essay on to kill a mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee

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To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

The good, the bad, and the deep south: character analysis of aunt alexandra anonymous 9th grade, to kill a mockingbird.

The novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee explored the racist south during the Jim Crow era through the lense of a girl, Scout Finch. Through the novel, we learn of the experiences of the people living through this time, and how racism was...

Walk in Their Footsteps: The Importance of Empathy in To Kill a Mockingbird and A Time to Kill Kristin Virginia Freitas 10th Grade

In the novels To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee and A Time to Kill by John Grisham, the towns of Maycomb and Clanton Mississippi have two men accused and most people already know who they are voting guilty. Their outlooks on each other...

To What Extent Do To Kill a Mockingbird, The Help, and Get Out Engage with White Poverty in their Depiction of White Women? Summer Jade Dolan College

With the defeat of Jefferson Davis’ confederacy in 1865, the American South became a region marked by poverty. The Civil War not only destroyed large amounts of Southern infrastructure, but also devastated the demographic that would typically be...

The Impact of Class Structure John Florio

The rigid class structure and social stratification of Maycomb County had a profound effect on the events in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The impact of this class structure and the underlying prejudice was especially evident in...

Justice in To Kill a Mockingbird Yiran Guo

Justice and its relationship with prejudice is the central theme of the timeless 1960 novel, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Its focal point is the trial of Tom Robinson, an African-American erroneously charged with the rape of a white girl,...

The Journey Motif in Works of American Literature Anonymous 10th Grade

The journey motif is one of the most widely used elements in American literature. The journey is a powerful symbol often used to represent a character’s adventure leading to an epiphany, or some sort of self-realization. This literary device can...

Prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird and Goin' Someplace Special Anonymous 10th Grade

Prejudice is a pre-judgement formed about something or someone - but it is more than this as well? This complex idea is highlighted in the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and the picture book Goin’ Someplace Special by Patricia...

Character Analysis in To Kill A Mockingbird Katherine Dufour 10th Grade

While most people in society strive to have moral attributes, not everyone understands what traits are important in achieving this goal. Often, people attempt to model themselves after another’s example. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by...

Through Scout's Eyes: The Concept of Perspective Kyle R. Keenan College

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is one of the greatest works of American literature of all time. It has been reprinted again and again, and is a staple in almost any writing or history class. There are a number of reasons why it can be...

Scout’s Perception of Truth and Reality Anonymous 10th Grade

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 33). Atticus Finch tells this quote to the main character, Scout Finch, in the book To Kill a...

Mayella Ewell Anonymous 12th Grade

In the coming of age novel, To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee portrays many characters in various ways, but none more insidious than Mayella Violet Ewell. Mayella is the story’s boldest antagonist. She is a static character who undergoes no inner...

The Key Influences in Scout's and Jem's Lives Anonymous 9th Grade

The course of growing up is always influenced by the people around you, since the people in your environment are vital in shaping the person you will become. Harper Lee demonstrates this reality in the classic tale To Kill a Mockingbird , through...

Dill in To Kill a Mockingbird: Farewell to Childhood Anonymous 9th Grade

Often, there is no greater power that influences an individual’s development than his or her surroundings. It is one’s society that establishes what is generally accepted and how one comes to act within that society. In the novel To Kill a...

Who's Afraid of Boo Radley?: An Essay on To Kill a Mockingbird Mahyar Mirrashed 9th Grade

Throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird , Scout’s feelings and notions regarding Arthur “Boo” Radley change from her initial preconceived impression that he was a monster, to accepting Boo as a person and empathizing his perspective of the...

Jem the Visionary: Characterization in To Kill a Mockingbird Anonymous 9th Grade

In Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird , Scout's (the narrator's) older brother, Jem, plays an ironically important role. He may seem similar to other boys in Maycomb given his brotherly characteristics, but there is more to his character. Jem is a...

Irreality in‭ ‬To Kill a Mockingbird: An Overview of Scholarly Perspectives Anonymous College

Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) is commonly understood to be a coming of age story that deal with the theme of racial discrimination in the American South during the Great Depression. Close inspection of the novel reveals many...

