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To kill mockingbird study guide
More about Harper Lee
To kill mockingbird study guide
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Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, is without a doubt one of the most influential books in our country’s history, it 's been praised by everyone from Oprah to John Travolta, because, despite its age, it has managed to stay relevant through its messages and lessons. To Kill A Mockingbird is a novel that is chock-full of important lessons, including that not everyone is what they seem, that you must persevere in the face of hardship and society, and to not be blind to the truth and allow the innocent to suffer.
One of the most prevalent themes in To Kill A Mockingbird is that people are multifaceted, and that one shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. This is clear in several instances, the first of which applies to Boo Radley. Boo Radley is
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Atticus lives by this, and strives to instill the same values in his kids. When the whole town turns against him for taking Tom Robinson’s case, he refuses to give up. Even his sister tells him to drop the case, but to no avail. Even when everyone is against his decision, he still stands up for what he believes in, saying “...if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this country in the legislate, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again.” showing his steadfastness when it comes to his morals and basic principles. Atticus demonstrates this same perseverance in fighting for Tom, even though it is quite clear he will lose. It is obvious that Tom didn’t rape Mayella, but the townspeople will side against, simply because he is black, something Atticus is well aware of. Despite that he continues trying his hardest to do what he knows is right, to help those who need it, and he does so calmly and respectfully. This is something Scout regularly struggles with, she is prone to fits of anger and stubbornness while defending her beliefs. There are several instances where Scout faces ignorance and hate, especially regarding her father’s decision. However, instead of agreeing with society, she takes a stand, which although often violent, shows that she too is capable of persevering in the face of …show more content…
Scout is constantly bombarded by adults who attempt to censor her education, while Atticus does the exact opposite. Her teachers are hypocritical and strict, even going as far as to hold Scout back from learning and reading. Her teacher, Caroline, is so obsessed with the way she learned to teach, that she is unable to meet Scout’s needs, leaving her frustrated and bored. The entire premise of punishing someone for being educated is irrational, but her teachers still try to hold her back. In Chapter 9, Scout is again denied information, to the frustration of both her and Atticus. When Scout asks her uncle what a “whore-lady” is, Jack refused to outright answer the question, instead going off on a nonsensical tangent, only for him to be only scolded by Atticus, who says “Jack! When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness ' sake...Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults, and evasion simply muddles 'em.” This shows that Atticus’ parenting style differs from most, in that he doesn’t attempt to censor his kids intake of knowledge. He lets them be curious and different, making them educated much earlier than most kids. He also doesn’t shield them from the injustices of the world, instead he teaches them to battle these injustices. The kids learn about the suffering of the innocent throughout the novel, and
...reinforcing the idea that the roles are now switched. Atticus keeps calm during most of the situations, but lets others boss him around and take control while he mainly sits and waits nearby. Scout and Jem begin to stand up for their father when he will not stand up for himself and act caring as if they were in charge of Atticus’ actions, protecting him from the evils of others. Scout supports this idea when she begins to talk very adult-like with Mr. Cunningham, especially showing her thoughtful wisdom when speaking of “entailments”. Atticus later shows that he is proud of his children for sticking up for him when he did not himself by massaging Jem’s hair in his “one gesture of affection.” So while Atticus often is being the best father figure he can to Scout and Jem, they are also very helpful to him by taking control of situations that he would not be able to.
Harper Lee uses “To Kill a Mockingbird” to express views on things such as courage. The message Lee gives about courage is, Being courageous or brave is a key part of growing up.
The life lessons and values taught in To Kill a Mockingbird is important as it teaches us many things. Through the protagonist, we are able to find the true meanings and actions of courage, how fairness and equality can create a better society, and to get to know someone before making a judgement. By learning from this novel, we can strengthen our values and morals to improve ourselves as
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.”...
Atticus is a major influence on Scout’s identity. He tells Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (33). Atticus’s counsel teaches Scout to never judge someone until she is aware of their reasoning. This guidance helps Scout to interact with the people around her. One example of when she used Atticus’s advice is against the lynch mob. She convinces Mr. Cunningham to leave by talking to him about what he cared about. This interaction shows how an individual’s connection to family members affects his judgement and, therefore, his character. In addition, Atticus expands on this advice later in the novel, stating, “The one thing that...
To Kill a Mockingbird is regarded as a classic, also due to the timeless moral values it holds dear. The words of others should not dictate personal values, using educated thought is crucial before acting and finally, statements should not always be acknowledged as truth until you are able to authenticate them for yourself.
To Kill A Mockingbird is a heroic tale of leadership and courage during racial times. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus, To, Jem and Scout are unfortunately exposed to a really racist and prejudiced society and town. Which ends up causing them to lose a case and really confuse Jem and Scout when they are young. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill A Mockingbird, it uses characterization to help show a theme of loss of innocence when people are exposed to surprising and unfair situations.
