To Kill a Mockingbird Essay In the story To Kill a Mockingbird By Harper Lee, Lee’s views on Atticus are critical to the plot of the story because atticus is not only a role model for his children, but a role model for the people of Maycomb and even the reader. Atticus represents the hope in a society full of racism and segregation. Early in the story, Lee conveys Atticus as a unique character, different from most in Maycomb. Just like scout, most children thought that Burris Ewell was lucky for having just one day of school. Atticus explains to her that there is a deeper reasoning than what scout thinks. Atticus tells her that if she were in the skin of Burris Ewell, she would see why only having a day of school does not really faze Burris. This confirms how vital Lee’s …show more content…
This relates back to my topic sentence because it shows courage for Atticus to walk away from Bob Ewell and handle his attack. In conclusion, Atticus is symbolizes justice. Atticus is honest, sincere, respected, courageous, and his morals are important to the story. Without him, Jem and Scout would of most likely grown up just as prejudiced as Maycomb County. In the story, the theme is innocence. All of the main characters can be identified as mockingbirds, innocent people who have been hurt or killed through contact with evil. At the end of the story the children are starting to figure out more about society than they knew before, more negative things like prejudice and hypocrisy. As scout and jem are settling down for bed, a thought crosses Jem’s mind. Jem comments “Scout... he wants to stay inside” (Lee ). This relates back to my topic sentence because Lee is trying to portray that Boo already knows of the horror of reality and that is why he does not want to come out, he does not want his innocence to be taken away. Another example would be when Tom Robinson tried to escape from jail. The text states, “Seventeen bulletholes in him, they didn’t have to
Atticus Finch is a very essential character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. He is not only the father on Jem and Scout, but he is also defending Tom Robinson. Along with all of the obstacles and challenges that Atticus faces he is still an exceptional role model for the children. He also overcomes the diversity of Negroes and whites that is displayed during his time by standing up and fighting for Tom Robinson and his triumph in court against Bob Ewell. Lee presents Atticus Finch as understanding of Tom Robinson, caring with the children, and calm throughout the Tom Robinson trial.
In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus, a lawyer and the father of Jem and Scout, displays great courage, loyalty, and patience in every situation.
To Kill a Mockingbird focuses on “Maycomb’s usual disease,” as a pivotal part of the book, but also shows that compassion and wisdom can exist in these most bleak areas. The prejudice and bigotry comes from the lack of knowledge of Maycomb, and their fear to change what they have grown up with. Pre-conceived ideas are the main reason that Maycomb is ignorant of black people as they are afraid what a change of those pre-conceived ideas will bring. Even so, compassion still exists, as Atticus is able to save Scout and Jem from the influence of ‘Maycomb’s usual disease.’ Wisdom is also embodied by Atticus, where his wisdom, which is not necessarily knowledge but life experience, is able to force him to do things which are right, shown in his reluctant shooting of the rabid dog.
Childhood is a continuous time of learning, and of seeing mistakes and using them to change your perspectives. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates how two children learn from people and their actions to respect everyone no matter what they might look like on the outside. To Kill A Mockingbird tells a story about two young kids named Scout and her older brother Jem Finch growing up in their small, racist town of Maycomb, Alabama. As the years go by they learn how their town and a lot of the people in it aren’t as perfect as they may have seemed before. When Jem and Scout’s father Atticus defends a black man in court, the town’s imperfections begin to show. A sour, little man named Bob Ewell even tries to kill Jem and Scout all because of the help Atticus gave to the black man named Tom Robinson. Throughout the novel, Harper Lee illustrates the central theme that it is wrong to judge someone by their appearance on the outside, or belittle someone because they are different.
Atticus Finch is a great father but a better man. Atticus isn't just a regular man in the 1930’s, in Maycomb, Alabama. He is, I quote from the book, “Atticus represents the moral backbone of the town of Maycomb.” Atticus demonstrates his empathy, integrity and acceptance throughout the book.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a courageous tale of leadership and gallantry. This book voices the story of a young girl, Scout, and the town of Maycomb. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird there are numerous quotes to which you should bring to your attention. By far, the most important quote describes what Boo Radley experienced all those years he was locked away in his house, “A boy trotted down the sidewalk dragging a fishing pole beside him. A man stood waiting with his hands on his hips. Summertime, and his children played in the front yard with their friend, enacting a strange drama of their own invention.…. Fall, and his children trotted to and fro around the corner, the day’s woes and triumphs on their faces. They stopped at an oak tree, delighted, puzzled, and apprehensive. Winter, and his children shivered at the front gate, silhouetted against a blazing house…. Summer, and he watched his children’s heart break. Autumn again, and Boo’s children needed him. Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough” (Lee 236-237). All those years he has watched as Scout and Jem grew up. All those years he imagined they were his own. Characterization is significant for the reason that Scout realized Boo Radley isn’t the irrational murderer, he is portrayed to be; he is pleasant and generally cares for the children.
“Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of
Lee uses Atticus’ good nature and respect for people to promote the theme; being strong in one 's beliefs and honest sets a good example for society: “‘First of all,’ he spoke, ‘if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-,” (Lee 39) Atticus indicates. This quote shows how fair Atticus is, he try’s to understand other people in different situations. His advice is very true and is valid throughout the entire book, it could even be considered a theme on it’s own. Atticus’ quality of respect is very high and continues on into the trial further into the book which helps him during the case and helps Lee build to the theme: “‘Gentleman,’ he was saying ‘I shall be brief, but I would like to use my remaining time with you to remind you that this case is not a difficult one, it requires no minute sifting of complicated facts, but it does require you to be sure beyond all reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant. To begin with, this case should never have come to trial. This case is as simple as black and white,” (Lee 271) Atticus voices in his final words at the trial. Lee uses Atticus’ powerful personality to express her views to the readers. In Maycomb no one ever did anything that was against the majority, so when
Level Headed- It has been a few days since poor Tom’s trial, and I had an encounter with Mr. Ewell today. I was leaving the post office when he approached me. He was really mad and he started cursing at me, he then proceeded to spit on me, and then he threatened to kill me. I just sat there and took it, he needed to get his anger out somehow, so why not let him. I understand why he was angry, who wouldn't be in his situation.
The one major theme that makes this novel not only a great piece of literature but appeals to the adolescents as well is the direct instruction of how to treat others. The novel details examples of moral responsibility through Atticus. Lee, through her use of first person, establishes characters that demonstrate the behavior that she feels is morally necessary for people to show. The characters are role models on many different levels. The author wants the reader to walk away from the book with the same realization as Scout, that people are “real nice . . . once you finally see them.”9 Scout and Jem represent the audience for To Kill a Mockingbird; people that can still see things through the innocence of a child.
...s a way to show what would happen if you deviated from the norm. Atticus is well respected in the community, even though he goes against the social norm. “They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions," said Atticus, "but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.” (Lee 11). Every time people see Scout and Jem, they treat them with the utmost respect. The Ewells on the other hand, follow the social norm, but are “poor white trash” of Maycomb. When Bob Ewell gets stabbed by Boo Radley, no one is the wiser and no one is sad or concerned about his death, even the sheriff. Lee shows that going the more difficult, but more “correct” choice will pay off in the end, even if everyone else does something else different.
Harper Lee once said, “The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one which makes you think…” In that case, To Kill A Mockingbird is the perfect fit with its detailed incorporations of imagery and symbolism in which makes the reader think about its significance. The novel focuses on the childhood of Scout Finch in the town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930’s. Throughout the story, lessons and morals are given by the community resulting in the maturity of not only the children, but everyone involved. The combination of topics tied into one makes this novel a classic to American literature. After reading the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, it is clear that Harper Lee purposely continued to keep symbolism relevant throughout the story to help contribute to the central topics of the novel.
In the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus is a lawyer in Maycomb, and a loving father to his two children, Scout and Jem. Throughout the book Atticus is faced with challenges of both his family and his community. Being one of the few who want racial equality in Maycomb, Atticus choose to represent a black man named Tom Robinson in a trial even though he knows that he has a racially biased jury. He also takes pride into teaching his children about racial equality and hopes that they don't become racist like most people of Maycomb. Atticus possesses the qualities of a mentor by helping his children through situations, and by sharing his knowledge.
In addition, Scout learns about morality from Atticus after she is taunted at school. Cecil Jacobs begins giving Scout trouble at school because Atticus is defending a black man. Scout isn’t sure what he means by that or why it is such a bad thing, so she consults Atticus to learn more about the matter. Atticus explains to Scout that he is defending Tom Robinson, a black man, in a trial. Atticus says he has to do it although he knows he isn’t going to win, he says “‘ If I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t this county in the state legislature. I couldn't even tell you and Jem not to do something again’’’ (100). Atticus wants to fight for what he believes is right, even if there is almost no chance of him winning. In addition, Atticus asks Scout not to fight when someone makes comments about him or this case. Through Atticus actions, Scout learns to have integrity, even if it means making tough decisions. For example, Scout walks away from a
One theme is loss of innocence, which occurs in Chapters 28 - 31. Jem and Scout are saved by Arthur Radley after a man attempted to murder them. Scout finally sees Arthur for the first time, and ends up sitting with him outside. She takes him home. When she goes back, she connects the book Atticus was reading to her to Arthur, realizing that Arthur was actually much more docile and amiable than rumors proclaimed. She originally believed that he was malevolent, and shook in terror whenever she came close to his house. Her fears are dispelled after she finally understood who he truly is. Another theme is race and racism. It is more obvious in comparison to the others, and many teachers across the country use To Kill a Mockingbird as an example of racial injustice. The theme is particularly prominent when Tom Robinson gets convicted for an alleged rape despite the evidence that Atticus presented pointing otherwise. The jury consists of white men, who based their decision on purely circumstantial evidence and their own prejudiced beliefs against African-Americans. It is also prominent when nearly everyone in the county criticizes Atticus, harshly insulting him for defending Robinson. They even do so in front of his children, which Scout and Jem react fairly violently to on occasion. The final theme, although there are much more, focuses on moral education. Atticus teaches Jem and