Bob Ewell: A Journey into the World of an Alcoholic Christopher J Parsick 10th Grade

To Kill a Mockingbird is many things: just to name a few, it is a comment on racism, class, and the mob mentality. In this brilliant novel, there are a lot of well defined characters whose goings on in the fictional Maycomb County help to propel...

Understanding the Meaning of the Books Mentioned in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" Amotz Fraenkel 11th Grade

In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a variety of allusions to other works of literature arise, suggesting to the adept reader their significance to the plot and in our understanding of many characters and themes. Two books of special...

Influences of Society on Gender in The Color Purple and To Kill a Mockingbird Zaneb Mansha 11th Grade

Gender roles are learned mainly through social interaction rather than biologically. When people are born, they are supplied with very little knowledge of gender. Certain behavior is taught by means of social interactions and through relationships...

Jem and Gender, Calpurnia and Race: Challenging and Defying Stereotypes in To Kill a Mockingbird Anonymous 10th Grade

In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird , multiple characters defy stereotypes made about them and are even able to change opinions and lifestyles of people around them. The book takes place in Maycomb County, Alabama during the 1930s. The book...

The Standards of Love Anonymous 9th Grade

Every society has unwritten rules that everyone respects, and it is momentous when these boundaries are crossed. In To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee develops the argument that love creates a loyalty that can overcome any standards. The author...

A Comparison of Justice in Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ and Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’ Anonymous 12th Grade

While both Harper Lee and Charles Dickens have parallels in the way they portray justice and the legal system in their respective novels, there are contrasts in the way they portray both Victorian London and the Deep South in the 20th Century....

Discrimination to Destruction: The Impact of Individuals on Communities in Harper Lee and Anne Frank Anonymous 8th Grade

Throughout history, racism has been the cause of thousands of historical events that have ripped populations apart. To be more general, the discrimination of individuals always leads up to the split of the community itself. Within Harper Lee’s To...

Unexpected Models: The Importance of Neighbors as Seen in To Kill a Mockingbird Anonymous 10th Grade

The main focus of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) is that neighbors are, and always will be, the essence of a town and that they are important in many respects. Neighbors not only being those that live directly next to you but also those...

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English Works

Student’s sample essay To Kill a Mockingbird: life lessons

From which three characters in the novel do you think Jem and Scout learnt the most? Discuss with close reference to the events of the novel.

In Harper Lee’s   To Kill a Mockingbird , Scout and Jem Finch witness the demise of Tom Robinson who becomes the victim of cruel prejudice in the American town of Maycomb.  As they grow up, and witness the racial divisions in the town, they become exposed to a range of perspectives that particularly focus on different forms of prejudice. Their father, Atticus, who defends Tom in court, has a significant impact upon the children as they realise observe his steadfast defence of his convictions. Calpurnia, the family’s domestic helper, exposes the children to the difficulties faced by the African negroes as they confront racial prejudice on a daily basis.  Mr Arthur Radley, or ‘Boo’, also teaches them the dangers associated with stereotyping individuals based on hearsay. All of these mentors emphasise the importance of simple kindnesses.

Atticus Finch, the children’s father, succeeds in teaching Scout and Jem a valuable lesson about courage and moral strength. Atticus displays integrity by defending Tom Robinson. When Atticus explains why he takes the case of Tom Robinson, he says to Scout, “ If I couldn’t hold up my head in turn, I couldn’t represent this country in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again”.  Atticus impresses upon the children that courage is not a man with a gun in his hand or any form of physical strength. Atticus wishes for Scout and Jem to aspire to moral courage and he shows the children that courage is to defend their principles. When Atticus shoots the dog with rabies, Lee points out that a gun should only be used as a last resort.  Lee draws attention to that fact that physical strength , which is also evident whenever the feisty Scout uses her fists, is not true strength.  Even when her cousin calls her father a “nigger lover”, Scout learns that she must hold her head high and must control her temper.  Jem also learns that he must not respond to accusations of “nigger lover” by Mrs Dubose. To the very end, Atticus leads by example and stands “with his head high and fists down” and through this example he shows why it is a “sin to kill a mockingbird”.

