The True Lessons of Maycomb

The True Lessons of Maycomb

As we have all been told, we learn many lessons throughout the course of our lives. The two main characters of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Jean Louise Finch (Scout) and Jeremy Finch (Jem), learn many of these captivating lessons over the course of the story, especially lessons about the constantly changing environment they live in. The story is centered on Jem and Scout Finch whose journeys of growing up in the southern town of Maycomb teach them about everyday life in the 1920’s. It becomes clear that throughout the story, Harper Lee provides negative commentary on life in the South during the Great Depression, revealing the true deficiencies of society. Ultimately, throughout the story, Jem and Scout learn to live within the boundaries of social convention, not cause harm to something that didn’t cause harm to them, and to not be quick to judge others.

First, Jem and Scout learn to follow commonly accepted societal rules, even when they go against their wishes. This is evident in the quote, “Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches… Aunt Alexandra’s vision of my deportment involved playing with small stoves, tea sets, and wearing the Add-a-Pearl necklace she gave me when I was born” (Lee 108). In this quote, it is quite clear that Aunt Alexandra wants Scout to fulfill society’s need to be a proper southern woman in which you dress nicely and act in a lady-like manner. Although Scout isn’t fond of fulfilling this stereotype, she learns that in order to not be poorly judged by others, you must abide by the societal norm. This is idea of not violating social convention is also evident when Atticus tries to persuade Uncle ...

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...he Tom Robinson’s case. In its totality, this book contains many opinions of Harper Lee’s interpretation of the south during the Great Depression, showing how racism and government ineffectiveness were the true problems that governed the country.

In conclusion, To Kill a Mockingbird taught Jem and Scout Finch a variety of lessons. These lessons include abiding by social rules, not harming those who cause no harm to others, and not judging people without knowing their character. Ultimately, this book taught me that we must appreciate the time period we live in so we can cherish all of the lessons already put into effect today which makes a better society than that of what Harper Lee described. Although our society still has its problems, we must be grateful for all of the improvements that have been since 1920’s, which in the long run, have improved our country.