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A critical study of "to kill a mockingbird" by harper lee
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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a novel based during the Great Depression in Maycomb, Alabama is expressed through the perspective of a young girl named Jean Louise Finch, Scout, and her brother,Jem Finch who conveyed their views on their beloved town in its dark moments of prejudice. When an African-American man named Tom Robinson is accused of raping the daughter of one of Maycomb’s lower ranked white families, Mayella Ewell, her family starts harassing the Finch family because of Atticus’s decision to take on Tom’s trial. Throughout the book, the children also meet new people, like Dill, who comes to visit his aunt every summer.The children perceive how when individuals demonstrate their real nature when looked with prejudice and social inequality; they also learned even if people know the truth they will never take a colored man’s word over a white man’s, even if the decision that was made was wrong. When Atticus embarrasses Bob Ewell in court by destroying his credibility, Ewell shows his childish side by cursing and spitting in his face after the trial. In order to outline Jem's transition to maturity, Lee utilizes the Ewells, Tom Robinson and the unmindful individuals of Maycomb, …show more content…
while using literary devices such as foreshadowing, imagery, and symbolism. The use of foreshadowing in relation to the Ewells allows Lee to show how much Jem has matured throughout the novel. Lee employs foreshadowing in association with the Ewells with a statement from Atticus "Mr. Ewell said it made one down and about two more to go." It foreshadows that Tom Robinson was Bob Ewell’s main target, and next in line was Atticus, but he knew that if he went after Atticus, Atticus would have hurt him; so Bob Ewell went after what Atticus loves the most, his children. This further explains the quote mentioned above in that the “two more to go” that Bob Ewell was referring to Atticus’ children, Jem and Scout. Another case of Lee utilizing foreshadowing in association with Ewells is with a statement from Atticus, “What on earth could Ewell do to me, sister?” to which Aunt Alexandra to with replied “Something furtive”.After Bob Ewell confronts Atticus and spits in his face, Atticus believes that Bob is done with his vengeful ways; regardless,much to his dismay Bob Ewell had quite recently begun.Throughout all this, Jem realizes that the people of Maycomb are not as they seem and that only when they’re confronted with hardships do they show their true colors. By using foreshadowing to illustrate the true nature of the Ewells, Lee is able to show Jem’s understanding of his surroundings and the people around him as he grew up. By using Tom Robinson’s reputation as an example of imagery, Lee is able to show Jem’s progress as a character through the course of the book. Atticus confidently acknowledges that “the one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any color of the rainbow.” As a lawyer, Atticus abides by the idea that in Maycomb, nobody should be denied access to a reasonable trial is in the courthouse. He is the type of person who would fight for anyone even if most people disagree, and would work towards ending acts of prejudice. By holding such judgment, he would demonstrate to his own children to manage on in like way and to conceivably bring change the who and what is to come allowing Jem to develop a unique sense of character.Another instance of Lee employing imagery would be in relation to connection to the idea of Tom Robinson amid his trial. When Tom Robinson is being sworn in for his testimony, he is unable to put his hand on the bible considering he “reached around, ran his fingers under his left arm and lifted it. He guided his arm to the bible and his rubber like left hand, the useless one slipped off the Bible and hit the clerk table”. This is relevant because it is known that Mayella Ewell was attacked on the right side of her face by a left-handed person, making it nearly impossible for Tom, who is only capable of using his right hand, to do such a thing. Based on the innocence Tom Robinson possesses, his physical actions seem to demonstrate his knowledge of the lack of justice within Maycomb due to the shade of his skin. Considering Jem is a witness to such events, he is able to learn moral values based on his father’s personal beliefs and the realization of the racial profiling shown within his community. He is able to stand in the shoes of someone who must face the current issues, which allows him to progress as an individual. By using the ignorant individuals of Maycomb, Harper Lee applied the concept of symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird, which enables the reader to comprehend the impact of each individual’s behavior on Maycomb. Lee’s use of symbolism in relation to oblivious individuals in Maycomb is indicated through the attitude that Atticus shows towards Jem, in which he admits that “That was the one thing that made me think, well, this may be the shadow of a beginning.” Atticus says “the shadow of a beginning” to Jem, early in the chapter of the trial, Atticus puts Walter Cunningham Sr. on the jury because Atticus knows that Mr. Cunningham will be a trustworthy member of the jury. Mr.Cunningham won’t be influenced by others opinion, decisions, and he will consider all the