Secondly, Calpurnia exposed the children to first-hand experiences of African American prejudice and to the disadvantage that they endure from the ‘socially superior’ white people. This is particularly apparent when they visit Calpurnia’s church. Scout is shocked that they don’t have hymn-books and Lee uses the lack of books as a symbol to show their Negroes’ illiterate status. Scout later asked Calpurnia why they don’t save for hymn-books and Calpurnia laughed and said, “ Wouldn’t do any good, they can’t read”. This reinforces their disconnection and exclusion from society because of their lack of education. Scout also notices that the church is bare and lacks a piano or organ. Lee uses the emptiness of the church as a symbol of the poverty-stricken situation of African Americans.  It is this downtrodden status, Lee suggests, that  contributes to the miscarriage of justice in Tom’s case. The jury members prosecute Tom Robinson without “one iota of medical evidence” and on the basis of two unworthy witness statements. Atticus’ stance and dedication to the case of Tom Robinson also directly challenges the bigoted views that doom the Negroes to perpetual disadvantage.

Together, Atticus and Calpurnia convey the message to the children that it is easy to abuse people who are ‘inferior’ and who lack a voice. Lee depicts the Ewells as socially disadvantaged people who have a tendency to belittle those beneath them. If Mr Ewell seems unable to change, the Negroes by contrast struggle to find work despite their best efforts. In addition, while the Negroes in the church do not have much money, they all support each other, raising $10 for Helen Robinson, with slight pressure by Reverend Sykes. This displays the close-knit community of the Negroes and how they support each other in times of need even though they do not have much to give.

Furthermore, Boo Radley’s benevolent presence teaches the children not to judge a person based on rumours and not to discriminate against the disabled. Scout and Jem’s personal experiences with Boo help them dispel the bigoted views about those with a disability. The constant and consistent acts of kindness from Boo such as folding Jem’s pants and leaving them for him on the fence, leaving them gifts in the tree hole such as chewing gum, an old watch, soap carvings and other trinkets, reveals that Boo is a very misjudged and gentle person. As Jem notes, “our biggest prize was a pocket watch that wouldn’t run, on a chain with an aluminium knife”. These gifts make the children aware that Boo is watching them affectionately.  Jem shows his appreciation towards Boo and the gifts by placing a thank you letter in the tree. Boo’s brother, Mr Radley, who Calpurnia describes as the “meanest man ever God blew breath into”, fills the hole with cement, because of the ‘dying’ tree which reflects his heartless attitude. The rumour surrounding Boo as being a dangerous and horrific ghost is proved unjust when he risks his own life to save Scout and Jem from the violent clutches of Bob Ewell. Boo not only rescues them both but he also carries Jem home to be nursed back to health. Lee uses the symbolism of the mockingbird to reflect the view that it is a “sin” to kill or judge unfairly something that is innocent, harmless, and vulnerable and that brings joy to others. Both Boo and Tom Robinson can be equated with mockingbirds.

Through first-hand experiences and the guidance of significant role models such as Atticus, Calpurnia and Boo Radley, Harper Lee depicts the personal growth of both Scout and Jem.  She suggests that they grow through their first-hand experience with the victims of both racial and social prejudice.  These role models highlight the importance of courage, education and kindness and they encourage Scout and Jem to see past the social barriers.

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To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

American writer Nelle Haper Lee, famous for her race relations novel was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. Lee was 34 when the work was published and it has remained her only novel. The book eventually became an international bestseller. Lee, commonly known to family and friends as Nelle, was...

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To Kill A Mockingbird: The Theme of Prejudice The theme of prejudice in To Kill A Mockingbird is much more than just a case of black and white. The entire novel is about prejudice in it's many forms, the most prominent case of prejudice is the racism and hate between the blacks and whites. The...

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To Kill A Mockingbird: Scout's Development "Select a novel studied by you where at least one of the principal characters is a young person. Discuss what you consider to be the most important influence in the novel in helping that young person to develop. " Jean-Louise Finch (Scout) is the main...

To Kill A Mockingbird: Childhood Experience Have you ever thought of an answer to reply to your children, when they ask you, "What was the world like when you were a child? ", "What things that happened that impressed you most when you were a child? " or "How interesting is your childhood...

