This lesson plan helps students analyze the major themes, symbols and motifs in *To Kill a Mockingbird* by Harper Lee using a visual storyboard organizer.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 8–11 · Time: 45–60 minutes
Major themes
| Theme | Description | Key scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Racial injustice | The trial of Tom Robinson exposes systemic racism in Maycomb | Trial scenes, Tom's conviction |
| Moral courage | Atticus Finch stands up for what is right despite social pressure | Atticus defends Tom, faces the mob |
| Loss of innocence | Scout and Jem learn harsh truths about their community | Trial aftermath, Bob Ewell's attack |
| Empathy and understanding | "Walk around in someone else's skin" | Scout on the Radley porch |
Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mockingbird | Innocence destroyed by evil (Tom Robinson, Boo Radley) |
| Boo Radley's house | Fear of the unknown, prejudice |
| Mad dog (Tim Johnson) | Racism as a disease in the community |
| Mrs. Dubose's camellias | Courage, forgiveness |
Motifs
- Gothic elements: Boo Radley, the fire, the attack — create tension and foreshadowing
- Coming of age: Scout and Jem's moral development throughout the novel
- Social class: The Ewells, Finches, and Black community hierarchy
Activity: Storyboard the themes
- Open Storyboard Creator with a 6-panel layout
- Choose 3 themes or symbols from above
- For each, create 2 panels: one showing the symbol/theme in action, one explaining its meaning
- Add captions with text evidence (page numbers)
- Export PDF or share a live link
Discussion questions
- Why does Atticus say it is a sin to kill a mockingbird?
- How does Boo Radley represent the mockingbird symbol?
- What does Scout learn by standing on Boo's porch at the end?