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Respect in to kill a mockingbird
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Burris Ewell’s actions and appearance in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird reveals that he is a flippant and disrespectful young man that clearly has no sense of hygiene. For example, Scout, one of Burris’s classmates, describes him as “the filthiest man I [have] ever seen”, with a dark gray neck and unsanitary fingernails. (31) It is evident that Burris has made no attempt to better his hygiene, as his appearance is still extremely unappealing. Not to mention the fact that he also has lice, and simply ignores the fact that it could seriously harm him in the future. Burris’s lack of cleanliness indicates to everyone around him that he does not take good care of himself, which is a direct link to hygiene issues. In addition to Burris’s unattractive
“...Mayella looked as if she tried to keep clean, and I was reminded of the row of red geraniums in the Ewell yard.” (Lee, Chapter 18). Mayella Ewell and her family were very low on the class scale. They lived in a filthy house by the town dump and everyone thought of them as a trashy family. This quote from To Kill A Mockingbird is taking place during the trial of Tom Robinson. Bob Ewell still looks as filthy as usual but Mayella has attempted to keep herself clean because she wants people to look at her differently. Mayella does not want people to compare her to her father. Her father is a slob, filthy, rude, and a trashy man and Mayella wants a better life that that.
Atticus said the Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations… Against the fence, in a line, were six chipped-enamel slop jars holding brilliant red geraniums, cared for as tenderly as if they belonged to Miss Maudie Atkinson, had Miss Maudie deigned to permit a geranium on her premises. People said they were Mayella Ewell’s… it was easy to tell when someone bathed regularly, as opposed to yearly lavations: Mr. Ewell had a scalded look; as if an overnight soaking had deprived him of protective layers of dirt, his skin appeared to be sensitive to the elements. Mayella looked as if she tried to keep clean, and I was reminded of the row of red geraniums in the Ewell yard. (Lee 30-179)
... Even so, compassion emitted from Atticus towards his children is able to shield them from the disease and make them much like Atticus, someone who would see it like it is rather than be blindfolded by the pre-conceived ideas. Wisdom and life experience are also shown as very desirable traits to have as they can motivate you through the toughest tasks and drive you to do what should be done instead of abandoning your duties. In conclusion, Harper Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird highlights the horrible prejudice and ignorance towards black people in the southern town of Maycomb, but also shows wisdom and compassion as not only desirable but necessary traits to have to withstand the bombardment of pre-conceived ideas from the people surrounding you, and also portrays these qualities as a shield to people around you.
Atticus unbound himself from the unspoken fundamentals of the county, he defended a black man. Although his own race was against him, he unabatedly believed Tom Robinson’s testimonies. In a time where money and race were factors that adjudged one's life, a poor, white man was seen as more important than a rich, black man. Born into a world divided by the black and white spectrums, Atticus saw the people less in colour and wealth, but simply as human beings whose paths should only be decided by their love and generosity; “As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life...whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that man is trash.” (Lee 295). Atticus taught Scout that essential goodness is beyond skin colour, and money isn’t a guide to character. Atticus fought against his society for the benefit of others. A heavier censorship also loomed over Guy Montag’s society. With time, books were replaced as technology prevailed, speed limits grew faster, and firefighters became fire-starters. Unlike any other citizen in his community, Guy found a sudden interest in books, ironically he was raised to be against knowledge like every other person in his city. Montag began to wonder what made books so important, he pondered the question as it scratched at the back of his head; “There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.” (Bradbury 48). As the unhappiness grew, Montag began to realize the faults in his society, he didn’t agree with the laws and chose to fight against his previous beliefs; “it was a pleasure to burn.” (Bradbury 1). However, as Montag burrowed deeper into books, his principles
The novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, is an American classic, narrated by the young Scout Finch, the most engrossing character in the book. The novel is about the adventures of two siblings over the time of about three years. Jem and Jean Louise (Scout) Finch were two young siblings who one day met another young boy named Dill. Over time, Jem and Scout grow up under the careful watch of their father and friends, learning how to be adults. They play games, they sneak into a courthouse, and they learn a valuable life lesson. Scout was an intriguing character. As the narrator, you learn more about Scout’s feelings towards the events in the book and soon learn to love her. Let me introduce you to Scout Finch.
