To Kill A Mockingbird Language Analysis

through Boo Radley. Her transformation can be seen when comparing her mindset at the beginning and end of the story. In chapter 3 Atticus tries to teach her about this topic in which he 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 it." (pg. 30). Atticus explains to Scout that she needs to try and see things from another's viewpoint even when they don’t see eye to eye. In Scout’s case, she learns to not judge people before she has a chance to see thing from their perspective. At the end of the book, Scout finally learns this lesson, as she says: "Atticus, he was real nice" which indicates her realization that some people are not what rumors say they are. Atticus the replies to her: "Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." (pg.376).

Racism is witnessed many times throughout Scout's life, but not many times through her family as Atticus believes all people are equal. The only times she really sees it in her household is when Aunt Alexandra gets there. Jem and Scout talk to each other about what Aunt Alexandra says to Atticus and it shows her views. “She won’t let him alone about Tom Robinson. She almost said Atticus was disgracin’ the family. Scout… I’m scared.’ ‘Scared’a what?’ ‘Scared about Atticus. Somebody might hurt him”(167). Not only does this quote show her views about a different race, it also shows her directing her thoughts towards Atticus. She is trying to guilt Atticus into changing his mind and to keep the Finch family legacy going strong. This method of persuasion obviously does not work on Atticus, as he continues with the trial, despite Aunt Alexandra’s perspective on the

The book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is often associated with a various number of themes such as racism, social inequality, the importance of family values, and much more. But one of the more hidden messages of the book centers around the idea that there is a coexistence of good and evil. This theme is really brought to life the more the reader is able to understand the book. Through sub themes such as coming of age, perspective, and intense characterization of many important characters the idea of good and evil is really brought to light.

Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, is a realistic story that deeply discusses issues involved with the 1930’s that still resonate today. The struggles of life are evident within the believable characters of Maycomb County which is a microcosm, reflective of universal issues. Along with the authentic characters, setting and style also helps to convey Lee’s controversial notions of racial and gender prejudice, and persecution of the innocent, discussing many other ideas within.

Prejudice is one of the world’s greatest struggles. It does not only hold society back, but is harmful to the people who do good .In Harper Lee’s book To Kill A Mockingbird, Scout and Jem live through and witness prejudice and racism in the small town of Maycomb. They see someone wrongly accused of a crime because of his race. Scout and Jem also witness and take part in prejudice against a man no one knows anything about. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee uses characterization to show the negative effects of prejudice and racism.

What it Means to Kill a Mocking Bird: an in depth analysis of the morals in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

In To Kill A Mockingbird, the understanding of good vs. evil changes depending on age, race, perspective, environment, and experience. A young girl, Scout Finch, comes across good and evil as she confronts lies, attacks, and racism in the small town of Maycomb. Harper Lee uses Scout’s life to show the readers that one’s perspective of life will change as they grow older and mature. As Scout matures and comes close to her death of innocence, she is able to balance her thoughts on good and evil and starts to see the true, ugly colors of Maycomb and its people.

When Scout realizes her father does not view African Americans like he used to and how she thought he did, this causes her to change. At the moment when she realizes that her father has changed, it hits her hard, “She felt sick. Her stomach shut, she began to tremble.” (Lee 111). This is huge to Scout, who felt betrayed by her father and everything he ever told and taught her. Scout felt as if she no longer knew he father. Since her Atticus had been the only one there for her the most and the longest, she lost her sense of trust and admiration towards. “She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father. She never questioned it, never thought about it, never even realized that before she made any decision of importance, the reflex, “What would Atticus do?” passed through her unconscious...she did not know that she worshipped him.” (Lee 118). As much as Scout had reverence for her father, it all started to crumble once she put the pieces together and realized who he was. Atticus was no longer the wise and thoughtful father to Scout as he lost all value in her mind, causing a bit change in how Scout saw and admired him; a total change of character. “His use of her childhood name crushed on her ears. Don’t ever call me that again. You who call me Scout are dead and in your grave.” (Lee

