Similarities Between To Kill A Mockingbird And The Secret Life Of Bees

Accepting and Learning Through the World of Segregation

Throughout the books, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd the protagonists learn to mature and understand both views of the people around them. Both protagonists are raised in a distinct background, yet are still similar. The political and social atmosphere of living in the Great Depression and Civil Rights Movement create external and social problems that the characters learn to understand and accept. The two books show similar relevance, yet depict different lifestyles because of the time scale the protagonists are brought in. Both the protagonists parents create their internal and external conflicts. Scout and her brother Jem, in To

Living in the early 1930s, the Great Depression caused poverty and unemployment was widespread. Even though slavery did not exist, segregation was still immense. In addition, The Jim Graw laws were still in place, restricting the rights of many African Americans. Meanwhile, in The Secret Life of Bees, Lily lives in the 1950s, where African Americans were beginning to gain a voice. Unlike in Jem’s time, the 1950s have an idea that slavery is wrong. They are finally taking a big step into voting, and are gaining more white supporters. If Atticus were to help Tom Robinson it would be much easier in Lily’s time considering that he would be living in a time period where they have an idea racism is bad. In Maycomb, there could be no way a Negro could win a case, even if it was self evident. In the 1950s there was a chance, even if it was slight, for an African American to actually win a court case. Additionally, Atticus was such an educated man, but living during the Great Depression he could not get the pay he deserved. Living in the 1950s he could be richer, and even more respected. (i dont know if i should include) Even if both time scales are similar, the small differences can help clear difficulties to make ones life

“Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shows and walk around in them”(375). During the Great Depression the caste system was laid out so the family who could reach its family heritage the farthest would be depicted as the highest social standing family. Scout’s family, the Finches were at the top, while poor white families such as the Cunninghams and Ewells ranked lower. Scout had learned to accept everyone and had ended make friends with one of the Cunninghams named Walter. Aunt Alexandria on the other hand, simply decided to judge Walter, assuming his bad habits would rub off onto Scout. However, later on through the story, she meets and realises what good folks they are, and decides to invite them to dinner. Aunt Alexandra assumes Walter is a bad influence without even knowing who he was. Similarly, in The Secret Life of Bees Lily is living at the Boatwrights and finds out what kind people they are. Just like most white folks they are thoughtful, educated and caring. Lily feels as if this is where she finally belongs and is pleased. When she goes with Zachary to Mr. Forrests office she tells Ms. Lacy she is staying with August. Ms. Lacy replies in disgust,”’You’re staying in her house?’”(157). She does not like that a young white girl would be staying at an African woman's house. She does not even know Ms. August but simply jumps to