometimes wonders
why he is the way he is
Scared of him, thinks
he’s crazy, believes the
rumors about him
Bravery is fights in the
schoolyard, playing with
boys and doing dares
Everyone probably gets
what they deserve in
the end
She doesn’t do it; she is
a good person and
accepts people…
Scout’s attitude in the
end
Realized its existence,
saw it in people,
realized she had been
Realizes they are hated
by some and that their
lives are different
Understands her dad’s
intentions and his pure,
brave heart-good man
He is a harmless hero
who was victim of gossip
and judgment
Bravery is standing up
for what you believe in
and doing what’s right
Justice is great – but
not everyone is able to
receive it.
Realizes she WAS
judgmental about
others and wants to
stop.