Reassuring that Tom Robinson’s case is dealt seriously, Atticus exchanges his identity as the noble man he is for the reputation of a villain that the town flames and calls names such as “nigger lover”. Sacrificing Atticus’s identity does not give him much room to speak during the case, in fact, without his title as an intelligent, helpful, and wealthy citizen, the people of Maycomb could potentially harm Atticus, which forces him to take a slightly more cautious approach with the people of Maycomb. Concerned with the matter of how her father finds that his actions are right when the majority of the town finds it is wrong. Atticus then responds strongly to Scout, saying that he could not live with himself or tell her and Jem to do the right thing if he did not take the case seriously himself. Atticus’s identity sacrificed for the intention of saving his kids from “Maycomb's usual disease” which is racism.
In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus is an ideal father, who sets a great example for his kids. A picture of Atticus is important to Scout because Atticus teaches Scout many important life lessons about life. Firstly, as Atticus talks to Scout about Miss. Stephanie, he states “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-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee,30). Scout realizes that one can never feel someone’s pain, happiness, or glory until she looks at their point of view of things; she learns to consider other people’s situation and feelings. She also understands that she will never know what goes in other people’s lives, and therefore she cannot judge anyone. Scout matures as she learns to apply Atticus’ wise advice to understand Mrs. Dubose and Boo Radley, who are individuals that are misunderstood by the community. Furthermore, as Miss Maudie talks to Scout, she states “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets” (Lee, 46). Miss Maudie knows about Atticus’ personality quite well. Miss Maudie explains to Scout Atticus is a man with moral principles, he does what he believes is right even if others are not there to praise him. Through Atticus’ exemplary role, Scout understands the importance of integrity, and strong moral values. Finally, when Scout questions her father about the possible outcome of the trial, Atticus states “simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us to try to win” (Lee, 76). Atticus teaches Scout toleration, determination and moral courage. He already knows he is going to los...
To Kill A Mockingbird reinforced my opinion that one should always stand up for what one believes, despite what anyone else may think. Furthermore, it emphasized my belief of “not everyone seems as they appear”. This was cemented through the case of Boo Radley. Moreover, it reiterated my belief of not believing in gossip, or, in the words of Marcus Aurelius, “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is perspective, not the truth”. This was again highlighted through the case of Boo Radley and the gossip the children heard and originally believed about
Atticus’s primary role, as a father, displays integrity as the heart of his private, family life. For instance, when Scout has a rough first day of school with her new teacher, Miss Caroline, Scout complains to Atticus. He responds in a mutually consoling and instructive manner with Scout: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (Lee 39). In saying this, Atticus encourages Scout to consider what Miss Caroline goes through on a daily basis. In doing so, Atticus instills empathy in Scout in her maturation. Rather than allowing Scout to act from one’s self perspective, Atticus instructs Scout of the importance of patience and understanding among other people. Based on such evidence, Atticus represents an upstanding role model. Another example of Atticus’s role as “father” appears when Jem cuts Mrs. Dubose’s flowers. Jem cuts Mrs. Dubose’s flowers in defense of Atticus; Mrs. Dubose accuses Atticus of being a n-lover...
Scout says, “We were far too old to settle our argument with a fist fight so we consulted Atticus. Our father said we were both right”(1). This shows beyond doubt that the children go to Atticus with any problems they might have and rely on his help to solve them. Whether he knows it or not, his children adore him and are enthralled by anything he tells them. Everything he does whittles away at their dispositions. Before the trial, when there is a lynch mob outside the prison looking for Tom Robinson, Atticus puts himself in harm's way to make sure Robinson is safe. His bravery and commitment to the trial as well as his morals and beliefs are shown in this situation. He and Scout gave the entire mob a lesson on ethics and bravery. Scout was able to stand up to the mob because she knew her father would be there to keep her safe. She was confident he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to her. Even though Atticus began to fret, she ignored him and kept going. She used all the lessons he taught her and persuaded the lynch mob to leave Robinson
Atticus is a great leader of his family, teaching his children morals and life lessons. He makes them better people by showing them how to deal with the trial and people making fun of them. Atticus teaches Scout how to respect other people. First, Scout learns to respect Atticus, then to respect "Boo" Radley, and finally to respect a whole race of people, negroes. He makes it a common practice to live his life as he would like his children to live theirs, and thus displays the attributes of an honest, respectable, and kind man. Throughout the trial process, Atticus shows Jem and Scout that true courage is standing up for what you believe in and that all human beings, despite their race, deserve respect. "You never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." This quote shows that Atticus wants his children to get along with people, and so other people will respect them for whom they are.
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
...t warmth, Atticus tells her, “Someday, maybe, Scout can thank him [Boo Radley] for covering her up…[and putting] the blanket around you” (72). Even though Arthur didn’t reveal his appearance to the kids, he discloses to Scout and Jem that he wants to help them. By helping the kids, whether it was to give gifts or help them escape from Mr. Bob Ewell, it is evident that Boo Radley is just as innocent and peaceful as a mockingbird.