A Little

Word
Called
Respect
Riley Annon, Logan Ruano, and
Connor Sapien

Period 3

What is Respect?
The dictionary defines respect as a way of treating or thinking about something or someone.
People can respect each other even if they have different viewpoints.
Respect is a key point in every society, no matter what time period.
Atticus is constantly teaching his kids to treat every citizen of Maycomb with the same amount
of respect.

"A Decent Respect to the Opinions of

Mankind" by Louis Henken
This article uses examples of
how people have different
opinions using the dialogue
from a court case trial.
By implementing respect into
even the most chaotic
situations, people would be
more willing to listen to you or
behave well mannered.

"Name One Thing You Respect About

One Another" by Ashley Flag
Two Presidential Candidates
discussing the same question.

This article uses a current event

to show how being respectful
face-to-face, doesn't make up for
being rude behind their back.
If you wouldn't say it in front of
that person, then you definitely
shouldn't say away from them,
anonymously, or on social media.
Use Mrs. Davies' THINK chart.

Innocent or Oblivious?
Throughout the novel, Atticus teaches his children to respect
everyone, no matter who they are.
"An inquiring soul in the middle of the room said, 'Why dont they
like the Jews, you reckon, Miss Gates?' 'I dont know, Henry. They
contribute to every society they live in, and most of all, they are a
deeply religious people. Hitlers trying to do away with religion, so
maybe he doesnt like them for that reason.'" (Lee 248)

Henry and most of the children, besides Cecil Jacobs, is still quite
innocent. They don't quite understand why there is so much hate
in the world. Ms. Gates on the other hand is oblivious seeing back
then they weren't as involved in current events around the world.

The Golden Rule

The story focused on the lack of respect between both races and
genders. Scout is still a child and doesn't quite understand their
reasoning behind all of their hatred.
"'Then why did Cecil say you defended niggers? He made it sound
like you were runnin a still.' Atticus sighed. 'Im simply defending a
Negrohis names Tom Robinson.'" (Lee 77)
Cecil Jacobs definitely didn't make this observation by himself, he
probably overheard his parents discussing this topic. Cecil says this
because he doesn't realize that this comment will have
consequences. He also doesn't fear what is coming towards him
because Scout is a girl and he does not expect her to fight back.

What Goes Around, Comes

Around . . .

People that respect each other earn respect back from others. This virtue is an important aspect in every society, no matter what
time period you currently occupy. Atticus is kind and well mannered to every one in the town, therefore he earns almost all of the
citizens respect back. In fact, he has even earned the manners of Mrs. Dubose who makes the most racial remarks in all of
Maycomb County.

"When the three of us came to her house, Atticus would sweep off his hat, wave gallantly to her and say, 'Good evening, Mrs.
Dubose! You look like a picture this evening.' I never heard Atticus say like a picture of what. He would tell her the courthouse
news, and would say he hoped with all his heart shed have a good day tomorrow." (Lee 97)

This is ironic seeing how she is constantly harassing everyone that is in her radar. Yet earlier that morning, she scolded Scout for
not addressing her properly. "We could do nothing to please her. If I said as sunnily as I could, 'Hey, Mrs. Dubose,' I would receive
for an answer, 'Dont you say hey to me, you ugly girl! You say good afternoon, Mrs. Dubose!' (Lee 99)

Counter Claim
Most of the story, people do the
complete opposite from respecting
others' opinions. In fact, the entire
town is not very open minded.
There are mobs, bullies, and
radicals who all believe in one
thing: Maycomb Country should be
color free.

A diagram representing how all

religions should be treated equally.

Rebuttal
Although, towards the end of the trial, people started to see that
Tom Robinson wasn't guilty. However, they still assumed he was a
rapist just because if the color of his skin.
'Well, from the way you put it, itd just take five minutes.' Jem
raised his eyebrows. There are things you dont understand,' he
said, and I was too weary to argue. But I must have been
reasonably awake, or I would not have received the impression that
was creeping into me." (Lee 214)
A majority of the jury was starting to question if Tom Robinson was
truly the rapist in this case, yet somehow he was still found guilty.

Conclusion
The novel focused around the idea
of showing respect for other's view
points or opinions was not as
common and well known.
Scout is exposed to a world of
hatred, racism, and segregation.
She is slightly accustomed to this
seeing she throws around racial
slurs and stereotypes not realizing
these words have consequences.

Atticus Finch discussing the

important virtues of life with his two
children.

Works Cited
Louis Henken, "A Decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind", The John Marshall
Law Review 25.2, (1992): 1-21
Ashley Flag, "Name One Thing You Respect About One Another", UNIVERSITY NEWS,
(2016): 1-1
Harper Lee, "To Kill A Mockingbird", (1960): 248
Harper Lee, "To Kill A Mockingbird", (1960): 77

Harper Lee, "To Kill A Mockingbird", (1960): 97

Harper Lee, "To Kill A Mockingbird", (1960): 99
Harper Lee, "To Kill A Mockingbird", (1960): 214