To Kill A Mocking Bird
analytical Essay
985 words
The theme of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mocking Bird is the existence of racism and prejudice in the 1930 – 40's. Harper Lee succeeds in presenting the topic in a manner that is not overly simplistic and thus achieves the task of allowing the reader to fully appreciate the complex nature of unjust discrimination. Harper Lee's inclusion of characters such as Tom Robinson, Boo Radley, Dolphus Raymond and many others, aid the reader to grasp the concept of racism and its central role in the town of Maycomb. To Kill a Mocking Bird is narrated retrospectively from the view of Scout, the daughter of Atticus Finch a lawyer of Maycomb, and younger sister of Jem. The informal vocabulary of the narration is still good enough to suggest it is spoken from the view of an adult Scout, (looking back at her childhood) but is casual enough to be understood by most readers. Maycomb's racist attitude in To Kill a Mocking Bird is fueled by the events which occurred soon after World War I. After a devastating stock market crash, many employers lost a substantial amount of money and therefore could hardly afford to hire staff. Many resorted to buying slaves; it was cheap and required little responsibility on their part. This event led to the employment of Negroes. The Industrial revolution did not occur in South America since it was only logical to simply buy slaves rather than expensive machinery. The civil war soon followed, and declared that Negroes were no longer considered slaves and if they were unhappy with work conditions they could leave. Few did, since jobs were already dangerously scarce and by about 1930 racism toward blacks was obvious. Negroes were accused of stealing the jobs of white people and this led to a system of separate public transport, schools and even drinking fountains. To Kill a Mocking Bird expresses the racist attitudes of Maycomb most dominantly in the court case involving Tom Robinson (who's lawyer is Atticus Finch) and Mayella Eule. The trial makes blatantly obvious to the reader that Tom Robinson, the black man accused of rape is innocent and yet the jury finds him guilty. It also establishes that Mayella was actually beaten by her father and although the evidence that points to this occurrence is circumstantial, it is made perfectly clear. The court case also clarifies to the reader the frightful nature and obvious abundance of racism within the small town of Maycomb.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the theme of harper lee's to kill a mocking bird, which is the existence of racism and prejudice in the 1930s and 40s.
- Analyzes how to kill a mocking bird is narrated retrospectively from the view of scout, the daughter of atticus finch, lawyer of maycomb, and younger sister of jem.
- Analyzes how maycomb's racist attitude in to kill a mocking bird is fueled by the events which occurred soon after world war i.
- Analyzes how to kill a mocking bird expresses the racist attitudes of maycomb most dominantly in the court case involving tom robinson and mayella eule.
- Analyzes harper lee's point involving unjust prejudice through the inclusion of a white man, boo radley, as the misunderstood hermit of maycomb.
- Analyzes the subplots in harper lee's novel, such as the inclusion of the supposed alcoholic, dolphus raymond, as an example of racism in maycomb.
- Analyzes how calpurnia, the housemaid of atticus finch, expresses her acceptance of different races in the novel.
- Analyzes how harper lee succeeds in demonstrating racism and prejudice as a central part of maycomb culture and provides the reader with reasons as to why this is so.
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- To Kill a Mockingbirdanalytical essay1. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, there is not one single theme that dominates the entire story. Although racial prejudice and fanaticism may be its central topic, there are other underlying themes that shape the novel to be a well-known classic in American literature. Aside from prejudice, the themes of loss of innocence and needing to walk in another’s shoes are seen in the life of little girl, Jean Louis Finch “Scout.” Prejudice is seen in the many of the main characters such as Bob and Mayella Ewell, Mr. Cunningham, and Lula. However the themes of walking in another’s shoes and loss of innocence are mainly represented in the second part of the novel by Scout. As Scout grows and learns from her father Atticus Finch and her brother “Jem” Finch, one sees the underlying motifs become more prominent and by the end of the novel develop into major themes.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how racial prejudice and fanaticism dominate the story of harper lee's "to kill a mockingbird." the themes of loss of innocence and walking in another’s shoes are represented in the second part of the novel by scout.
