Essay 5: Final Draft

Marion Philippe

English 8

Mr. Salsich

10-14-09

Boo!:

An Essay on the Meaning of Privacy in To Kill a Mockingbird

#1: As the world turns, our problems always come with it. #2: We always try to keep them to ourselves no matter what. #3: Somewhat, it seems as if everybody always come snooping around, but we always find a way to hide from them. #4: In chapter five of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee writes about the importance of privacy.

TS: In pages 62-66, Harper Lee shows us that as long as Scout, Jem and Dill mind their own business, the more they will have their privacy. SD: It all started when the ‘three musketeers’ wanted to post a note on Boo Radley’s place, which caused a conflict between Atticus and them. CM: When they went down to Boo Radley‘s house, they got the surprise of their life, Atticus. CM: They got lectured for, “putting [Boo Radleys] life’s history on display for the edification of the neighborhood,” (Lee,65). SD: Secondly, privacy wasn’t just a theme, but it was also part of the characters live’s in the book. CM: For example, it seemed that the more the kids needed privacy, the less they had it (Antithesis). CM: Every day they played Boo Radley, their made up game, the more they had to hide it from the grown ups. SD: Lastly, if the kids can learn that if you let someone have their privacy, then maybe they will let you have yours. CM: “What Mr. Radley did was his own business,” (Lee,65) which means that they understood that no matter how curious you are, you have to respect the person's privacy. CM: Furthermore, they have learned and hopefully will not disturb anyone else, even if one of them heard a wicked laugh from the basement. CS: During this experience, the kids apprehended another life lesson.

TS: Privacy is not only written in To Kill a Mockingbird, but it is also written in my life. SD: When we hear the word privacy, we usually think of it's dramatic action or meaning; however, to me it means that when somebody doesn’t want a secret to be revealed, it should be kept that way. CM: There might be some drama or harsh words over it, but it is worth keeping it ‘under the radar’. CM: If it can't 'stay under the radar', it will be your choice to see how you handle it because it is your privacy. SD: When you have a secret, it feels as if people always want to take it from you. CM: Paranoia comes over you, like a cloud coming over the sun (app. closer). CM: Your secret, your privacy, has been taken from you and it feels like a part of you is missing. SD: However, privacy is a good entity up to a point where you have to act. CM: Sometimes hiding yourself from others when in deep trouble will just make the matter worse, which will lead to who knows what. CM: When you feel that a person is there to support you, it will feel much better. CS: Privacy can be hurtful to some or helpful to others, but to me it is comfort.

#1: Privacy is very important. #2: If there wasn‘t any privacy, we wouldn‘t have anything to ourselves. #3: If we knew every detail about each other, would we respect each other? Would we look at each other the same way we do now? #4: No matter what, privacy should always be a part of us; it makes us who we are.