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To Kill A Mockingbird Character Analysis

Decent Essays
To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel written by Harper Lee, takes place during the Great Depression in the fictional town of Maycomb County, Alabama. The novel is narrated by Scout Finch looking back upon events within her childhood in Maycomb. She retells the various adventures she’s had with her brother, Jem, and father, Atticus. Scout and Jem are often getting themselves into trouble whether it is because they are pestering their reclusive neighbors the Radleys, or are destroying the gardens of another neighbor, the irascible Mrs. Dubose. One of her more prominent memories is that of Tom Robinson’s trial. Atticus, a practicing lawyer, represents Tom, and proves that he is innocent of all charges. However, because of the racial prejudice…show more content…
As punishment he is forced to read to her daily. Unbeknownst to them at the time, this was also a way for Mrs.Dubose to break her morphine addiction. Mrs. Dubose was no longer a horrible woman who constantly scolded the children, she now revealed to be an incredibly brave woman. Atticus and Mrs. Dubose’s personalities and attitudes often mask the reality of their situations. Another example of appearances contradicting reality in To Kill a Mockingbird is shown by Dolphus Raymond and Aunt Alexandra intentionally deceiving others. Dolphus Raymond is known to consistently be “drunk [before] eight in the morning” (180), which is the reason for him being in a relationship with a black woman and fathering many mixed children. However, when Dill and Scout have to leave the courthouse after Dill begins to cry, Dolphus Raymond offers Dill some of his drink. Scout is shocked because it was previously assumed to be alcohol, but Dolphus assures Scout that he is “not much of a drinker” (228). Dolphus intentionally makes Maycomb believe that he is a alcoholic, because otherwise there would be negative conflicts. Dolphus makes the town believe that he is a drunk rather than making decisions to be involved with a black woman. Aunt Alexandra also deceives others. During a meeting of her missionary circle, Atticus informs her that Tom Robinson has been killed. Aunt Alexandra is distraught, but was soon reminded by Miss Maudie that they have to return
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