- Analyzes how prejudice is demonstrated in bob and mayella ewell as they strive to make tom robinson, a young black man, be found guilty of rape.
- Analyzes how jean louis finch, the narrator of maycomb, begins to understand things better and sees that calamity can even come into her life.
- Analyzes how scout uses atticus finch's quote to help her understand more of the human race. she uses his advice to explain boo radley’s actions.
- Analyzes how the characters scout, jem, atticus, tom robinson, and bob ewell all play a crucial role in displaying these themes. harper lee's to kill a
806 wordsRead More - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Leeanalytical essayIn a nutshell, To Kill A Mockingbird is about racism and prejudice, both themes that have been very harmful to society. These elements have run through society and have been represented equally in the book also. Racism and Prejudice haunt ignorance and vice versa. By writing this novel Harper Lee fought her own battle and raised awareness not only of racial prejudice that occurred in the 20’s and 30’s but also in today’s world.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how literature reflects the problems within a society. inspirations from real life events fuel great literature and books that become remarkable social pieces.
- Explains that racism has existed since the beginning of the 20th century, but it is still a problem in today's world. civil rights movements have helped ease the sting of racism.
- Analyzes how the plot of to kill a mockingbird is based on the trial of tom robinson, who is wrongly accused of raping mayella ewell.
- Analyzes how prejudice caused the suffering of the black people in maycomb. calpurnia, the finches' black maid, and tom robinson represent the kindhearted mockingbird.
- Analyzes how harper lee's to kill a mockingbird is about racism and prejudice, both themes that have been harmful to society.
1073 wordsRead More - To Kill A Mockingbird Racism Effectsanalytical essayTo Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a book revolving around the life of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up at the time of the Great Depression in Maycomb, Alabama. Many characters in the book feel the effects of racism both directly and indirectly. One person impacted directly by racism is Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Another person who feels the effects of racism is Dolphus Raymond, as he is a white man who fell in love with a black woman, had children with her, and is therefore rejected by society. Calpurnia, the Finches’ maid, is also affected by racism because she is a black woman working for a white family, and is treated with disrespect by white people and black people alike. Racism influences
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how harper lee's to kill a mockingbird focuses on scout finch, a young girl growing up during the great depression. many characters in the book feel the effects of racism both directly and indirectly.
155 wordsRead More - Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbirdanalytical essayThe most essential responsibility of a parent is to keep their children safe; most will not intentionally but their children in harm’s way. Harper Lee writes about a parent whose children are endangered and altered because of a decision that he makes. In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch chooses to represent Tom Robinson in court, putting his children in potential danger, earning respect from numerous people surrounding him, and teaching his kids valuable life lessons; if individuals always chose to do what is right, instead of settling for the easy solution, difficulties could be often eliminated.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes harper lee's to kill a mockingbird, where atticus finch represents tom robinson in court, putting his children in potential danger and earning respect from numerous people around him.
- Analyzes how atticus finch, a moral perfection, accepts the case of tom robinson despite strong opposition from his neighbors; thus, jem and scout are put in danger.
- Analyzes how bob ewell attacks atticus's children instead of directly facing mr. finch, despite his decision to defend tom robinson.
- Analyzes how atticus finch is admired and respected by the open-minded inhabitants of his town, as well as members of the black community.
- Analyzes how jem and scout learn lessons essential in life because of atticus's choice to stand up for what is morally correct.
- Analyzes how atticus, with the children's best interest in mind, orders them to return home immediately. scout tells the reader that jem has learned from his father, the skill of assessing right from wrong.
- Analyzes how atticus finch, in to kill a mockingbird, makes an impact when he accepts tom robinson's case. he puts his children in danger, earns respect, and trains them to be mature and act responsibly.
