Bildungsroman To Kill A Mockingbird

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Harper Lee uses various characters and themes in her novel, ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, to investigate, at a great extent, the contrasting life values and lessons learnt in different parts of the Maycomb community. Through the use of authorial intrusion by the present day Scout, we learn that the life lessons that she learns as a child, stay with her for the rest of her life. This bildungsroman novel highlights the themes of growing up and learning from other’s actions, having courage in tough situations and dealing with racism in the town.

1st Paragraph: growing up
Harper Lee narrates ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ through the eyes of young Scout to reinforce that she is growing up and still has many lessons to learn from her father, Atticus. Atticus is portrayed as a man of honour in ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ as he has many morals and values that he kept his entire life and teaches to his children. An example of this is the respectful way that he treats Mrs Dubose even when she is anything but respectful to him. Atticus tells Jem, “She’s an old lady and she’s ill. You just hold your head high and be a gentleman. Whatever she says to you, it’s your job not to let her make you mad.” This quote is astoundingly true to Atticus’ character as he is a considerate gentleman …show more content…

Ms Maudie is a prime example of someone who shows bravery through staying positive in a potentially heart breaking situation for most. Instead of looking at her house burning down in a negative light, she turned it into an opportunity to rebuild her boring old home and grow an even bigger garden. Ms Maudie is a very influential character in Jem and Scout’s lives as she is their neighbour and portrayed in the novel as a motherly figure, so her courage that was shown in the time of her house burning down is a lesson that Jem and Scout would keep with them

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