Significance+of+items+in+the+tree+-+class+notes

What is the significance of the things left in the tree? Soap dolls – being watched, observed. Important enough to have a model made from them. Lots of time and effort. Proof he is alive and not a ‘maniac’, thoughtful, considerate, careful. Soap won’t be missed, so Nathan Radley won’t know. Implies fear of discovery and fear of being re-confined? He clearly has a chance of escape. Soap cleanses – symbolic of cleansing attitudes? Soap is malleable – like the children. Could its malleability tell us he’s changed? Reminds us of a prisoner’s labour. Spelling medal – we’re told he won this – Harper Lee lets us know but the children don’t. He must be intelligent. Evidence of a normal childhood? Links with idea of a narrative – must be bright as putting things in the tree. Most prized possession - shows how important the kids are to him. Life’s been ruined – nothing else in it. Childhood he misses – taken away and trying to communicate this to the kids. Tree is like a portal - can’t get past it but can get a little peek into his world. The watch – seen him with Atticus’ and realised it was a huge responsibility and wanted to give Jem a gift he could work on. Shows he trusts Jem. Symbolism of the clock stopping mirrors Boo’s suspended animation – like Sleeping Beauty. He is rejecting his father’s gift and his relationship with his dad was broken – like the watch. Stabbed his dad with scissors (violence) Appearances can be deceptive. Broken but isn’t? At heart he’s still a child. It’s like an inheritance but he’ll never have a child? What is the symbolism of the tree? Nathan Radley is a liar as he tries to make them believe the tree is sick when it isn’t. Atticus knows the tree is fine, but doesn’t question Radley on it. Is Atticus trying to teach his children about the necessity of NOT getting involved – detachment – as he’s a lawyer. In a twisted way, Atticus understands that Radley is trying to keep Boo safe… Trees represent life – stuff inside shows Boo’s life. Concrete represents the prison that Boo is in – controlled by Nathan. Tree represents hope. What does Jem understand that Scout doesn’t? he knows it’s Boo – he’s scared and curious. Is Jem more scared of Nathan/? Protective over Scout. Atticus tells hime to leave them alone. His character is thoughtful and he is becoming less scared. Lees he says, less likely to self incriminate. Why does he react as he does? Cross as his game’s been spoiled. Anger at the injustice. True of his character - Walter. Why does Atticus? What is the symbolism of the morphodite? Women and men are similar. Represents Jem’s achievements. Colour is only skin deep. You can love unattractive things! Inconstant. Further info about Boo He’s alive and communicative. Intelligent. Misunderstood – not the ‘malevolent phantom’ of legend. How are we reminded how small Maycomb is? People from another town came to help. Only 1 fire truck. Physically small. Everyone knows everyone – all out for fire. Gossip spreads v quickly. This intimacy and gossip would make it very hard for Boo to escape or live a normal life, even if he could get out of the house.