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To Kill A Mockingbird: Prejudice Is Part of Our Inherent Nature Why did Atticus defend a nigger? What was the point of being the advocate for a black man? It doesn't matter if their guilty or innocent, you can ceaselessly and effortlessly convict the animals for their colour vice. You can even...

To Walk in Another Man’s Shoes “’ You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view’” (30). Atticus Finch, a popular lawyer, and the father of the main character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, teaches this lesson to...

SOCIETY NORMS VS. INDIVIDUALITY The book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee deals with several controversial topics. Among these is society norms vs. individual. The setting of the story takes place in the 1930’s in the southern town of Maycomb. In Maycomb it was hard for people like...

In my opinion theme with the most impact in 'To Kill a Mockingbird" is Hypocrisy as shown in three main incidents . These are the teachings of Ms Gates about the atrocities of Adolf Hitler whilst she hated blacks ; the missionary circle trying to show how Christian they are while believing that to...

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a highly regarded work of American fiction. The story of the novel teaches us many lessons that should last any reader for a lifetime. The messages that Harper Lee relays to the reader are exemplified throughout the book using various methods. One of the most...

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Certain uncanny resemblances between Tom Robinson and Boo Radley's lives exist in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Often large groups of people misunderstand certain unusual individuals. Sometimes they stereotype the person; other times, they simply do not bother to find out the truth. When...

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While examining the term, "the end of innocence", Scout's viewpoint on Boo throughout the novel can be an indication of Scout's own "end of innocence. " <br> <br>Scout opens the novel with a naive viewpoint on both the world and Boo Radley. At the start of the novel, Scout interprets a...

As people grow in life, they mature and change. In the novel , To Kill a Mockingbird ,by Harper Lee, Scout, the main character, matures as the book continues. Slowly but surely, Scout learns to control her explosive temper, to refrain from fistfights, and to respect Calpurnia, their maid, and to...

If this information makes you feel uncomfortable do not further research it. It can cause mental disturbance if you are not ready for it. I know it may seem cool but I am being serious. <br> <br> <br>Today I am going to compare racism in TKAMB between racism in real life...

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The stylistic elements that an author chooses are instrumental in ensuring that the theme or tone that he or she wishes to convey is in fact conveyed to the reader. Harper Lee obviously realizes this, for in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird, [New York: Warner...

Trials of Life Life is all about experiencing, learning, and growing up. The novel To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee shows many examples of growing up during the Great Depression. To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the South during the 1930's. The novel is a summary of the lives of the...

Some books are written to prove a point or some sort of idea. The novel, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, is an excellent example of proving a point or a theme. Themes in the book include courage, lady, standing in another man's shoes, it's not time to worry, education, and trash. All the...

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Injustice Injustice is a problem in which everyone faces, unfortunately this cruelty cannot be ignored. In this novel, titled " To Kill A Mockingbird ", there are three characters who suffer the most injustice. They are Atticus, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Atticus, is a man of great wisdom, he...

TKAM There are many people in To Kill a Mockingbird that have significant influences of Scout and Jem's actions. The two that stood out boldly to me, however, were Atticus and Calpurnia. Atticus, being the children's father, tought his kids many moral lessons. Calpurnia acted as a mother to Jem...

In the world people are always preconceived based on who they are or what they look like. Even thought it isn't as big of a problem in some areas as in others, we need to fight it. If we don't then it will continue to get more serious and at times lead to death. In Harper Lee's To Kill a...

Shannon Wester May 1, 2005 Mrs. Takehara To Kill A Mockingbird To Kill A Mocking Bird In my diorama I depicted the scene of Jem walking Scout home from the Halloween pageant, in full ham-suit, when they are attacked in the woods by Bob Ewell. He first attacks Jem, and then Scout, until someone...

Many authors use figurative language in order to make their text more attractive, exciting and easy-going. The novel by Lee is not an exception, and we’ll prove you why. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a novel by Harper Lee. The literary debut of an American writer, who was a lawyer by...

“Jem and Scout learn many lessons about life during the course of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. What do you believe to be the most important? Consider what Atticus and Calpurnia attempt to teach the children during the story.” During the course of the novel ‘To Kill a...

