To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 17-21 Comic Strip Lesson
This To Kill a Mockingbird courtroom comic strip lesson asks students to reconstruct the trial scenes in Chapters 17–21 through visual storytelling. Students select relevant testimony, put events in order, and explain how contradictions and character perspectives shape the case.
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Learning Goals
- I will be able to analyze and interpret key elements of courtroom testimony in To Kill a Mockingbird.
- I will be able to creatively express the emotional and narrative aspects of the trial through a comic strip format.
- I will be able to effectively communicate the sequence of events and their impact on the trial’s outcome.
Materials
TKAM Digital Copy
TKAM Audio Chapter 17 (35:07)
Testimony Organizer
Court Case Comic Strip Instructions
Process
- Introduce the Testimony Organizer. As students read, they should fill in the organizer.
- Read chapters 17-21 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
- Complete the organizer.
- Complete the comic strip activity.
Testimony Organizer for Tom Robinson’s Trial
- Witness Name:
- Role/Relationship to the Case:
- Key Points of Testimony:
- Contradictions/Revelations:
- Witness Name:
- Role/Relationship to the Case:
- Key Points of Testimony:
- Contradictions/Revelations:
- Witness Name:
- Role/Relationship to the Case:
- Key Points of Testimony:
- Contradictions/Revelations:
- Witness Name:
- Role/Relationship to the Case:
- Key Points of Testimony:
- Contradictions/Revelations:
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Instructions for Creating a Comic Strip on the Tom Robinson Trial
Objective: Create a 7-frame comic strip depicting key moments from the trial in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” focusing on the testimonies and statements made by various characters.
Frame Details:
- Frame 1 – Atticus’ Opening Statements: Capture the essence of Atticus Finch’s opening remarks. Focus on his tone, the key points he makes about justice, and his demeanor.
- Frame 2 – Heck Tate’s Testimony: Illustrate the most significant part of Sheriff Heck Tate’s testimony. Pay attention to his account of the events and how he presents them.
- Frame 3 – Bob Ewell’s Testimony: Depict a crucial moment from Bob Ewell’s testimony. Consider his attitude, accusations, and the reactions of the people in the courtroom.
- Frame 4 – Mayella Ewell’s Testimony: Highlight an important part of Mayella Ewell’s testimony. Reflect her emotional state and the nature of her allegations.
- Frame 5 – Tom Robinson’s Testimony: Show a key aspect of Tom Robinson’s testimony. Focus on his version of events and his interactions with the Ewells.
- Frame 6 – Atticus’ Closing Statement: Illustrate a powerful moment from Atticus’s closing statement, emphasizing his plea for justice and equality.
- Frame 7 – The Verdict: Capture the courtroom’s reaction to the verdict. Reflect the tension and emotion of this pivotal moment.
Marking Criteria:
- Accuracy (4): The comic strip should accurately reflect the events, dialogues, and spirit of the trial as depicted in the novel.
- Creativity and Expression (2): Use of creative elements to express the characters’ emotions, the atmosphere of the courtroom, and the tension of the trial.
- Clarity and Cohesion (2): The sequence of frames should be logical and easy to follow, with clear transitions between each testimony.
/10
Curriculum Connections
Ontario Grade 9 English (ENL1W): This lesson supports Strand C and Strand D through close reading, sequencing, visual representation, characterization, and evidence-based interpretation.
Common Core: RL.9-10.1, RL.9-10.3, W.9-10.9, and SL.9-10.5.
Differentiation and Extensions
Differentiation: Break the courtroom sequence into assigned sections, provide a panel template, and let students use captions plus selected quotations rather than requiring extensive prose in every frame.
Extension: Ask students to write a short creator’s note explaining which courtroom moments they emphasized and how visual choices shaped perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a comic strip for Chapters 17–21?
The visual format requires students to select, sequence, and represent the most important testimony and turning points of the trial.
Is artistic skill part of the assessment?
The main emphasis should be comprehension, selection of evidence, sequencing, and interpretation rather than drawing ability.
How can I reduce the size of the assignment?
Assign students one witness or one section of the trial and combine the finished strips into a class sequence.