Essay 11

Two Different Men Acting With Kind Hearts

A Shared Pattern Between My Life and To Kill A Mockingbird

April 5,2012

8th Grade

Pine Point School

Eliza Griffin

A definition of patterns is an example for others to follow: he set the pattern for subsequent study. Atticus Finch and my grandfather both strongly represent a pattern of kindness in their day to day lives. Whether it is a character in a novel or a living person, thoughtfulness makes a large impact on others’ lives.

(T.S.) Throughout the entire novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, there is a pattern of kindness. (S.D.) Atticus Finch, a caring man, a kind man, demonstrates this pattern several times. (C.M.) When Mr. Ewell spits on him, Atticus takes the high road, becoming the bigger person by simply wiping the spit away. (C.M.) Even when someone treats Atticus unfairly, he remains calm, responding respectfully and with kindness. (S.D.) Atticus also approaches everyone with  an  equal and favorable manner, no matter what their actions are. (C.M) If a man was poor, Atticus would not look at him any differently than how he would look at a rich man. (C.M.) The motto that   Atticus lives by, from the Declaration of Independence states, “ All men are created equal.” (S.D.) Lastly, Atticus does not judge anyone, no matter who they are. (C.M.) He agrees to represent Tom Robinson because Atticus believes that Tom deserves a fair trial. (C.M.) Atticus  believes that the color of someone's skin should not determine how they are judged in a crime.(C.S) Atticus’s consistent fair and kind behavior  quickly makes the citizens of Maycomb respect him.

(T.S.) I also see a pattern of kindness in my life. (S.D.) My grandfather, a compassionate man, is one of the friendliest people I have ever known. (C.M.) Whenever my grandfather sees someone walking or biking by him, he greets them, by saying hello, even if he does not know them. (S.D.) My grandfather, like Atticus, treats everyone the same, always respecting them and caring and listening carefully to what they say. (C.M.) If you have done something wrong, my grandfather won’t look at you differently, he will look at you like he always has. (S.D.) He takes the time to discuss your misbehavior with you,  acting in a compassionate way, his tone is continually kind even if there is a punishment involved. (C.M.) This is because my grandfather does not judge people, but consistently looks for the best in them. (S.D.) Lastly, my grandfather is a great listener. (.C.M) If the topic you are talking about  does not  interest him, he will still sit and pretend it does (C.M). He will ask you questions and will always try to give you some positive feedback .(C.S) All of these acts represent my grandfather’s generosity and patience.

Although these simple acts of kindness may not be recognized everyday as an obvious pattern, they do make a grand impact on the lives of many. By realizing  that I witness considerate people every day in my life, I recognize that kindness is a huge pattern in my life. This existing pattern has helped me find more examples of similar patterns in my life. Atticus and my grandfather are two great  examples of patterns of commendable behavior.

Self Assessment:

1. One writing issue I am continuing to work on is making my sentences longer by adding more description to them.

2. A strong point see in my writing is when I use FAST words. This is because I think they make my writing better.

3. One possible weak point I see is in my closing paragraph, this is because I feel