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How to find the irony in the literature? The irony is a mockery, containing a valuation of what is mocked, that is, one of the forms of denial. The distinctive sign of irony is its double sense. The reality can be not directly articulated, but the opposed implied.   Likewise, the more the...

Harper Lee is one of those writers who wrote her name in American literature not only because of enormous talent but because of indifference to serious social problems. She was not afraid to raise topical issues and defend own opinion. Her novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a tribute to...

The author wants to show us, over the inhabitants of Maycomb, that society can even unconsciously be hypocrites. He shows that the hypocrisy and inequity exist in the civilization persistently and most of it does not even realize or does not want to recognize. The author shows us that the most...

In his famous novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Harper Lee deliberately refers to themes of virtue and empathy. Bringing the lessons of morality, the author tries to show your readers merits of human nature. And there are many such examples. The Compassion of Atticus Finch The lawyer...

In 'To Kill a Mockingbird', innocence is portrayed through the character of Scout. Her childish innocence shown throughout the book projects enormous effect on people and the outcome to various situations. The innocence shown also develops as the book goes on. First, it was the conflict at...

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This is because in an incident In Chapter 10, Attic's Is called upon to rid Macomb County of a sick, unhealthy mad dog, which could cause much harm to the community If It got a chance to attack the people. The dog, Tim Johnson, is infected with rabies, and the best person in Macomb to rid the...

The Jim Crow laws had a very strong influence on the way of life of many people in the late sass's up to the mid-sass's. Segregation was very enforced and had the effect of people discriminating against each other. The Jim Crow laws had affected the southern part of the US, Alabama in...

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One may ask the question "What roles do Illusion and reality play In the perception of ourselves and others? " _ Illusion and reality both play a role in the definition of our perception, Illusion is the stereotype, the racist Idea, while reality is the truth that one sees when he,'she looks...

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Home ➔ Free Essay Examples ➔ To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Themes and Sample

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Themes and Sample

To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee (and sometimes shortened to TKAM), appeared on the shelves of bookstores in 1960, and instantly became a classic of American literature. That’s why writing essays about it is a common task that students of many schools receive.

Below, we will take a look at three major themes (or motifs) that you can explore in your paper. You will also find a Mockingbird essay sample that should give you a clearer idea about this assignment.

On to the Themes in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Harper Lee’s novel shows us our past and lets us see how the situation has changed since that time. The story is written from the perspective of a child who becomes a witness to a collapse of morals. She sees how human lives are unfairly and thoughtlessly ruined due to set social standards. She lives through it at such a young age but doesn’t lose hope for good to come and change things for the better.

To Kill a Mockingbird explores the darker side of the human being, but as it is narrated by a little girl named Scout, it gives hope for the better. Perhaps this hopeful tone attracts more and more readers and makes it one of the most influential books in American culture.

In To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee demonstrates what it was like to be white and black men in the pre-Civil Rights Movement era. Thus, modern readers can see how American society has revolutionized and changed their opinions and attitude towards those who look differently.

The plot of the book takes place in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the early 1930s, the years of the Great Depression.

The whole story is narrated by a little girl Scout, Jean Louise Finch, who ages from 6 to 9 years old. Her widowed father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who also raises Scout’s older brother Jem — Jeremy Finch. Jem, Scout, and their friend Dill Harris are curious about the life of Arthur “Boo” Radley, who lives nearby and never leaves his house. Kids, under the impression of scary stories about Boo, think he is a monster.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most popular themes that students write about in their TKAM essays.

Racism as the Major Theme

When writing a To Kill a Mockingbird essay, you have plenty of topics to choose from, but racism is one of the most prevailing TKAM themes that is written about.

In her novel, Harper Lee shows a society that is staggeringly unfair towards African Americans. To Kill Mockingbird stereotypes are all about racism and inequality in the American South. In the 1930s, black people were still enslaved. They were not allowed to co-exist with whites on equal footing.

Several characters become victims of racism: Calpurnia, Tom Robinson and his family, and also Scout (the white girl was accused of being a “nigger-lover”).

When Tom Robinson, a black man and one of the Maycomb’s residents, is accused of raping a white girl, Atticus decides to take on his case even despite the Maycomb county community disfavor. Although Tom is innocent and Atticus provides evidence that a young girl named Mayella Ewell was attacked by her father, Bob Ewell, Tom is convicted. The only substantial evidence standing against Tom is the color of his skin, and the jury found him guilty. Later, Tom was killed during the attempt to escape custody.

