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Change In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Harper Lee explores the need for courage in order to bring about societal change. Discuss the statement above, making detailed reference to the text.
In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee’s use of various characters emphasises that change is caused by people who dare to challenge social expectation. Atticus’ determination to test Maycomb’s opinions on people who are from a ‘different’ ethnicity and background, shows his bravery to change cultural stereotypes. Scout’s growth throughout the novel into a well-educated woman is the outcome of brave and courageous choices. Furthermore, Lee uses Boo Radley to emphasise the effect of societies expectations on an individual, and how courage is needed for them to bring about change.
Atticus’s decision to take the Tom Robinson case highlights the necessity for …show more content…

Scout’s courage is evident when she, “remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped (her) fists and walked away.” The visual imagery of Scout walking away emphasises how her brave decisions have started to affect and change the way she acts in front of others. Secondly, Scout portrays her bravery when she was with Boo Radley and, “took him by the hand, a hand surprisingly warm for its whiteness.” The contrast of the white hand with the surprising warmth demonstrates how Scout must have listened to previous judgements of Boo Radley but has now learnt to not listen to societies rumours. Through this, we see that Scout has developed and changed her attitude to different people because of her brave and courageous decision to ignore societies judgements. Moreover, Scout’s courage is shown through her innocent banter with Mr Cunningham outside the jail. Scout’s decisions throughout the novel evidently develop as she learns from experiences, these brave decisions consequently change the way she acts around other

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