To Kill a Mockingbird

Did this book for english literature when i was in sec2. Loved it. ALOT. Could still remembered that i topped the essay for the level (i think so, cos i beat corrie & josephine wad... the 2 top lit students =p) for MYE 2001. Was proud of myself for that. But i think i did well because i truly enjoyed that book and was able to express myself and my opinion on how Scout has grown throughout the book.

Anyway, attended this screening and discussion at Geylang East Community Library just now. It was conducted by NUS Literacy Society, these two people called Teck Han (i think) & Elizabeth. Read about it from some brochure on Art Festival and stuff. Went for it cos it was held near my house and i really love that book. Not bad lah... Screened parts (the vcd allowed chapters of the movie to be selected!) the black-and-white movie. Watched it before when channel 5 broadcast it some time ago. Then discuss about discrimination and all that. Well, i have discussed those in my lit class last time, so wasnt v interesting to me now. haha. However, on top of the discrimination issue, they talked about the situation in the 1930s. I even got to find out about a true case similar to that in the plot -- The Scottsboro trials. Something about black being accused too. But it wasnt the lawyer that defended the black. The judge overruled the verdict by the jury and set the black man free. It was really a courageous thing to do then cos you have to be prepared to face anger by the white (majority) community. Really admire them for their bravery.

Oh, then Teck Han talked about why the movie was shot in black-and-white despite colour TV was already invented. It was to further add on to the topic of discrimination by the white ("more superior") on the blacks ("the slaves"). Also, the main actor as Atticus was dressed in pure white to stress on his righteous spirit. He was rather striking as the rest of the community was dressed more in the darker shades. Oh, Teck Han also mentioned about the 'birds' linkage for the story. The title was "To Kill a Mockingbird". Atticus' surname is Finch (a kind of bird which can change to adapt to the different environment they are in). There was Tom Robinson. INTERESTING! i've never think so deeply about all these before! Like he said, the story may be simple, using simple language; but you can actually discuss it on different levels.

Learnt quite alot through this session despite me not having voice anything.
I suddenly realised how far ago have i last got in touch with literature.
I miss reading good books. I miss analysing storylines. I miss taking literature (although i realli sux in it =p)

btw, think this website http://www.sparknotes.com/ provides rather good notes. Or at least there's a wide range of notes available. Still remember i found out about this site when i was searching for "The Crucible". A movie Mr Sim showed us.