This Week’s Question:
In the novel, Scout struggles with the idea of being “lady-like”. What types of gender roles exist in Milwaukee today? To what extent are children exposed to them and how does this affect their development? Explain.

This Week’s Question:
In the novel, Atticus Finch is a portrayed as a strong moral figure in both his community and family. What people are like Atticus in today’s Milwaukee community? How have morals changed from the 1930s (when the novel takes place) to today, if they have changed at all? How difficult is it to stand up for your own morals in today’s society?

This Week’s Question:
Because the novel is narrated by Scout, childhood is a major theme in To Kill a Mockingbird. Do children in today’s society grow up the same way they have for past generations? Does “play” still exist and if so has it changed? How does media (television, internet, social networking) affect the development of children? Explain your answers.

This Week’s Question:
Boo Radley is considered an outsider in Maycomb county. What people or groups does today’s society consider “outsiders?” Why might this be the case? What steps do members of society have to take to ensure the inclusions of those considered “outsiders?”

This Week’s Question:
Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson even though he knows that it is a losing battle. What social issues today are worth defending, even if it seems the odds are against success? What is the point of fighting if the outcome will likely end in failure?

This Week’s Question:
Class division factors heavily in To Kill a Mockingbird. What types of class division exist in Milwaukee today? What are the causes of the class division? How can class division and potential problems caused by them be overcome?

This Week’s Question:
Atticus has the challenge of raising two children as a single parent. What challenges do single parents face in Milwaukee today? What kinds of resources are available to assist single parents?

This week’s question:
Atticus gives Scout the advice that to understand others she has to walk in their shoes. Is this suggestion still relevant today? Why or why not? Why might this advice be difficult to put into practice?