Harper Lee tells this story to show how prejudice ruins lives and describes his death as “the senseless slaughter of songbirds.”

Racism is expressed in many other ways in the novel. White and black people live in different areas of the town; they are physically separated in the courtroom.

Throughout the novel, Scout reveals that white and black people are not equal. Scout and Jem were not allowed to give a visit to their black cook and housekeeper, Calpurnia, by Aunt Alexandra. Scout and Dill talk to Mr. Raymond, a white man who married a black woman and now pretends to be an alcoholic just to find an excuse for that.

Without any doubt, the To Kill Mockingbird theme of racism in the United States is the backbone of the novel and is discussed in essays the most. However, that might be why you should look for something else to cover.

Analysis of Kids’ Protest Against Social Pressure

The novel is also about the maturation of kids in an adult world and their protest against bias. Jem and Scout Finch take the road from innocence and blind faith in the community norms to knowledge and their own believes through valuable life lessons. Firstly, they judged people trusting communal bias towards people. Later, as they face the harsh realities of life, they change their minds. As Bob Ewell attempted to kill kids with the knife, Boo Radley, the person they thought was a monster, protected them from the assault. In such a way, they realized that he was a pure soul, even though the community had a different point of view.

Also, Harper Lee portrays Scout as a tomboy rather than a “proper Southern lady.” She is outraged by the attempts to alter her behavior to fit the social norms. In the 1930s, women were not given the same rights as men. They had to be graceful and delicate, and that’s precisely what Scout abhors. The girl loves to run around, jump, and play with boys rather than with girls. She often gets into fights and shows no interest in dolls, dresses, and other girlish things. For Scout, to adopt the social norms of being a lady means to replace the things she likes with what others expect her to do. And she is not ready to sacrifice her freedom.

Good and Evil

The conflict between good and evil is also a central theme in the novel that you can cover in your To Kill a Mockingbird essay . Atticus says that all people have these two sides, but usually, good prevails. He teaches it to his children and shares his wisdom with society when he was proving Tom Robinson’s innocence. Although racism is deeply rooted in people’s minds and hearts, he keeps trying to change the way the community treats colored citizens. He believes one day, white and black men will be equal.

As Scout narrates the story, we observe how kids change their minds towards good and evil, judging by the actions of people around them. From the very beginning, they believe all people are inherently good, and they stick to the beliefs of their father. During the trial over Tom Robinson, children are shocked. When the jury convicts an innocent black man, the faith in the good side of all humans shatters. Understanding that the evil is closer than she expected and the disappointment in what she believed to be the universal truth makes her feel great pain. Scout also keeps on thinking about racism, inequality, and unfairness but doesn’t lose hope in humanity’s goodness.

At the end of the novel, Jem and Scout are attacked by real evil, Bob Ewell. But they are saved by goodness, Bob Radley, and their faith has been returned.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel about courage and hope, portraying a society that is weak, unfair, and cruel. Racism and inequality are treated as a norm, and only a few people have the strength to fight against social bias. However, it suggests that you will never really understand a person until you are in their shoes. And doing something small to make the world a better place for everyone, despite race, gender, or any other trait, is worthwhile and deserves respect and admiration.

Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird — Essay Sample

Nelle Harper Lee effectively utilizes symbolism to illustrate abstract constructs, in her publication “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Accordingly, she uses the portrayal of typical life situations to suggest the underlying social concerns (“Symbolism”). Innocence, vulnerability, good, evil, and mystical ideas are thus articulated within realistic scenes through the facilitation of various characters that the author introduces to the readers.

The use of a mockingbird in the title is symbolic. Scout, in one of the interactions with Miss Maudie, learns that killing a mockingbird is sinful. The justification for sin, in this case, is that the birds are of value to humanity on account of their hearty singing. The author, therefore, presents a mockingbird as an embodiment of that which is good for humanity. Accordingly, the title of the publication is symbolic of its plot, where there is constant strife as evil forces seek to dominate at the expense of virtue and well-being.

