Our first “book that changed your life” selection for the month of June reminds us of the importance of the classics. English class is in session with Mr. Friesen! Enjoy.
Rebekah Loconte: So, Mr. Friesen, can you tell me about the book that changed your life?
Steve Friesen: I had a hard time trying to narrow down a book but after thinking about it I just think we need more Atticuses in the world. So, To Kill A Mockingbird.
RL: When were you first introduced to the book?
SF: In grade 11, like most students.
RL: As you have come to teach it many, many times, how has your understanding or appreciation of the book changed from when you first read it in grade 11?
SF: I just remember Cecil Jacobs being a cool name. And I remember there was a punk rock band called the Boo Radleys. And so every time we were reading it, I was like, oh, that’s neat. And then, of course, there’s the racism angle but I didn’t remember much else, just your typical high school version of it. And then I got a chance to teach it, and saw things like Boo Radley‘s character. Everybody is scared of him or they don’t understand him. And then all of sudden he comes in to just be there for people in ways that weren’t expected. And this one character is seen one way in the beginning and seen quite differently at the end. And just to see the power that that character had on a student of mine one time made me view the book as not just another book you have to read with some interesting social commentary but I saw that it was a powerful book that can inspire a lot of people.
RL: In what way has it changed your life?
SF: I said, we need more Atticuses. He gets assigned this case because the judge knows that he would represent the defendant well and without bias. He didn’t ask for it. He was somebody that was trying to advocate for change in the world. And he was doing his part as a lawyer, as a father. But I think he was maybe kind of going through the motions of life, you know, like, yes, he’s doing his part, but he knew at some point he might have to be called upon to do something dangerous and drastic. He even says, everybody gets that one case that will define you and now this is mine. He takes it knowing the weight that is going to be on him and his family and that he’s going to be perceived differently because of the community. But he does it anyway. His willingness to take all that on was just inspiring. He’s not without his flaws but he’s a great example of taking on the tough things even though we know it’s going to maybe make our own lives harder.
RL: Because you’ve probably read this book more than the average person, is there a quote that catches you every time you read it?
SF: Well, the book is all about how you’re supposed to get inside someone else’s skin and walk around a little bit or walk in somebody else’s shoes. But I think when Atticus makes a passionate speech to the jury, he tells them to forget about all the social constructs: that the black people in this town have zero rights, that the accuser is a white person, the defendant is black. And he just says, in front of a full courtroom, we are all equal so do your duty. And I love that line. If you think something is wrong and you don’t agree with it, you’ve got to do what you’re supposed to do. Do your duty. It was kind of a mantra in the book.
RL: Okay. Last question. Why should everybody read this book?
SF: It’s a controversial book, banned in a lot of places. I don’t know, I think if I was in inner city New York or something and I had a large African- American population in my class, I probably would say, let’s look at something else because you have this white saviour. That’s the big critique of it. But I think in the time and place of the story that’s the only person that could have actually done something to make a change. So I don’t know because this book also shows you systemic racism. You might not even have noticed it in your own life. Like one of the characters: it’s not until the very last page before she realizes, man, I actually have my own biases, too. And again, the only reason I would look for something different is that they might not latch onto Atticus in the same way just because of his colour, knowing that he’s a white guy. But I think everyone needs to read it. And the other beautiful thing about it is it’s from the point of view of children. That makes it a really innocent, beautiful read that delivers a very serious and important message.
RL: Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it.
Steve Friesen, Humanities Teacher