Essay 4: Final Draft

Marion Philippe

English 8

Mr. Salsich

10-07-09

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions:

An Essay of How Atticus Feels About Education

#1: To some people, education is just another obstacle we have to come across. #2: However, wherever we are, whether it’s in the streets or in school, we should always be learning something. #3: Education makes us who we are. #4: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee writes about a character who shows one of the true meanings of education.

TS: In the ending of chapter three of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee brings up Atticus, a well educated man, into the picture (app. S-V Split). SD: To Atticus education is more than just numbers and letters. CM: At one point, Scout and Atticus are sitting on the front porch talking about education when Atticus says, “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along better with all kinds of folks.” (Lee,39). CM: Furthermore, this 'trick' is courtesy and respect, which is exactly what Calpurnia was trying to teach Scout in chapter three. SD: Also, Atticus wants Scout to realize that it does matter where you get an education. CM: Scout said, “ You can teach me[…]” but Atticus replied, “No I can’t,” (Lee,39) which means that even though Atticus got home schooled when he was a kid, it would be better to have teacher with experience. CM: Atticus is also trying to teach Scout that even though she has a lot of knowledge, she should listen to Atticus because he has had far more experience than her. SD: Lastly, Atticus also has to teach Scout that education always comes with obstacles. CM: For example, Scout has to face Ms. Caroline, who has a very different way of teaching. CM: If Scout can overcome the obstacles, she is headed towards a great education. CS: If Atticus can teach Scout, imagine what school can teach her?

TS: Atticus and I can relate because education has played a big part in our lives. SD: Atticus encouraged Scout to go to school, my family encourages me to go back to school every day. CM: If no one is pushing you, than it feels like nobody cares about what you're doing with your life. CM: However, with the encouragement that I’m getting, it helps me push myself further. SD: As I see my sister today, I wonder, “Can I ever go on the same path as her?” CM: I think there should always be a role model that you should follow because it helps you set a goal, which will set a path for you to follow. CM: No matter how many ups or downs my sister faced, I learned that it is okay and that at least you succeed in your mind. SD: Lastly, I feel as if education teaches you more than just letters and numbers, for example, confidence. CM: Through my education I learned responsibility and time management, which gave me more confidence for the future. CM: Everyday I go to school, trying to take on more responsibilities to boost my confidence more every single day. (Participle) CS: If Scout learns from her father Atticus, than we should be able to learn from ours too.

#1: Education is the most important skill to have in life. #2: We should have education not only to learn everyday lessons but also to learn life lessons. #3: Even though there are many ups and downs, we should always fight through them or else what would happen? #4: Atticus and I are just two humans that think education is great, how about you?