Jem’s entire perspective of the world is thrown into chaos so he retreats into a state of disillusionment. However, Scout, maintains her faith in humanity. Atticus elaborates by saying as you grow older; you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life. Lee uses this scene to show the reader that racism is learnt. Scout gradually emerging from her innocence to the realization that people have different outlooks on the world and that these often include prejudice and hate which have been obtained by harsh experiences. Lee intends to show the reader that innocence is precious and once experience marrs, you cannot return to innocence. When Scout meets Dolphus Raymond, she learns not to trust the stereotypes that society casts on people because you never really know a person until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Scout’s narration showcases her struggle with the realization that not everyone values integrity and morals.

Imagine a world where evil and unjust actions are based on the color of skin; a world where some don’t even realize that they are prejudicing. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, these themes are present. People and how they commit evil, hypocritical, and unjust acts. We see these themes and great issues through the point of view of a child; the vigorous, youthful, elementary-aged Scout. Through this character Harper Lee shows the innocence of children, and what they go through in our inequitable world.

The concept of conflicting perspectives is consistently present in Harper Lees’ novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The text asks questions about current trends in society and the attitudes that cause people to ‘act like sheep” and conform while also expressing the need for individuality. It also brings into question the way the judicial system should be beyond reproach no matter what man is on trial, whether they be white or black. In a similar manner it also shows changing attitudes in regards to racism over time and in turn establish a conflicting perspective between the reader and characters of the novel.

This time period is one of racial discrimination and social inequality; two subjects young Scout Finch is only beginning to comprehend. Scout is hearing talk around school and town about her father defending a black man and calling him a “nigger-lover”. She pesters Atticus to give her an explanation; Atticus tells Scout who he is defending, a black man named Tom Robinson. When Atticus remarks that, “there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn’t do much about defending this man,” (Lee 86) Scout asks why he is doing it if he knows it’s bad. Atticus explains that his values and morals compel him to fight for the case. He tells her to disregard the snide comments made by her peers and fellow neighbors; Atticus knows it’s a hopeless cause to fight, but he will try to win because he is an honorable man and he truly believes in Tom’s cause. Atticus will have to face the wrath of his townsfolk and racial discrimination, but he is emotionally attached to the case and will fight for it. As he teaches his kids to ignore the hate and carry on without worrying about society, he is also re-assuring himself any dispelling any doubts he might have concerning his involvement.

Through the use of Scout’s innocent nature and the words and actions carried out by the townspeople, Harper Lee’s critical tone regarding prejudice is revealed.

As the United States “progresses” in economic, educational and technological advancements we still are fighting for racial equality. With more than 50 years since the brown vs. board of education case there is still incidents like Ferguson, Baton Rouge, and Phiando Castile where many questions are still unanswered. However, Harper Lee dealt with these same problems in 1960 when she wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. Lee created an emotionally confronting story. Lee writes through the eyes of “Scout” a lawyer’s daughter in a small sleepy town of Maycomb in Alabama during the great depression. Throughout the book “Scout” learns coming of age lessons from Atticus and her own experiences. But when Atticus takes on a case defending a black man (Tom Robinson) convicted for rapping a white woman (Mayella Ewell) and is found guilty. “Scout” her brother Jem begin to understand the effects of the prejudices in society. Therefore, Lee applies the literary concepts of diction and tone to revel the truth that prejudices in society negatively affect the way people treat each other in To Kill a Mocking Bird.

Jem makes a responsible choice. “you oughta let your mother know where you are,” said Jem “you oughta let her know you’re here…” […] then he rose and broke the reaming code of our childhood. […] “Atticus,” his voice was distant, “can you come here a minute, sir? (Lee 187-188). Even though the decision Jem makes breaks their childhood bond, he makes the right decision, the decision that is conscientious. It shows that he has matured. He has grown up and gains a strong moral compass.