A Silent Hero:

An Essay Based on To Kill a Mockingbird

By Cassie Seidel

Pine Point School

English Class

1/5/11

                  A person in the mall who forgets to give you change, and makes sure that he finds you before  you leave is a fine example of a silent hero. He is most likely a kind soul with a big heart. A nice man, just like Atticus from To Kill A Mockingbird and my Dad. The smallest things that you do in life make the most impact, and my Dad and Atticus are great examples of it. 

                 (TS) Atticus, a simple yet loving man, in many ways is a silent hero.(SD1) Atticus is a 5 foot 6ish white man who willingly defended a black man in court. (CM1) Atticus knew that he could be putting himself and his kids in danger for trying to prove that Tom Robinson (a black man) was innocent. (CM2) In the book, Mr. Ewell, "spat in his face," and told Atticus that he was going to destroy him. (SD2) Atticus isn't only a quiet hero for a black man, but he is a hero for his kids. (CM1) When Aunt Alexandra tried to tell the children (Jem and Scout) to stop their childish ways, Atticus defended his children and told them to go on with their play, and time to be mute. (CM2) Atticus was showing Alexandra that they are still kids, and kids need time to play. (SD3) Also, I realized that Atticus was being his own wordless hero. (CM1) Before Atticus took on Tom's court case, all he did was sit around and read all day, but after Tom was proven guilty, his life changed. (CM2) He became close to ones he loved and grew further from ones he didn't. (CS) Atticus has proven that an elementary man can be a hero.

                  (TS) My dad, in many ways, is like Atticus, a soundless hero. (SD1) It wasn't until recently that I realized that my dad works from seven in the morning to 8 at night just for my family! (CM1) When I was little, I always wondered why my dad would disappear without a word, but I soon figured, that he was going to work. (CM2) A few days ago, my dad left for work, just like always, and told me that I was his little girl. (CM3) I then appreciated all he had done for me, because without him, I probably wouldn't be writing this essay. (SD2) My dad, however busy, tries to find time with the family. (CM1) He refuses to work on the weekends, just so he can spend time with us. (CM2) Also, when I have skating events, he always stands noiselessly in the back, cheering me on. (SD3) My dad is also constantly giving to charity. (CM1) With his own money, he is currently sponsoring a girl from Malaysia who unfortunately cannot afford to support herself (CM2) He also comes with me whenever I visit Malta, a street orginization that gives clothes and food to the homeless. (CS) My dad is most definately a silent hero.

                  My Dad and Atticus don't have a lot of similaritlies, but their actions have the same inpact. The silence of the two is almost deadly, but their actions make them say a million words without saying anything. Make good actions, and you too could be a silent hero.

Self Assessment

                  First, I have troubles with comma splices, and they always lower my grade. My strong point in this essay is probably my echo words. I think that the use of the words is correct and flow smoothly with the paragraph. I also think one of the problems with the essay is I sometimes have troubles with following the assignment. I miss things easily when I read over the assignment so I might have missed some components. I would give myself a B/B-.