Tequila: a bridge to the Context

… Altruism

The notion of altruism …

… is that a person acts in a way that abnegates “self” – no pleasure, no personal gain or advancement – in the interests of others

… is that of self-sacrifice… puts the interests of others before our own… commits one’s efforts – physical, financial, emotional,

philosophical and moral – towards a cause or goal from which the only personal gains are incidental

Harley: not WITHOUT self-gain, but without the conscious intention of self-gain.

The task:

• One extended piece of writing which uses To Kill a Mockingbird (and other texts, if you like, and if it’s appropriate) to discuss the concept of altruism.

Characters and altruism …• Atticus – takes Tom Robinson’s case because he “couldn’t

tell Scout or Jem not do something ever again, if he did not”.

• Scout – defends Walter Cunningham’s pride; subjugates her fighting instincts.

• Maudie – defends Atticus from insinuations by Grace Merriweather etc.

• Aunt Alexandra – comes to support Atticus (even though she doesn’t agree with his actions).

• Ladies of Maycomb – aid the Mrunas• Judge Taylor – picks Atticus to defend Tom; administers the

case to ensure Tom’s innocence is heard• Hec Tate – actions after Bob Ewell’s death; evidence at trial

• Allocated an uncomfortable task; carry it out to the best of one’s ability (Atticus)• Accept the responsibility to speak on behalf of others (Scout/Atticus)• Carry out charitable acts as part of the expression of one’s religious or philosophical beliefs (Aunt Alexandra & church group; Cal’s church/Rev Sykes)• Defend someone who is either unaware or helpless, from an attack by others ... (Maudie/Aunt Alexandra, Scout, Atticus, Boo)• Someone who uses his official position to influence the way things occur to procure a social benefit. (Judge Taylor/Hec Tate)

... And where does Dolphus Raymond fit in?

Their altruistic acts ... by type

Altruism in Tequila

Questions to consider:What difference might it make to our

understanding if the story was told from Atticus’ perspective?

What is altruistic behaviour and what simply accepting one’s lot? (ie: does it make a difference if Atticus volunteers?)

Can children act altruistically? Or do you have to understand the concept to choose to do so?

Decisions, decisions …

• Which character?• What style? (arg/pers; hybrid; creative)• What aspect of the nature of altruism will you focus

on?• How will you structure this? Three “sections”? (A diary,

for example.)One piece in three parts? Three different characters’ views of the same incident or events?

• What decisions will you make in relation to language – will you use phonetic dialogue, for example, as Harper Lee does?