Essay 9: Final Draft

Marion Philippe

English 8

Mr. Salsich

12-03-09

Heavy as a Feather:

An Essay About the Irony in To Kill a Mockingbird and My Life

TS: Irony is present everywhere; on TV, in books or in life, it acts everywhere. CM: For example, it is ironic that when watching a movie we know that the main character is heading straight into trouble. CM: Also, “Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but we wish we didn’t,” (Erica Jong) meaning that it is ironic to ask a question we already know the answer to. CS: All in all, irony can enhance a book or can confuse someone.

TS: From the irony in life to the irony in books, it can happen wherever, whenever; thus far, it happened in To Kill a Mockingbird. SD: For example, it all started in the beginning of the book when Miss Caroline threw a fit over Scout’s knowledge of books because she thought it was “best to begin reading with a fresh mind.” CM: She was frustrated over the fact that a father had taught his child how to read before anyone else. CM: Miss Caroline had a standard way of teaching her students and would disapprove any other methods that were used. SD: There was also a lot of irony when Scout stood up to the mob of people in “four dusty cars.” CM: At one point, she started having a discussion with Mr. Cunningham because “Atticus said that it was the polite thing to talk to people […]” making us, the readers, think that the mob would hurt her. CM: In fact they were mad, but they left with no problems occurring; therefore, the characters knew more than the readers did. SD: Lastly, it felt ironic that Jem didn’t tease Scout when she cried after she courageously stood up to the mob of people. CM: When in the golden days, Jem would tease Scout, but this time “he didn’t remind [Scout] that people nearly nine years old didn’t do things like that,” (adv. Clause). CM: Usually, Jem would tease Scout, and it would make her feel bad about herself. CS: Irony is found throughout To Kill a Mockingbird to enhance it, making it more realistic.

TS: There is a tremendous amount of irony throughout To Kill a Mockingbird; likewise, irony also happens in my life. SD: For example, when in a crowd of small people, I find it ironic to make myself small. CM: When it seems that everybody is looking right at you, you feel yourself close in; nevertheless, it feels as if nothing can push that invisible wall away (adv. Clause). CM: The only feeling that is being pushed away is the courage you thought you had. SD: Also, when tall, the twists and turns are unbearable, making every move harder to maneuver. CM: For example, when I play any sports, each step I take goes twice as fast as smaller people but takes up twice as much energy. CM: Similarly, in a game of basketball, since you see only up high, all the smaller people are invisible and can steal the ball. SD: Lastly, I find it ironic that Christmas is one of my favorite time of year even though all that harsh weather or the knee-deep snow that lays on the ground should make Christmas less pleasant. CM: Although Christmas is supposed to be the time of year where you sit in front of the Christmas tree with your family and share memories with them, it is ironic that we worry about the outdoors. CM: The weather and the snow come once a year and I think that we should appreciate it; therefore, if we can’t stand it, we have to adjust and make Christmas the most memorable time of the year. CS: Irony will always play a big part in my life, but it should not dictate what is going to happen next.

TS: Irony is in To Kill a Mockingbird and in my life, but it can be everywhere. CM: As Jem uses irony towards Scout, I find irony with my height. CM: Furthermore, Irony can come out from the blue or can just present itself solemnly. CS: There might be dramatic irony on TV or in books, but there will almost never have dramatic irony in our lives because we don’t know what is going to happen next.