I stand for justice, calm and wise,
I see the truth behind the lies.
I teach my children right from wrong,
With quiet strength, I carry on.
Who am I, with steady hands,
Fighting for what’s fair in all the lands?
Atticus Finch
“The world’s changing, Troy. You just a man. You gotta change with it.”
Rose
A compelling opening sentence or element that grabs the reader’s attention and encourages them to continue reading.
Hook
The snake silently slithered through the grass
Alliteration
I stand by my friend, through thick and thin,
A loyal companion, I’ll never give in.
I speak truth, though I don’t always say,
What’s on my mind in the clearest way.
Who am I, with wisdom and care,
A friend to Troy, always there?
Bono
I’m a man who faces a world of fear,
Accused of something I didn’t do here.
With strength and courage, I stand my ground,
Though justice is often hard to be found.
Who am I, with a heart so true,
Fighting for freedom, but facing the blue?
Tom Robinson
"Some people build fences to keep people out... and other people build fences to keep people in."
Bono
A narrative technique where the story shifts back in time to an earlier event, providing important context or background information.
Flashback
The air smells like the back of a summer day. You know that smell. The earth’s been baking all day long and now it’s cooling off, the smell of the earth changing.
Imagery
I dream of a future beyond the game,
To rise above and make my name.
My father’s shadow looms so tall,
But I strive to stand and break that wall.
Who am I, with hope in my eyes,
Chasing my dreams, reaching for the skies?
Cory
I’m a young girl with a curious mind,
In Maycomb’s streets, I often find
Myself asking questions, seeking truth,
Learning from life and my own youth.
Though my temper’s sharp and quick to flare,
I’m brave enough to question what's fair.
Who am I, with eyes so wide,
Growing up, yet still with pride?
Scout Finch
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... [t]ill you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."
Atticus
The central message or underlying idea explored in a literary work, often reflecting universal concepts
Theme
I wrestled with Death for three days and three nights, and you know what he done? He come on in and he took my breath away.
Personification
I fought battles, both on the field and in life,
But now I struggle with family and strife.
I dreamt of greatness but was held back,
Now I build fences to cover the cracks.
Who am I, proud and strong,
Trying to right what’s gone wrong?
Troy
I’m growing up fast, with a brave heart,
I look out for my sister, play my part.
I dream of adventure and what’s right,
But sometimes I wonder about the fight.
Who am I, learning life’s way,
Becoming a man day by day?
Jem Finch
"It's a sin to kill a mockingbird."
Atticus
The attitude or emotional quality conveyed by the writer or speaker in a work
Tone
The courthouse was a miniature replica of the family circle.
Metaphor
I build not walls, but fences strong,
To keep my loved ones where they belong.
Through love and loyalty, I take my stand,
Wanting my family close at hand.
I’ve weathered pain, but I still strive,
To keep the ones I love alive.
Who am I, with heart so true,
Building fences to keep them too?
Rose
I uphold traditions, strict and old,
With manners, decorum, and a heart of gold.
In a house of chaos, I stand refined,
Teaching what’s proper, what’s aligned.
I’m proud of my family, my heritage dear,
Though my ways sometimes spark frustration and fear.
Who am I, with a vision clear,
Of what’s "right" for the ones I hold near?
Aunt Alexandra
"Hey, Boo."
Scout
A particular form of language spoken by people in a specific region or group, is often characterized by unique vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation.
Dialect
Her smile was as bright as the sun
Simile
I follow my music, though it’s not easy,
Chasing a dream that’s not always breezy.
I ask for help, though pride’s in the way,
I want to find my path, come what may.
Who am I, with a song in my soul,
Struggling to reach a distant goal?
Lyons