Sunday, April 1, 2012

A is for..........

First day of the A-Z Blogging Challenge. Here we go.

A is for..........Atticus.

Atticus Finch is one of the most famous characters in American literature. While he's not my favorite character in To Kill a Mockingbird, that would have to be Ms. Jean Louise, he's certainly a close second.

Atticus is one of those rare characters that transcends the page to become a symbol in popular culture. He is a symbol for courage in the face of injustice, for decency and honor. Compare someone to Atticus Finch, and most people know what you mean. It is high praise indeed.

I'm not sure there has ever been a better pairing of actor and character than Gregory Peck and Atticus Finch. I know Mr. Peck starred in numerous films, but to me, he will always be Atticus (definitely not the guy in The Omen).

I've had this picture of Peck/Atticus in my classroom for years, and kids are always asking about the old guy in the rocking chair. Without batting an eye, I say he's my grandpa.

They buy it every time.

Once I've had my fun, I set them straight, encouraging them to watch the movie. Heck, if they're feeling crazy, they might even want to read the book. Who knows, it might just change their life.

21 comments:

  1. you should have the first pic in the classroom - makes him look cooler! (love the book - never saw the movie)

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  2. Atticus Finch is amazing. Amazing character and amazing book.

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  3. I love the old movies, especially Gregory Peck. Feather

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  4. And, the name rocks. Great movie. Really great book. Visiting from the A-Z challenge. Best- Joe

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  5. Atticus would be the perfect grandpa.

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  6. One of the best books I was forced to read.

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  7. Yours is a sensible A to Z theme...one in which you should succeed. Mine...well, that's another story. I had to laugh at a comment you made on your previous post about your good intentions with A to Z organization. I had those same intentions. I wrote a list. That's it, if you're waiting for more you'll be bitterly disappointed. So, to me, having two posts ready sounds like luxury!
    Rhia #873 in the A to Z list.

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  8. That was the best book, I think I will read it over again now, to see how much has changed, or not. And Gregory Peck was so good in the film. It's good to see you again and glad I stirred up some old memories.

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  9. Atticus Finch is one of my Literary Loves.
    I love that you tell your students that he is your grandad.
    You can't read TKM too many times.
    Go A-Z Challenge!

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  10. To Kill a Mockingbird is such a great story. Great A to Z post.

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  11. I can see why they buy it. The resemblance is eerie ...

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  12. Excellent a choice. You should make all your students watch that movie...after they have read the book. :)

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  13. I loved the movie but I REEEEAAALLLYYYY LOVED the book. Harper Lee did such an amazing job developing the characters. The fact it was her only book is mystifying.

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  14. I love Atticus. We have a cat named Scout. And everything in that book is excellent--it really could change lives!

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  15. LOVE Atticus, and the first pic. You're right - Peck IS Atticus.

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  16. Pretty cool that the picture sparks interest in the students. Hopefully, they follow up with a viewing of the movie or reading the book.

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  17. I love the Atticus Superman pic, how cool. Gregory Peck was such a great actor and I can't imagine how anyone could have portrayed Atticus any better. Love that the students believe he is your grandpa, too funny. :D

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  18. It's incomprehensible to even consider another actor playing Atticus. Brilliant casting move. Great post, too. Good luck with the rest of them.

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