Jem and Scout are depicted within the realm of vulnerability typically associated with children. Such a depiction of these characters is symbolic of innocence and fragility. The uncertainties related to their vulnerability illuminates the manipulative tendencies in a typical society where the least privileged members are prone to further ill-treatment by the powerful (Aderibigbe 1). Jem and Scout’s helplessness in certain situations also symbolizes the aggression and ruthlessness that harmful practices such as racism had fostered in Maycomb, to the disadvantage of a section of its members.

Boo Radley is symbolic of mystic ideas and superstitions harbored by this society. He is depictive of presumptions that people mistakenly embrace, which denies them the opportunity to experience the good in fellow humans and even situations (Thompson). However, in due course, the positive experiences that characterized Boo’s interaction with Scout and Jem yield a different orientation. The new light within which these children start to perceive Boo is symbolic of a transition from childhood innocence to the attainment of a sound, objective, and authentic moral perspective. Accordingly, as these children grow up, their personal experiences shape their sense of reality and their attitudes; hence they gradually discard some of the ideals that had been reinforced in them in early childhood.

Miss Maudie’s attitude is symbolic of strength and resilience in difficult circumstances. Even in the most unfortunate instance where her house is burnt down, she is calm and stable (Lee 39). Miss Maudie also refers to her gender as grounds for intimidation by the foot-washers. As such, she symbolizes the quest for gender equity, where she illustrates that considering women as inferior, in any given front, is a mistaken construct.

The disparity in class and status, coupled with a sense of social inequity, is symbolized by three families depicted by the author. These families are the Finches, Ewells, and Cunninghams. The Cunninghams are lowly within the society, whereas the Finches are rather wealthy. The Ewells, on the other hand, are an average family. The author’s depiction of such a community structure is symbolic of the social hierarchy, which defines the standards of living for each social class. The social hierarchy also influences the dispensation of public goods such as justice and opportunities, where often the systems in place work in favor of the rich while compromising on the good of the poor.

The author indeed elicits a rather vivid and realistic image of a typical society through symbolic illustrations. As such, strategic use of the literary style facilitates a smooth inclusion of subjects that are actually not featured in the publication. Equally, as the plot unfolds, the reader is empowered to deconstruct the associated connotations within this story.

• Aderibigbe, M. O. “Socio-Economic Inequalities, the Less Privileged and the Quest for Social Justice in Africa.”  Canadian Social Science , vol. 14, no. 5, 26 May 2018, p. 1.
• Lee, H. (1970). To Kill a Mockingbird . Woodstock, IL: Dramatic Publishing.
• “Symbolism.” Literary Devices, 3 Sept. 2017, literarydevices.net/symbolism/.
• Thompson, Brian. “Wrong Perceptions Are the Cause of All Afflictions — Zen Thinking.”  Zen Thinking , 7 Aug. 2016, www.zenthinking.net/blog/wrong-perceptions-are-the-cause-of-all-afflictions.

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To Kill a Mockingbird

105 pages • 3 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

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Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-8

Chapters 9-12

Chapters 13-16

Chapters 17-20

Chapters 21-24

Chapters 25-28

Chapters 29-31

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Further Reading & Resources

Discussion Questions

To Kill A Mockingbird is often categorized as a “bildungsroman,” or “coming of age” novel, following the childhood evolution, learning, and growth of young Scout and Jem. Over the course of the book, both characters develop increasingly-mature consciousnesses about the world; however, their individual growth processes are also specifically gendered as feminine and masculine. What are some of the ways Scout and Jem develop according to traditional southern standards for women and men? What are some of the ways both Scout and Jem resist that development?

Since the 1960 publication of To Kill A Mockingbird , Atticus Finch has been widely upheld as a role model for real world lawyers, even inspiring many people to pursue the practice of law. Recently, however, critics have argued that Atticus Finch didn’t do as much as he could have to disrupt the climate of racism, sexism, and classism he practiced within. Do you feel Atticus Finch continues to endure as a strong role model, or do you think his practices are outdated?

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The Significance and Impact of the Great Compromise

This essay about the Great Compromise explores its crucial role in shaping the United States Constitution during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It highlights the resolution of disputes between large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature. The essay discusses the lasting impacts of this compromise on American politics, the balance of power, and its broader cultural significance, emphasizing the ongoing importance of negotiation and cooperation in democratic governance.

