To Kill a Mockingbird Essay
Audre Lorde once said, "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." When people fail to realize that everyone is the same underneath their skin, whether they are a different color or have different normalcies, it causes people to misunderstand each other and not get along, thereby, dividing a community. Yes, we all are different in our own way, but that's not what ruins us, it’s how we handle those differences. In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus, a lawyer, a widow, and a father of two guides his children to see things from other people's perspectives, to keep strong relationships with everyone and accept them for who they are. Throughout the book, he is challenged to choose between his reputation and his beliefs. He is portrayed
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When Aunt Alexandra notices how Atticus disciplines his children, she reacts and tells him to change it: "Atticus, it's all right to be soft hearted, you’re an easy man, but you have a daughter to think of" (pg. 182). Atticus doesn't approve of Aunt Alexandra's ways and views but he never contradicted her and proved her wrong. He simply accepted her beliefs because he knows she's entitled to believe whatever she wants. So when Scout talked back to her aunt, Atticus tells her to still obey and respect Aunt Alexandra: "Let's get this clear: you do as Calpurnia tells you, you do as I tell you, and as long as your aunt's in the house you will do as she tells you" (pg. 182). Atticus respects Aunt Alexandra and her opinions, meaning he understands and accepts her. This builds a stronger bridge in their relationship and also a stronger community within their family. This also teaches Scout and Jem that other people can have their own opinions, whether you agree with it or not, they have every right to have
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is set in a small Southern United States community called Maycomb during the Great Depression era. The whole book primarily revolves around segregation and racism and how it relates to Maycomb’s history. It eventually leads to the trial of Tom Robinson where he is accused of beating up and raping Mayella Ewell. Even though it was clear that Tom Robinson did not do anything wrong he was convicted by an all white jury simply because he was black. The trial of Tom Robinson and its verdict shows an example of how segregation in the court system prevents fair trials from occurring.
Jem and Scout, throughout “To Kill A Mockingbird,” learn to consider things from other people’s perspectives. Atticus, Jem and Scout’s father, says “you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in” (Lee 39). They learn this through experiences with their neighbor Boo Radley as they mature beyond their years. At the beginning of the novel, Jem and Scout make fun of Boo and assume that all of the rumors going around about him are true. However, later on in the story the children grow an admiration for Boo and learn to understand him. As they matured, Jem and Scout naturally learned many life lessons of appreciation, respect, and courage
Some of the most important people who influence or change society are willing to step outside the confines of their community and social values to express their individuality. For example, Jesus Christ, spiritual leader of Christianity and Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activist, who were subject to hatred, rejection, ridicule, and risk their reputation and even their own lives. Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird, demonstrates that being an individual is more important than being a member of a community. Lee’s presents this through Atticus Finch’s role as an agent of change, who fights the injustice against the black community in the deep south in the late 1930’s, and the character of Scout, Atticus’s daughter, who longs for freedom against
In, To Kill A Mockingbird, we often see examples of racism in Maycomb as well as other misconceptions about those are not of a minority. The first example in the book is seen on page 16. In this excerpt, Jem describes how he imagines Boo Radley looks, based off of stories he has heard. He describes Boo as being six feet tall, having yellow teeth, having pooped eyes, he often drools, and that he eats squirrels and cats. As we see later in the story, these misconceptions cause the children to want to see Boo more and more, causing them to see him as a freak and not a person. The second example on page 267 comes from Scout about Mr. Dolphus Raymond, a man who is said to be half black. He calls Dill over to calm him down and Scout narrates by saying,
Part one of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mocking Bird is set in the fictional town called Maycomb, Alabama during the great depression and the civil rights movement. The novel is a flashback of Scout, the narrator of the book, and her childhood. Scouts childhood trials and tribulations, her family and other members of the community in which she lives with her brother Jem. Atticus their father is a lawyer who is widowed. In the flash back Scout talks about her brother, her and Dill getting curious about what Arthur “Boo” Radley looks like since they have only heard rumors. To the children Boo is a very mysterious character.
