Life Lessons from 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

Throughout life individuals face challenges and situations testing their values, morals, and ethics. The captivating novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper lee shows millions of readers numerous life lessons throughout the course of the novel. Lessons that can be learned from this novel include not judging anyone before you put yourself in their position, do not harm the innocent, and think for yourself even if you are going to be ridiculed for your choices.

First, a life lesson learned while reading the book was not judging someone before you meet them this is a very difficult thing to do in our society today. But Atticus’s words in this quote demonstrate how you can not just judge someone “-until you climb into his skin and walk around in

This idea is shown in many situations and their are both times where the innocent are taken advantage of and when they are protected. Atticus’s ethics are shown when he tells Jem “It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (119). Then Miss. Maudie elaborates on what Atticus has just said and she explains why you should never kill a mockingbird. In this book the mockingbird represents the innocent and harmless and essentially the neighbors are saying that it is wrong to take advantage of someone who is harmless or innocent. This idea is shown in many cases as the book progresses and slowly the kids understand the deeper meaning of the statement. For instance the idea of harming the innocent is shown during the court trial when Atticus asks Bob Ewell if he was “ concerned with Mayella’s condition?” (234). Atticus’s questions to Mr. Ewell suggests that not only was Tom Robinson being taken advantage of but so was Mayella Ewell. This idea of taking advantage of the innocent is really shown during the events that occur during the trial.Even someone as ruthless and uneducated as Mr. Ewell understands what is happening inside the room with Tom and Mayella. He understands that even though he is lying the court would never rule in favor of a black man no matter the scenario was. So essentially he takes this situation and twists it to make Tom Robinson seem guilty. When is reality Tom Robinson was only trying to help