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Differences In Harper Lee's 'To Kill A Mockingbird'

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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 …show more content…

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

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