This is my To Kill a Mockingbird monologue
I am doing Nathan Radley.
Any suggestions or corrections will be helpful
I know what I¡¯m doing Arthur and it is for our own good. I told you many times about staying away from those Finches. Lord, I have. You keep putting things in that tree down yonder for those kids to have, that is not going to happen anymore. I am going to fill up that knot-hole and stop you from doing such things. There is no point of arguing now Arthur, I am going to do it. It is bad for all of us exposing ourselves¡¯ to that nasty outside world. What about me? You know why I go outside once a day, to keep ourselves alive, getting food to eat and other things we need. Why can¡¯t you? Because they don¡¯t even know whether you are alive or not! Besides, I¡¯ve told you enough times, you are not ready for the outside world.
You are better off staying away from Jem and Scout; they will bring you nothing but trouble. I mean, look what they do! They torment you with stupid notes, act like you and even try to come into our collard patch to sneak up on us! Remember the night when I scared those children away with my shotgun? You didn¡¯t do anything for them again, did you? They talk about you like a monster, and even think about you like a ghost more than human. I know they are just children, but they will be a grown-up one day. Wait and see. They will change.
The world is different from what you think Arthur. There are more dark sides than the bright sides. It is full of gossip, crimes and bad things towards the black people you can¡¯t imagine. I mean, that Miss Crawford spreading gossip about you eating raw squirrels and cats with your hands blood-stained. She is treating you nothin¡¯ more than a wild animal. You know as well as I do about white men treating black people like dogs. God made the world equal, why not us? I heard about Bob Ewell and his children while I was out in the town. Nasty ones they are. They are poorer than the Cunninghams yet they treat black people with no respect. Maycomb is full of these people out there. Do you still think you are ready for this world?
What I¡¯m trying to tell you is no matter how generous you act towards the world, you do not get anything back in return but misery. Think about it. What have you got after all those things you¡¯ve given to those children? Nothing. I just can¡¯t help myself watching you trying to be nice to those children. I know you want to but it is not the time to do so.
We¡¯ve been waiting for a long time, and we still can. Time will come for us.
I¡¯m off to filling that knot-hole now. I¡¯m sure you will understand why I¡¯m doin¡¯ this by now. Don¡¯t be sad Arthur; it is for your own good.
The content looks fine.
If you want mechanical errors pointed out, you need to focus on correcting these:
Comma errors
Example: "I know what I'm doing Arthur and it is for our own good."
2 commas needed in that sentence.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm
Run-ons:
Example: "You keep putting things in that tree down yonder for those kids to have, that is not going to happen anymore."
How can you fix the major error in this?
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm
Your monologue as Nathan Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird is well-written and effectively portrays the character. Here are a few suggestions and corrections that could help enhance your monologue:
1. Tone and emotions: Try to emphasize Nathan Radley's authoritarian tone and his concern for his brother Arthur, also known as Boo Radley. You can emphasize his stricter, protective nature by using words like "I know what I'm doing," "for our own good," or "there is no point of arguing."
2. Explaining actions: While you've mentioned some actions, consider providing more details to support your statements. For example, explain why you want to fill up the knot-hole, and how it will benefit both of you. This will help the audience understand your intentions better.
3. Characterization of Jem and Scout: You can incorporate specific incidents or behavior that Jem and Scout display, which convince you that they will bring trouble to Arthur. You briefly mention them tormenting Arthur with stupid notes and trying to sneak up on you in the collard patch. Expanding on these incidents or adding more instances will help strengthen your argument.
4. Explore racial dynamics: While you touch upon the racial tensions in Maycomb, it would be beneficial to provide more context or examples to support your claims. This will enhance the audience's understanding of the racial dynamics in the town and how it affects your decisions regarding Arthur's involvement with Jem and Scout.
5. Conclusion: Consider reinforcing your message about the dark side of the world and the lack of reciprocity in generosity. Emphasize that you believe Arthur should continue to stay hidden until the time is right. This will provide a stronger sense of closure to your monologue.
Remember to practice your delivery to bring out the emotions and intentions of Nathan Radley effectively. Good luck with your performance!