Journal #4
Chapters 10-11
Perspective: Atticus
My contemporaries wouldn’t believe me if I told them I never informed my kids about their dads incredible skills as a marksman. They would say what my brother said, “Atti’ you have to tell them. They will look up to you from day one; they would never challenge your decisions.” I shut out all comments from the outside world. My angelic wife told me that our children would respect me even more for the positive things I did, not for shooting birds by the dozen. I never cared to contradict her because she had this way of looking at you, and when she did you’d know everything was going to be alright.
When I got the call at work that a mad dog was walking the streets of Maycomb I knew I had to take action. I wouldn’t simply sit aside while the town plunged into chaos. My skills would be used for a good cause, protecting my children and neighbors. When Sheriff Heck pulled over to pick me up the 1st thing I noticed was the gun placed between the seats. That’s all it took to tell me what I had to do. While driving to my neighborhood Sheriff Heck and I talked about what was going to happen. I was debating in my head whether or not I should take the shot or force Sheriff Heck to do it. I realized that the neighbors along with my children would be in great peril if I didn’t shoot the dog. But at the same time I knew that if I did shoot the dog my children would never see me in the same light again. When we arrived at my house and I saw the poor dog inching its way towards us I thought that maybe my skills wouldn’t be necessary so I tried to get Sheriff Heck to shoot. After he refused to take the shot and made it clear that I would be better in this situation I gave up and took the gun. Every noise around me became inaudible and every distraction became inconspicuous. I breathed in. Slowly exhaled and as I did so many times before, I shot an animal.
At that time I couldn’t explain to my children that it’s not courageous to shoot helpless animals. I wanted them to know what real courage was so I sent them to Mrs. Dubose and after they were done reading to her I told them what real courage meant to me.
Chapters 10-11
Perspective: Atticus
My contemporaries wouldn’t believe me if I told them I never informed my kids about their dads incredible skills as a marksman. They would say what my brother said, “Atti’ you have to tell them. They will look up to you from day one; they would never challenge your decisions.” I shut out all comments from the outside world. My angelic wife told me that our children would respect me even more for the positive things I did, not for shooting birds by the dozen. I never cared to contradict her because she had this way of looking at you, and when she did you’d know everything was going to be alright.
When I got the call at work that a mad dog was walking the streets of Maycomb I knew I had to take action. I wouldn’t simply sit aside while the town plunged into chaos. My skills would be used for a good cause, protecting my children and neighbors. When Sheriff Heck pulled over to pick me up the 1st thing I noticed was the gun placed between the seats. That’s all it took to tell me what I had to do. While driving to my neighborhood Sheriff Heck and I talked about what was going to happen. I was debating in my head whether or not I should take the shot or force Sheriff Heck to do it. I realized that the neighbors along with my children would be in great peril if I didn’t shoot the dog. But at the same time I knew that if I did shoot the dog my children would never see me in the same light again. When we arrived at my house and I saw the poor dog inching its way towards us I thought that maybe my skills wouldn’t be necessary so I tried to get Sheriff Heck to shoot. After he refused to take the shot and made it clear that I would be better in this situation I gave up and took the gun. Every noise around me became inaudible and every distraction became inconspicuous. I breathed in. Slowly exhaled and as I did so many times before, I shot an animal.
At that time I couldn’t explain to my children that it’s not courageous to shoot helpless animals. I wanted them to know what real courage was so I sent them to Mrs. Dubose and after they were done reading to her I told them what real courage meant to me.
I really like your style of writing. It is quite descriptive, and is very precise. Great job getting into character while writing about Atticus. You really, “Got into his shoes". Overall, fantastic job. The only suggestion I have is perhaps make a stronger ending. Good job.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dylan about you doing a great job about getting into the character's shoes. I also like how you add a lot of detail.
ReplyDeleteA suggestion is the same as dylan's, and also separate the middle paragraph a bit. Other then that it's great! ~Cero