To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 3 Essential Questions Essay

Notably, Atticus illustrates the good will and belief of a mockingbird. Atticus remains benevolent in difficult situations; he undoubtedly believes everyone has a good spirit. Atticus, particularly, holds strong view on life. Preferring to believe there is good in all living things, Atticus rebels against societal standards. He presumes that everyone is good and that no sane man is truly evil. For example, when Bob Ewell spat on Atticus, Atticus simply neglected the thought that Ewell was still angry. Atticus thought Bob Ewell's temper had softened. For this reason, Bob Ewell shocked Atticus when he harmed Atticus's kids. Atticus shook his head and said: "I cannot conceive of a mad who would'"(269). When the sheriff told him that some men needed to die to release

Atticus tackles a situation that many would avoid. Defending an African American man during the time of segregation. Although he is very much aware of this fact, Atticus still takes on the challenge. “Scout, you aren’t old enough to understand some things yet, but there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn’t do much about defending this man.” (86). Atticus states this fact to scout so that he may understand that Atticus is practically defending Tom against the whole town. Although he’s outnumbered by townspeople, Atticus courageously still decides to defend Tom Robertson; even in the face of uncertain failure.

Although Atticus is displayed as heroic, (as mentioned in the previous paragraph) he does not see it necessary to exploit and show off his talents. This is evident in the scene

“ Atticus had promised me he would wear me out if he ever heard of me fighting anymore ; I was too far old and big for such childish things, and the sooner I learned to

“Ok Atticus but please hurry back I need to talk to you and it's about something very important” I

“I will get you Atticus for what you did! I’m now the laugh of the town and here you are today walking around like you own the

Atticus was a lawyer in the south during The Great Depression era. It was also a time of segregation and a town in the south are proudly found of being separate. Jim, his son, was upset and attics shared his for wisdom by saying, “They’re entitled to think and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions,’ said Atticus ‘ but before i can live with other folks. I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” (139-140). During this time, to have respect for coloreds was highly looked down upon, but Atticus knew that he didn’t agree with that. That being the reason, he risked his profile in town to defend Tom Robinson, a colored man, at a trail. On the contrary, going against society can be dangerous and can be more harmful than

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is one of the most recognizable books of all time. Ever since it’s July 1960 release date it has been hailed for its genius writing, relatable characters, and narration. The novel is told through the eyes of Scout, a young girl living in the fictional Alabama town of Maycomb, and how she develops during an important time in her childhood. Scout’s character will affect the story in many different ways. Her childlike demeanor, strong southern accent, and personality adds to the book’s charm and memorability. You will get to see her evolve as a person throughout the entire story. As the only narrator, all of what you know of Maycomb and its inhabitants is through her eyes. Scout is not only the most memorable, but the most important.

Throughout the novel, Harper Lee represents how the Depression furthered prejudice, and impoverish whole communities. The desperation culminated a societal mindset that allowed fear, racism and animosity towards fellow men.

Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird once stated that the one thing that does not abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience (Lee 140). To Kill a Mockingbird, set in 1955, is about an old country town called Maycomb. Atticus Finch, a widower with two children, leads a fairly simple life as a lawyer in Alabama. With the help of the family nanny, Calpurnia, Atticus teaches his children many valuable life lessons. Throughout the book, there are many ways that Atticus instills conscience in his children. For example, when the children are playing and poking fun at a man that lives across the street named Boo Radley, Atticus illustrates that they should be more careful and courteous to other people. Another time, he educated his children about courage through an elderly, cranky, lady named Mrs. Dubose. Lastly, Atticus instilled conscience in his children by being an excellent example to them. By living and acting the same way that he taught his children to act, Atticus bestowed upon his children the lessons of humbleness and faithfulness.

Using a historical lens, Harper Lee reflects the time and setting in which To Kill A Mockingbird was written by demonstrating the effects of the Great Depression, the racism in towns, as well as the rarity of having moral courage and the effects it had on people.

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee addresses many issues. Issues Such as, racism and discrimination. During the 1930’s in the small county of Maycomb, most of the town’s people were racist and discriminated African/American. In the novel, these ideas are explored by the main protagonist Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch.

First, Aunt Alexandra tells Atticus about the children watching the trial,“I didn’t think it wise in the first place to let them” (Lee 243). However, Atticus responds with,“They might as well as learn to cope with it” (Lee 243). This quote demonstrates Atticus’s rational thinking by his intelligence and comprehension of the situation. Shrewdly, he recognizes how the children will eventually encounter the prejudices of the community and realize they cannot hide behind the curtain of innocence forever. Next, “these experiences over the three-year period validate the truth of Atticus’s remark that“it’s a sin to kill a Mockingbird.”The analogy between the senseless slaughter of innocent songbirds and Tom’s tragic death becomes clear to Scout” (Zaidman). This quote shows how Atticus is opening the eyes of many, including Scout, with his logical and rational thinking. Consequently, he reveals that prejudice is detrimental and Tom’s death is the result of the horrendous prejudice plaguing the community. Also, it helps separate Atticus from the rest of society by contrasting his actions with the communities. Furthermore, society withdrew to their shelter of traditions while Atticus stepped out into the light to condemn prejudice and

Atticus Finch displays Christlikeness in his life by making a very tough decision. Surprisingly, he bravely volunteers to defend an African-American man in a tough case. Taking on this case means that he will never be looked at the same by others, but instead of letting this scare him off he boldly stands up to the challenge. A mean old man named Bob Ewell falsely accused innocent Tom Robinson of the rape and abuse of his daughter. Bob earned all the beliefs of the townsfolk because Tom Robinson was a black man and back then segregation and racism was a common performance. However, unlike all of his fellow neighbors, Atticus refused to believe the false allegations when the evidence was so weak. He knew that all people no matter what color their skin was deserved to have a fair trial and an honest person to defend them. This exemplifies

At the beginning of one of the most turbulent decades surrounding race in American history, Harper Lee published the iconic novel To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960. While many authors wrote masterpieces for adults, Harper wrote her novel for an audience of teens and young adults (Michiyo). Surprisingly, the novel gained widespread popularity despite tackling controversial issues. This characterized the unique qualities of the novel, which few other books have been able to achieve. Interestingly, the genres of the novel also surprise the modern reader: it is Southern Gothic and Coming-Of-Age (“To Kill a Mockingbird: Analysis: Genre”). Despite similar masterpieces ending their stories with tragedy or a demise, Harper Lee ends her story on a positive note with hope towards the future. With an interesting storyline, contrasting characters, and serious issues, To Kill a Mockingbird masterfully delivers upon its points of empathy, bravery, and acceptance.