1451 wordsRead More - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee has become a mainstay in American high-schools. This is a classic novel that has inspired many people of all ages. It had a big impact on how people viewed and treated each other. This is a story that teaches everyone about the value of honesty, love, friendship and trust. Every word written in this book has a truly deep meaning to it. The time period that the book was written in was during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. This setting was in a small town in Maycomb, Alabama with people who did not get along. During this time there was a lot of segregation within America and different races. To Kill a Mockingbird is about a family who believes in doing the right thing and being honest. There was a court case that had gone viral about a black man who raped a white woman. A white lawyer named Atticus Finch gave his all to defend a black man named Tom Robinson. There was no evidence that showed that Tom raped Mayella Ewell and he was convicted guilty because of his color. When a black folk was accused of something they are immediately accused guilty. To Kill a Mockingbird should be taught in American high-schools because it teaches students about segregation/racism, right from wrong, and courage.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that harper lee's to kill a mockingbird teaches students about segregation/racism, right from wrong, and courage.
- Analyzes how maycomb's characters are racist because they think that black people are untrustworthy and not reliable. the main conflict of segregation was from tom robinson’s court case.
- Analyzes how atticus finch wanted to show his children, jem and scout, how to follow their hearts and do good deeds. he didn't care what anyone thought or said about him, he fought every second for him.
- Analyzes how atticus has a huge amount of courage and demonstrates it several times throughout the story. he was determined to defend tom robinson when the rest of maycomb did not want him to.
- Opines that to kill a mockingbird is the most influential book students will ever read.
781 wordsRead More - To Kill a Mockingbird Essays - Atticus Finchanalytical essayCompassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, Harper Lee's, To Kill a Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior, to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, and the struggle between blacks and whites. Atticus Finch, a lawyer and single parent in a small southern town in the 1930's, is appointed by the local judge to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, who is accused of raping a white woman. Friends and neighbors object when Atticus puts up a strong and spirited defense on behalf of the accused black man. Atticus renounces violence but stands up for what he believes in. He decides to defend Tom Robinson because if he did not, he would not only lose the respect of his children and the townspeople, but himself as well.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how harper lee's to kill a mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior, innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, and the struggle between blacks and whites.
- Explains that atticus enjoys being a father to jem and scout. they knew immediately that there would be controversy, humiliation, and great difficulty keeping tom alive for the trial.
- Analyzes how atticus taught his children to accept the differences between one human being and another.
- Analyzes how atticus proved to the jury that tom robinson was innocent, regardless of his color.
- Analyzes how atticus proved to his children, the townspeople, and himself that all men are created equal and should be given the same respect as everyone else.
1095 wordsRead More - Black vs. White, Who Wins The Fight?analytical essayDespite the generation in which an individual is born no society has escaped the wrath of racism. From the Native Americans in Jamestown to the immigrants of Ellis Island, even today racism continues with the Muslims being accused of 9-11 and other terrorist attacks. Although racism has changed from the early 1800’s to today, it is still present. To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in the southern town of Maycomb where the citizens struggle with racism, the meaning of courage and family status. The award winning book is told from the point of view of Scout Finch’s, a young girl growing up in the 1930’s. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee racism is displayed by two children building a snowman, the separated churches, and the Tom Robinson trial; to show that the decisions the people of Maycomb make are based on more than one’s personal views.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how racism is still present in maycomb, where the citizens struggle with racism, the meaning of courage and family status.
- Explains that snow is a rare sight in maycomb. it barely covers the layer of dirt making typical snow day activities difficult. jem and scout seek out miss. maudie to borrow her snow.
- Analyzes how racism was like a disease in the early 1900s, separating water fountains and schools, even churches are not spared from racism.
- Analyzes how the tom robinson trial made the citizens of maycomb see how racist they are. atticus finch is one of the few to overlook racism.
- Opines that the integrity of our courts and the jury system is a living, working reality. a court is no better than each man sitting before it.
- Analyzes how atticus' closing statement shows maycomb has a lot of racism to overcome. the tom robinson trial is similar to another event in history, the scottosboro trials.
- Analyzes how harper lee displays racism in her award winning novel to kill a mockingbird. racism isn't something born with, it's taught by the people and events around one.
