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critical lens essay
School for Human Rights Shyann Holder (11A)
Ms. Cummings September 25th, 2013 English Language Arts The quote “The right good book is always a book of travel, it is about a Life’s Journey” by H.M Tomlinson is a quote practiced by several readers. This quote means that people in the book can grow throughout the story and take variant people to different places. This is a result of making them think of new ideas based on the author of books message or overall theme. I agree with this quote and interpretation due to the experiences I had with various books. Two works of Literature that supports this quote is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Monster by Walter Dean Meyers. These books relate to the quote by using the literary element person vs. society and characterization. The first example is from the story Monster, by Walter Dean Meyers. The main character, Steve Harmon, was accused of killing a store clerk for 5 cartons of cigarettes. At the crime scene, one of the security cameras in the store showed someone pulling out a gun and shooting the store clerk with it. However; someone claimed they saw Steve Harmon shoot the store clerk even though he was just the lookout. Nonetheless, he was with the wrong people at the wrong time. Steve Harmon as a student had countless dreams. He had hopes of becoming a professional photographer. If he didn’t perform this action, he might have gotten this result, which in this case incarceration. Eventually, Steve Harmon turned a bad mistake into positive opportunity by making a movie about his personal experience. This example about Steve supports the interpretation of H.M Tomlinson’s quote in all good books, people change and matures. Another literary work that proves the quote is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus Finch who is a lawyer in a racist town has the opportunity of representing Tom Robinson who is a wrongfully accused and convicted of a murder he did not commit. The author applies characterization when Atticus Finch shows how lack of concern for the color of Mr. Robinson but what justice is brought to him. As a result, Mr. Atticus has to try ad convince the entire town who has develop a certain bias, that color doesn’t matter. He does this by showing his strength by persevering through the entire name calling and not giving up on what is right for Mr. Robinson. Through person vs. society Atticus is able to change the people of the town minds about racism and make them more open minded. Furthermore; in the book To Kill a Mockingbird, the quote is applied when Atticus was able to take people into a different mindset or place and open their intellect by getting the towns people to inquire about things they never would have thought of. In conclusion, H.M Tomlinson quote Im sure can relate to various Literatures and a myriad of people experiences. In the two Literatures, it showed how one person can change a mindset of many, through perseverance and motivation. Furthermore; to sum it all up a good book is one who opens your mind to various opinions, thoughts and conclusions. Also; while taking you on a life journey without even leaving your original designation.

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