PRACTICE ENGLISH ESSAY: 2008 (Jeffrey Khoo 9A)

Q: Memorable texts reveal stimulating ideas. Discuss how the composer has used
various techniques to make the text engaging and memorable.
A:
Texts that are memorable reveal ideas that stimulate the reader both intellectually and
emotionally and challenge the point of view of society. Memorable texts engage and
encourage contemplation in the reader and as such establish themselves as memorable.
Harper Lees To Kill A Mockingbird (1960) reveals stimulating ideas linked to racial prejudice,
courage and maturity.
The commonality of racial prejudice in a society is brought about by misunderstandings,
causes tension within a community and stimulates a readers moral compass. In the 1950s,
when To Kill a Mockingbird was written, a series of civil rights movements spurred by racial
prejudice was starting. The racial prejudice that started this movement was truly evident in
the society of Scouts childhood 20 years before, as shown when Atticus speaks to Uncle Jack:
Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up is
something I dont pretend to understand. Descriptive language in this quote highlights the
unjust yet memorable and emotionally stirring effects of racial prejudice. This is further
explored when Mrs Dubose insults Scout and Jem: Your fathers no better than the n1ggers
and trash he works for! The harsh profanity creates a stimulating and striking imagery that
reveals the extent of the deep seated hatred between races that prejudice can cause. Atticus
challenges this notion in his closing argument: The evil assumption that all Negroes lie, all
Negroes steal, all Negro men are not to be trusted around women is a lie as black as Tom
Robinsons skin. The similar and contained imagery reveal an idea that challenges the
viewpoint of Atticus society and also asks the reader to reflect on their own viewpoint. By
revealing stimulating ideas that cut to the core of a society, prejudice helps to make a text
memorable.
Courage, in all its many forms, is characterised by the will to fight for ones beliefs in the face
of adversity, and provokes intellectual discussion and emotional displays in readers. The
attitude of African-Americans in the 1950s civil rights movements was one of having a
willingness to stand up for their rights and intent on change. This courage is displayed when
Atticus tells the kids of Mrs Duboses death: I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead
of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. This memorable
personification of courage portrays the intellectually stimulating idea of courage as a varying
concept, challenging the stereotypical view of courage. Courage is displayed by Atticus and
Tom Robinson in Atticus closing argument, where Atticus asserts of Tom: And so a quiet,
respectable, humble Negro with the unmitigated temerity to feel sorry for a white woman
has had to put his word against two white peoples. The descriptive language in this quote
forces the reader to think deeply about how courage is present in all aspects of society.
Courage gives way to change, as is displayed when Heck Tate reasons with Atticus after Bob
Ewells death: Let the dead bury the dead this time, Mr Finch. Let the dead bury the dead.
The repetition, and the juxtaposition of Hecks current attitude to his previous attitude,
reveals that an individuals courage can inspire societal change. It is this inspiring,
complicated and empowering concept of courage that stimulates readers and enriches a text.
Maturity is realised once one develops ones own beliefs and values a memorable idea that
is relevant to all individuals. Certainly, the race riots of the 1950s influenced and shaped
many young peoples beliefs. Scouts understanding of the world is shaped by Atticus, who
tells her: You never really understand a man until you climb into his skin and walk around in

it. The hyperbole hides a deeply thoughtful, engaging and memorable idea of compassion.
Even at the trial, Scout is influenced by society when she talks to Dolphus Raymond: I had a
feeling that I shouldnt be here listening to this sinful man who had mixed children and didnt
care who knew it. Characterising Dolphus Raymond as sinful emphasises Scouts immaturity
and inability to think for herself. In contrast, after the trial, Jem could be said to have let go of
his childhood innocence when he laments to Scout: If theres one kind of folks, why cant
they get along? If theyre all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other?
These powerful rhetorical questions reveal a darker truth that stimulates discussion and
reflection in the reader. The loss of childhood innocence happens when one experiences a
memorable event that develops ones beliefs.
Memorable texts are established and enriched by ideas which stimulate, move and promote
discussion in the reader. They reveal ideas which challenge societys attitudes towards
significant issues. By discussing the engaging concepts of racial prejudice, courage and
maturity, To Kill a Mockingbird is established as a text that is stimulating and memorable.
(THANKS AGAIN! )