Movie Notes for TKAM

Name_________________________________Date__________________Period_______________ Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird Symbol: something that represents something else: something that stands for or represents something else, especially an object representing an abstraction (Bing.com dictionary) For a symbol to be truly a symbol, it must be repeated throughout a work. It may be difficult picking out symbols if you do not understand the purpose or the function of the symbol. The objects that appear behind the opening credits of To Kill a Mockingbird include a pocket watch, harmonica, pearl necklace, whistle, marbles, and a child's drawing of a bird- items that gain meaning as the story unfolds. The sequence is a good introduction for the story's symbolism and themes. It also shows (to quote Harper Lee again) how a film can have "a life of its own as a work of art." Notice how the camera moves in, like a child's vision, to close-ups of these valued objects, tracking from left to right along the row of treasures carefully arranged. Notice how the nostalgic music and humming of a child create a mood. And notice what happens to the drawing at the end of the sequence. ACTIVITY Pay careful attention to the opening sequence in the film. For each symbol, determine what is happening in the scene with the object and what it might mean or represent. Items seen in opening credits of the film Symbolic Meaning pocket watch harmonica pearl necklace whistle marbles drawing of a bird 1. Who is telling the story? Why is it being told? 2. How does it represent its subject- especially with reference to period? (representation, use of stereotypes, representation of the past) 3. Who are the characters in the film? 4. Did the actors make you forget they were acting? How? 5. What vivid visual images did you note? What did they make you feel or think about? 6. What is the film’s setting? 7. In what scene was an actor’s voice (pitch, volume, expression) particularly effective? Why? 8. What scenes can you understand even without dialogue? Why? 9. What are the main plot elements? (Conflict, resolution, rising action, etc.) 10. Select a scene that must have been difficult to act. How did the actor make his or her body movements appropriate and convincing? 11. What is the theme of the film? 12. Describe a scene in which facial expression was important. What feelings were developed? Were words necessary? 13. What is the mood of the film? How is it achieved? 14. Did the actors establish their characters more through dialogue or through movement and facial expressions? Give an example. 15. Other than those used in the opening credits, what symbols did you notice? What ideas did they symbolize? 16. Was there anything about the acting, set, or costumes that bothered you or interfered with your watching of the film?