Dialectical Journals

Dialectical Journals

Summarize and question Pose questions (the first step to analysis) Read closely for details, images, diction, etc. Notice patterns Make inferences about characters, symbols, etc. Document quotes Write analysis justifying an assertion Dialectical Journals

Inferences: “the deriving of one idea from another” Assertions: “a positive statement or declaration, often without support or reason” Commentary: “anything serving to illustrate a point, prompt a realization” Analysis: “this process as a method of studying the nature of something or of determining its essential features and their relations” Dictionary.com Definitions

Character analysis: tom robinson

Identify evidence about the character (words, actions, reactions) Use quotation marks around quotes and cite page numbers Based on the evidence, make an inference about the character Write commentary that explains how an/or why the evidence leads to or supports the inference Character Analysis

Evidence Inference-Commentary • “Mr. Ewell didn’t seem to help her none, and neither did the chillum, and I knowed she didn’t have no nickels to spare” (Lee 256). • Tom Robinson demonstrates sympathy for Mayella because of her situation. He is aware of her father’s lack of concern. He denies Mayella’s offer of money because he knows that she has no money to spare. He is very unselfish and kind.

Evidence Inference-Commentary • “Tom denied it three times in one breath, but quietly, with no hint of whining in his voice, and I found myself believing him in spite of his protesting too much” (Lee 257). • Tom is a strong, honorable man. He refuses to demand sympathy from those who believe him to be guilty based only on his skin color. Scout believes Tom after listening to him claim his innocence in one breath. She bases this conclusion on Atticus’ advice to listen rather than watch to decide if a person is guilty or not.

Evidence Inference-Commentary • “I didn’t wanta be ugly, I didn’t wanta push her or nothing” (Lee 260). • Even though Tom’s life is at risk, he puts Mayella’s well-being before his own. He has a good heart.

Evidence Inference-Commentary • “It occurred to me that in their own way, Tom Robinson’s manners were as good as Atticus’s” (Lee 260). • Scout’s comparison of Tom Robinson to Atticus elevates his morality since Atticus is sort of the God figure in the novel-the one that upholds justice to the highest standard.

Evidence Inference-Commentary • “Tried to help her, I says” (Lee 263). • Tom helps out Mayella for no other reason but the goodness in his heart. He is like the good Samaritan in the Bible. Luke 10:25-37 http://www.orthocuban.com/2009/02/good-samaritans-and-waiterswaitresses/

Assertion-Select an inference (your opinion) to become the basis of your assertion and develop it into a complete sentence Evidence-Integrate the evidence into your sentence Commentary-Develop your commentary to explain how the evidence supports the assertion. Commentary- Extend your commentary explaining why your evidence supports the assertion, what it reveals, etc. Four-Sentence paragraph

Similar to the parable of the good Samaritan in the Bible, Tom Robinson helps out Mayelladue to the goodness in his heart as illustrated in this quote: “Mr. Ewell didn’t seem to help her none, and neither did the chillum, and I knowed she didn’t have no nickels to spare” (Lee 256). The good Samaritan helped the Jew laying on the side of the road even though many Jewish people did not treat Samaritans justly during Biblical times. Similarly,as an African man in the 1930s, Tom Robinson was not treated fairly by many people of the white race; however, he still helped Mayella because she was in need. Tom Robinson’s act of kindness reveals his compassionate and just nature. Paragraph: Four Sentences

Now, it is your turn 

Dialectical Journals