1056 wordsRead More - Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Leeanalytical essay“To Kill A Mockingbird” is marvelous and unforgettable novel. Not only show how dramatic, sad in and old town – Maycomb be like, but through her unique writings, some big conflicts about politics and critical is going on through this tired old Southern town. Not just in general like education, friendship, neighbors but also pacific in individuals like family and the people’s characteristics themselves. In one book yet can covered with such many problems, Harper Lee must have been experienced a lot and deeply understanding that time. That is why the book lives, becoming literature and get the love from the audiences a lot. One of the problem and mostly run along with the story and interest me is racism between white people and black people socially.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that "to kill a mockingbird" is a marvelous and unforgettable novel. it shows how dramatic, sad in and old town – maycomb be like, and through her unique writings, some big conflicts about politics and critical is going on through this tired old southern town.
- Analyzes how harper lee's novel based on what she saw and writes about racism was quite popular that moment.
- Analyzes how harper lee's "to kill a mockingbird" shows how racism affects the children, who are still young and naive.
- Analyzes how racism made black people feel bad about themselves, and those white people who defended them. aunt alexandra was a judgmental woman, showing respect for calpurnia.
- Analyzes how harper lee's novel, maycomb, has taught us so much about racism. people are equal regardless of skin color, religion, or appearance.
865 wordsRead More - Hypocrisy and Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Leeanalytical essayRacism is wrought within the whole story. For example, even though Calpernia is a female, Aunt Alexandra overlooks her good work because of her race (p. 129). Blacks, because they are considered inferior, are expected to do everything for whites. People are so biased it doesn’t matter how well a job a black person does they are still frowned upon. Furthermore, the jury declares Tom Robinson guilty even though the evidence is clearly in his favor (p.211). A human being has more color pigment in their skin so it is assumed they are guilty without question; truth is never a factor. It is easy to associate the mockingbird symbol to Tom Robinson, a harmless man who becomes a victim of racial prejudice. The Maycomb community are trying to make a fool of them selves by believing they are model citizens and good Christians, even though a small number amongst them know that they are wrong to persecute and hate due to color.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the timeless classic, to kill a mockingbird, by harper lee, which follows jem and scout, two siblings, who face the harsh realities of life.
- Analyzes how harper lee uses hypocrisy to show how the people of maycomb are engulfed in a variety of elements that they unknowingly complete acts of unjustified discrimination.
- Analyzes how the maycomb community is trying to make a fool of themselves by believing they are model citizens and good christians.
- Explains that the book proves that it's not the prejudice that is responsible for much social injustice, but the people that show that prejudice to others.
461 wordsRead More - To Kill a Mockingbirdanalytical essayIt is estimated that two African-Americans were killed through lynching every week between 1880 and 1920. Others who demonstrated enough courage to stand up to protect these victims of racism were also risked with lynching. Courage, specifically the “courage to fight for what you believe is right” was a key factor in the civil rights movement. It is also present in the book “To kill a mockingbird” predominantly in the protagonists and those whom they work to protect. The antagonists, society in the fictional town of Maycomb itself, show little courage or pity throughout the story. Atticus finch, the father of the narrator Jean-Louise, expresses courage the most. Shown through his acts of defending whom the antagonists despise, thus going against society itself. The children also present their own acts of courage, when they do the same as their father, whom concurrently taught them his version of courage. A courage without guns, or violence, but rather a courage of words, and the need to protect someone. As it would seem, the author of the story To Kill a Mockingbird would express courage only through the Protagonists and those whom they try to protect.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how expresses courage in "to kill a mockingbird" through the protagonists and those whom they work to protect.
- Analyzes how atticus finch is an important figure in the novel. he exemplifies courage in many situations, such as tom robinson’s trial, the killing of tim johnson, and his desire to teach that courage to his children.
- Analyzes how the protagonists in the story, such as scout, jem, and the clandestine protagonist, arthur radley, demonstrate courage for standing up for their father and his beliefs.
- Opines that neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between. boo gave us soap dolls, broken watch and chain, good-luck pennies, and our lives.
- Analyzes how atticus reflects on the kindness given to scout and jem by arthur. the vicious society within maycomb and their abhorrent views and ideas involving african americans could be considered the general antagonist.
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