Atticus’ statement on prejudice and racism characterises his moral integrity and his empathetic nature. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus Finch is depicted as the complete opposite of what people would perceive to be a stereotypical southern man living in the Deep South during the 1930s. Contrary to the majority of his fellow townspeople of Maycomb, Atticus is a man of great virtue and moral strength. He in not bigoted or racist and is egalitarian in his approach to all people This sort of moral integrity is what he tries to instil in his two young children, Jem and Scout, despite the bigotry and inequality surrounding them. Atticus Finch stands as a moral beacon of the town, a label which causes much friction between himself and other members of the Maycomb community. A clearer idea of Atticus’ principles can be gained by comparing and contrasting them to three other characters in the Novel, Calpurnia, Bob Ewell and Aunt Alexandra.
Being judgmental is often a trait people possess. Atticus is one such person who does not possess this trait as seen in the fictional novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. To Kill A Mockingbird tells the story of a young girl, Scout, who comes of age and eventually comprehends that not all people are open-minded, or kind. Scouts interactions with other people help to shape her and allow her to accept that not everyone has the same thoughts and opinions as her. Scout and Jem’s interactions with Atticus help the reader clearly understand that he is a responsible, courageous, and non-judgmental man.
The author George Elliot once said “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Appearance can be very misleading, and you shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone. This philosophical idea has been included in many works of literature, including the timeless classic To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee. The novel takes place in the town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s. Many citizens of Maycomb tend to make judgements based on outward appearances alone. In the novel, Lee uses minor characters such as Boo Radley, Mrs. Dubose, and Tom Robinson to convey the book’s theme of prejudice.
Atticus did what no other person would do in Maycomb, he defended a negro man in court. In the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, Atticus is a lawyer that has to defend Tom Robinson because Tom was accused of raping a white lady. Others in Maycomb don’t agree with Atticus because he took a black man’s words over a white woman’s word. Atticus is a man of morals with integrity, so he did the right thing and took Tom Robinson’s side. It makes sense for Atticus to take a stand to defend Tom Robinson because he follows his morals and the golden rule.
Courage is valued in many ways. It is measured by bravery, heroism, physical strength, and morally correct behavior. The world mostly defines courage as having physical strength and being brave. Atticus, Scout, and Jem show many acts of courage through the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. They all have different views and opinions on courage. The novel is told from the point of view of Scout. She, and her brother Jem, live with their widowed father in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930’s. Their father, Atticus, is also a lawyer who defends his black client, Tom Robinson, who is innocent of rape. The title To Kill A Mockingbird explains that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” because they “make music for us to enjoy” (Lee 119). In other words, the mockingbirds are harmless and have never done anything wrong. It would be considered a sin to kill a harmless and peaceful mockingbird. Similarly, accusing an innocent and
In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, there is an abundance of minor characters. Three of these characters, Dill, Alexandra, and Calpurnia are especially significant because of the influence they had on Scout.
quick". He does not care that he is dirty or he has head lice. He
Throughout the novel, Atticus’ assistance to Jem and Scout’s development becomes evident. Atticus takes every opportunity to attempt to teach his children the importance of having an open-mind. For instance, when Scout queries Atticus about Maycomb’s prejudice perspective, he tells her, “You never really understand a person until…you climb in their skin and walk around in it.” (Lee 30) Even during the early stages of the novel, it is apparent that Atticus endeavors to instill the values of empathy and tolerance within Jem and Scout by teaching them how to have multiple perspectives on a situation. In addition, Atticus also attempts to enlighten his children about peaceful resolution in society. For example, when Atticus is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus tells Scout, you might hear some ugly talk about it at school but…you just hold your head high and keep those fists down.”...
Growing up. This is an important part of life, but not a very fun one. Did you ever feel like the people who you grew up around influenced you? In Harper Lee 's To Kill a Mockingbird, we can infer that Jem and Scout feel this too as they grow up. In this coming of age novel there were three distinct moments where I saw Jem and Scout express empathy for someone else that molded and shaped their character. Jem and Scout have matured greatly throughout the novel and we see this when Jem understands Walter Cunningham 's position and experiences empathy for him while Scout resorts to fighting, when Uncle Jack recognizes Scouts wisdom and understands her point of view when she 's fighting with Francis, and also when Jem and Scout finally see past their differences and become friends with Mr. Arthur. These three significant “growing up” moments all involve Jem and Scout
Keeping a mouth shut doesn't hold the world shut out, it opens up new doors to things that would never be expected. In To Kill A Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, there is are two character that is are an eternal mystery for the readers. Boo Radley, though the reader nor Scout and Jem know anything about the character all they want is to learn about him. Boo becomes a mysterious figure that many see as creepy, ghostly, but also reasonably wise. The one-time Boo appears the readers learn he is a sagacious, powerful man. Little do Scout and Jem know is that their father is also a rational being as well. The two crucial character in the story helps support the