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   agarner Teacher
   Middle School

   Ther are several ways that the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, differs from the movie. There are various scenes in the novel that are not in the film that limit it and maintain that the novel is superior. For example, when it is learned that Tom Robinson is dead following his conviction, is merely hours in the film. In the novel, it is several weeks. By having it only be hours the audience misses out on the significance of Tom's death. A good deal happened between Tom's conviction and his death. He, as well as Atticus, continued to fight for some time after the initial trial and that too added to Bob Ewell's anger towards Atticus and his inevitable need for revenge against him. Another way that the film differs from the novel is that it removes some characters who’s absence leaves a void. I am speaking of Atticus' sister, Aunt Alexandra. I feel she was a wonderful character who worked as a foil to Atticus. It is through her actions that the reader comes to truly understand where Atticus comes from and how educated in the ways of the world he is. The mere fact that he comes from such upstanding lineage, bordering on the arrogant and aloof, adds to strength of character. It is because of where he comes from that Atticus manages to be such an even and sound voice of reason in such tumultuous times. Without Aunt Alexandra to represent this background one sees Atticus as a "too good to be true" character.

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   Posted by agarner on Monday December 10, 2007 at 8:45 PM