Atticus asked Aunt Alexandra to come for a visit unexpectedly. Aunt Alexandra says, “Jem’s growing up now and you are too, we decided that it would be best for you to have some feminine influence.” (Lee 169-170). It is unfair of Atticus to suddenly want Scout to change her personality just because she is getting older. This could lead to Scout thinking that she is not good enough for Atticus the way she is. That utter disrespect for Scout’s feelings shows Atticus’s ignorance, because if he was an understanding father, he would love her the way she is and not want her to change. Furthermore, Atticus is ignorant because he does not show interest in the activities his children enjoy. Jem and scout had received air rifles for Christmas, from their Uncle Jack. When it came time for them to learn how to shoot, Atticus said that he was not interested in guns. One day a rabid dog was wandering around their neighborhood, Scout explains, “Atticus’s hand yanked a ball-tipped lever as he brought the gun to his shoulder. The rifle
Throughout the novel, Atticus faces many internal conflicts, mostly with his doubts about how he raises his children. His decision to defend Tom Robinson causes obstacles for him and his family. His methods of dealing with these conflicts manifests his devotion and integrity for the people he cares about. After Aunt Alexandra suggests that Atticus fire Calpurnia, he responds, "Alexandra, Calpurnia's not leaving this house until she wants to. You may think otherwise, but I couldn't have got along without her all these years. She's a faithful member of this family and you'll simply have to accept things the way they are." (Chapter 14). Atticus resists Alexandra’s concept of exclusive family--that family is solely between people of the same blood. Atticus’ appreciation for Calpurnia and his consideration of her as his family demonstrates his affection and loyalty. His capability to clash opinions with Alexandra in a respectful manner shows that he isn’t willing to let anybody threaten his family, even if the person firing threats is family. This argument between Atticus and Alexandra is an abstract depiction of the question: Do you judge someone by their family or their own life? Atticus clearly seems to value Calpurnia as a whole, he doesn’t care where she came from. While Uncle Jack and Atticus speak of the upcoming trial, Scout overhears their conversation, "You know what's going to happen as well as I do, Jack, and I hope and pray that I can get Jem and Scout through it
hearts for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." It is a
Atticus Finch, another character in To Kill a Mockingbird, is trapped in a racist society that unjustly lashes out at him when he does what he believes in, but he continues to keep his head up and overcomes their bias. For example, on a Saturday when Scout and Jem walk by Mrs. Dubose’s house while on their way to town, Mrs. Dubose yells at them, “‘Your father’s no better than the niggers and trash he works for!’” (Lee 135). Mrs. Dubose is only one of several people who attack Atticus for doing what he believes in, which is treating everyone fairly. Atticus tries to uphold his own moral code but only receives hostility for it. The backlash from the community is solely out of prejudice and is completely unjustifiable; if anything, he deserves
You may think otherwise, but I couldn’t have got along without her all these years. She’s a faithful member of this family and you’ll imply have to accept things the way they are.” (pg. 137) But at the end of the Story Aunt Alexandra comes down from her arrogant judgments by the end of the story. Alexandra expresses her faithfulness to her brother Atticus by standing with him.
In the country town of Maycomb, people were easily influenced so prejudice was shown by most. The citizens knew that the colour of your skin determined your place in life and that Negroes were to be treated differently. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, there was only one true character that portrayed the true essence of tolerance. Atticus Finch stood on his own two feet, and never formed an opinion unless he had prior knowledge on the particular person or situation. Throughout the entirety of this novel, it was Atticus alone who not only was tolerant, but set an exemplarily example to his children, and the town, of how knowing before judging is not only important, but vital to society. “First of all…if you can learn a simple trick Scout, you’ll get along better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person till you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (p.33). This is a perfect example of how Atticus passes on his knowledge to his children, and educates them on how respect
Courage is the quality of mind that enables one to face danger with confidence, resolution, and gain a firm control of oneself. Many of the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird showed courage in their own way. Courage can come in many different forms: physical, mental, emotional and moral. Courage is not the only main theme displayed in To Kill a Mockingbird; prejudice and education are also very important themes exhibited throughout the progression of the novel. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, a bright, sensitive and intelligent little girl, these themes of the novel are explored in great depth.
During the 1930's prejudice and racism was spread through the U.S. For example in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, the small town of Maycomb struggles with these aspects. Each character of the novel has a strong personality. Scout Finch is tough, always has an opinion, and is a tomboy. On the other hand Boo Radley stays hidden most of the time, but we all know he is actually a friend to Jem and Scout. Then there is Tom Robinson, a hardworking, strong, and innocent man. But what do all these characters have in common? They can all be analyzed as "mockingbirds". Throughout the novel each of their innocence is destroyed in some way. In Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird several of these characters become a symbolic mockingbird including
Along with Scout, Atticus is another example of a character that breaks stereotypes. An important instance of this is that he fights racial prejudice. “‘I’m simply defending a Negro—his name’s Tom Robinson. He lives in that little settlement beyond the town dump’”(Lee 77). When Scout asks why, he says that he has to stand by what he believes in. The fact that Atticus defends Tom shatters the stereotype that all white men are rude to black men. The stereotype limited the town citizens, as shown by Mr. Raymond, and is also extremely harmful to the black community. Another way Atticus fights prejudice is by letting Scout dress and act how she wants. Almost all the other adults in her life shame her for it, but Atticus lets her be free. This is critical, because without Atticus’s actions, Scout would not be supported by anyone. After being yelled at for her attire, Scout remarks, “She hurt my feelings and set my teeth permanently on edge, but when I asked Atticus about it, he said there were already enough sunbeams in the family and to go on about my business, he didn’t mind me much the way I was” (Lee 84). This leads into Atticus’s unique parenting style that lets the kids be free. Atticus doesn’t impose any stereotypes on his children, so they are free to be themselves. He explains this to Uncle Jack in the end of chapter 9. “Jack! When a child asks you
Harper Lee is best known for writing the Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller To Kill a Mockingbird. The novel takes place during the depression in Alabama with the main character, Scout, viewing her lawyer father, Atticus, defending a wrongly accused black man of rape. The reader gets to understand Scout’s childhood view of this controversial situation. Scout’s character in to Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is really the author’s own life playing out in the novel, which is most likely why this novel is thought to be one of the best American Novels of the 20th century.