How it works

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a seminal moment in the formation of the United States Constitution, marking a pivotal resolution in the contentious debates that took place during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This compromise played a critical role in shaping the structure of the United States government and has had lasting impacts on American politics and governance.

During the Constitutional Convention, delegates from the various states were sharply divided over how representation in the new government should be allocated.

Larger states favored the Virginia Plan, which proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population. Smaller states, fearing domination by the more populous states, supported the New Jersey Plan, which called for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state. This deadlock threatened the success of the convention and, by extension, the future of the fledgling nation.

The Great Compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth of Connecticut, offered a solution that blended both plans. It established a bicameral legislature with two houses: the House of Representatives, with representation based on population, and the Senate, with equal representation for each state, regardless of size. This dual system of representation balanced the interests of both large and small states, ensuring that neither would dominate the other.

The significance of the Great Compromise cannot be overstated. By addressing the concerns of both large and small states, it facilitated the creation of a stronger and more unified federal government. The compromise helped to prevent the dissolution of the convention and the potential fragmentation of the United States into smaller, weaker confederacies. It laid the foundation for a federal system that balanced power between the national government and the states, a hallmark of American democracy.

Moreover, the Great Compromise had a profound impact on the legislative process in the United States. By creating a bicameral legislature, it ensured that both the will of the majority and the rights of the minority would be considered in the law-making process. This structure has allowed for more thorough debate and deliberation on proposed legislation, helping to prevent hasty or ill-considered laws from being passed. The requirement for both houses to agree on legislation has also fostered a spirit of compromise and cooperation between different political factions.

The legacy of the Great Compromise extends beyond its immediate effects on the Constitutional Convention. It has influenced the development of American political culture and the functioning of the federal government for over two centuries. The principles of representation and federalism enshrined in the compromise continue to shape debates over the balance of power between the national government and the states, as well as between different branches of government.

In contemporary American politics, the impact of the Great Compromise can be seen in the ongoing debates over issues such as voting rights, the electoral college, and the role of the Senate. For example, the equal representation of states in the Senate means that less populous states have a disproportionate influence on federal legislation and presidential appointments. This has led to calls for reform from some quarters, arguing that the current system does not adequately reflect the democratic principle of one person, one vote.

Conversely, supporters of the existing system argue that the Great Compromise continues to protect the interests of smaller states and prevent the tyranny of the majority. They contend that the bicameral legislature encourages more thoughtful and balanced policymaking by requiring broad consensus for significant legislative changes. This tension between the ideals of equal representation and federalism remains a central theme in American political discourse.

In addition to its impact on the structure and function of the federal government, the Great Compromise has also had broader cultural and social implications. It symbolizes the spirit of negotiation and compromise that has been a defining characteristic of American politics. The ability to find common ground and reconcile differing interests is a key aspect of democratic governance, and the Great Compromise serves as a historical example of this principle in action.

The importance of the Great Compromise is also reflected in its influence on other constitutional frameworks around the world. Many countries have looked to the United States Constitution as a model for their own systems of government, and the principles of bicameralism and federalism have been adopted in various forms by numerous nations. The success of the Great Compromise in creating a stable and effective government has reinforced the idea that thoughtful negotiation and compromise are essential components of a functional democracy.

In conclusion, the Great Compromise was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States, with far-reaching consequences for the structure and function of the federal government. By balancing the interests of large and small states, it facilitated the creation of a unified and effective national government. Its legacy continues to shape American politics and governance, influencing debates over representation, federalism, and the balance of power. The Great Compromise stands as a testament to the importance of negotiation and compromise in achieving lasting and meaningful political solutions.

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The Significance and Impact of the Great Compromise. (2024, Jun 01). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-significance-and-impact-of-the-great-compromise/

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Significance and Impact of the Great Compromise . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-significance-and-impact-of-the-great-compromise/ [Accessed: 9 Jun. 2024]

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Significance and Impact of the Great Compromise . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-significance-and-impact-of-the-great-compromise/ [Accessed: 9-Jun-2024]

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