evidence and testimony despite being one of the men at the jail, late at night wanting to have Robinson executed. As the trial takes very long Atticus thinks the jury might change their verdict about Tom being guilty because of the color of his skin. They might actually take the evidence and testimony, instead of taking the word of a white person against that of a black person despite knowing the Ewells aren’t worth believing. However, because of the fact that the jury took a while to come to a mutual agreement, it portrays how they are a burden towards the act of change when it comes to racial discrimination in Maycomb. The jury seems to stand in the way of the beginning of a new change in mentality, portraying a shadow that overtakes this effort. Lee’s use of symbolism in relation to oblivious individuals in Maycomb is indicated through the attitude that Atticus shows towards Jem, in which he admits that “Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird”. The blue jays are known for eating up gardens, while mockingbirds are harmless and only make music for people to enjoy.The blue jays are a symbol of the ignorant citizens of Maycomb, on the outside, they seem innocent, righteous and harmless, but on the inside, they have malicious intentions. Miss Stephanie Crawford also demonstrated ignorance through her false assumptions about how Boo Radley mutilated animals and peeked through her window. Through ignorance, the efforts towards peace are often disrupted, as those who are innocent are often viewed in a disgusted manner for no given reason. Discrimination towards those who are pure at heart prevents Maycomb from developing into unity, as whenever it seems to progress, there is always an interference through the act of prejudice. The residents of Maycomb contribute towards a lack of development within the community in regards to racial discrimination, which is expressed through symbolism. The author amplifies the critical occasions that Jem had by using the themes, symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing to represent Jem's coming of age.After the trial Scout's brother, Jem Finch comes to his senses that Maycomb has a wide range of kinds of individuals, they do not get along with one another.
While conversing with Scout concerning why Aunt Alexandra does not want Walter Cunningham being invited into their home since Aunt Alexandra trusts that their family is more respected and admirable family than the Cunninghams,and she disapproves of them because they are lower-class than them. Scout reasoned that they was one type of people in Maycomb, Jem discloses to her that specific people don't care for each other due to their status in the town of
Maycomb.
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel written by Harper Lee. The novel is set in the depths of the Great Depression. A lawyer named Atticus Finch is called to defend a black man named Tom Robinson. The story is told from one of Atticus’s children, the mature Scout’s point of view. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, the Finch Family faces many struggles and difficulties.
Scout tried to explain this to her teacher, Miss Caroline, but got in trouble. Scout was so angry she rubbed Walter’s nose in dirt. Jem invited Walter over for dinner and Scout made a remark that made Calpurnia furious. She told Scout, “That boy’s yo’ comp’ny and if he wants to eat the table cloth you let him, you hear?” (32). Scout went on to say how just because he is a Cunningham he was not company. Calpurnia became even more furious and raised her voice and said, “Yo’ folks might be better’n the Cunninghams but it don’t count for nothin’ the way you’re disgracin’ ‘em” (33). This lesson was important because Scout learned just because you might be better than someone or have more does not mean you should act like it. Calpurnia gives the talks and is there for both children just like a real mother would be. Miss Maudie is another Maycomb citizen who is an important role model for Jem and
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee is a remarkable novel following the childhood of Jem and Scout, the son and daughter of Atticus Finch. Living in a small and drama filled town of Maycomb County they encounter a great deal of people who do not stand by their word. Hypocrisy occurs throughout this novel first by a man named Dolphus Raymond, then by two women Mrs. Merriweather and Miss Gates.
“Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations.” is a quote from Samuel Ullman. This describes the struggles that Jem went through by taking part in the community and trial and by also taking the risk of losing some of his friends and family in Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird. Through Jem’s interaction with the racism of Maycomb, he became aware of the things around him. We all learn that it takes a strong person to overcome the barriers of society.
When children grow up, they face difficult problems, and. they learn to cope and take responsibility. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a flashback about two kids that spans over a few years. Jem ages from ten to thirteen over the course of the novel, and undergoes much change, as his sister describes him. Over the years, he is exposed to issues adults face, and eventually shows an understanding of racism and innocence. As Jem grows up, his view on courage also changes. Jem follows his father's footsteps, and gets much of his knowledge from him.
Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, Harper Lee's, To Kill a Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior, to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, and the struggle between blacks and whites. Atticus Finch, a lawyer and single parent in a small southern town in the 1930's, is appointed by the local judge to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, who is accused of raping a white woman. Friends and neighbors object when Atticus puts up a strong and spirited defense on behalf of the accused black man. Atticus renounces violence but stands up for what he believes in. He decides to defend Tom Robinson because if he did not, he would not only lose the respect of his children and the townspeople, but himself as well.
Jeremy “Jem” Finch is a leading protagonist in Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mocking Bird” published in 1960. Jem matured greatly throughout the duration of the book, starting to resemble and idolize his father, achieves the status of a guardian to his sister and introduces a whole new set of ideals in his lifestyle. He embodies the themes of growth. Throughout the novel we see how perceptions of things such as courage, respect, tolerance, and cruelty changes Jem as he matures.
Childhood is a continuous time of learning, and of seeing mistakes and using them to change your perspectives. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates how two children learn from people and their actions to respect everyone no matter what they might look like on the outside. To Kill A Mockingbird tells a story about two young kids named Scout and her older brother Jem Finch growing up in their small, racist town of Maycomb, Alabama. As the years go by they learn how their town and a lot of the people in it aren’t as perfect as they may have seemed before. When Jem and Scout’s father Atticus defends a black man in court, the town’s imperfections begin to show. A sour, little man named Bob Ewell even tries to kill Jem and Scout all because of the help Atticus gave to the black man named Tom Robinson. Throughout the novel, Harper Lee illustrates the central theme that it is wrong to judge someone by their appearance on the outside, or belittle someone because they are different.
Aunt Alexandra recognizes Scout’s maturity when she invites Scout to a seemingly meaningless lady’s brunch. As Scout views the gathering,she understands that this is no ordinary brunch but it is a showcase of social talent. Scout remembers, “There was no part about it, I must soon enter this world” (Lee 267). In this quote Scout comes to the realization that being a lady is not only justified in actions but also in universally accepted social functions. It is here that Scout’s lessons in womanhood come full circle and she is able to embrace a part of her existence that she had brushed off for a long time. Mayella Ewell is a singular character that gives an important insight into understanding of lower classes but in a less literal sense she is an extension of Scout. Mayella is part of Scout that is arrogant,confused, and denies the truth of the adult world. As Aunt Alexandra constantly mentions, she will never befriend the Cunninghams “Don’t be silly, Jean Louise,”said Aunt Alexandra. “The thing is, you can scrub Walter Cunningham till he shines,you can put him in shoes and a new suit, but he’ll never be like Jem” (Lee 256). While in relation to Scout, Aunt Alexandra is portrayed as uptight, she is the ideal lady of
When something serious happens that would normally not happen until adulthood, it forces a child to “grow up” such as going through a loss or another difficult time. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, numerous situations occur which cause Scout and Jem to mature and “come of age”. Throughout the book, Scout and Jem face several complicated situations, for example, there are many cases in which people verbally attack Scout and her family. Scout has to learn to control her anger and to not get in fights with those who provoke her. In the novel, Scout and Jem encounter numerous circumstances which cause them to mature and “grow” such as reading for their neighbor, the trial for which their father is a lawyer, and having to defend
Throughout the story, Aunt Alexandra’s behaviors indirectly teach Scout that prejudice is a disease with deep and far reaching roots. As Scout is exposed to Aunt Alexandra’s ideas regarding the hierarchy of society, she also begins to understand why Aunt Alexandra holds such opinions. When Aunt Alexandra comes to stay with the children, she also brings along her unending gossip about other families in Maycomb. Scout explains that “Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion, obliquely expressed, that the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land, the finer it was” (173).
To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, then later adapted into a black and white picture film in 1962. The story portrays a young girl's experience during the Great Depression within a racist, segregated society. The texts, also centres around the young girl’s struggles with growing up, as she not only tries to understand and process the trial, but also wrestles with the expectations people have of her. Both versions of text are representations of the concept of innocence through the embodiment of Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch and Arthur Radley (Boo): In the film the audience is mainly exposed to the representation of Jem’s innocence rather than the depiction of Scout, whereas, in the novel she is portrayed as a ‘slow coming child’. This
Jem and Scout’s maturity over the story is comparable to a caterpillar, in the way that one develops over time. Jem and Scout are the children of Atticus Finch, the lawyer that represents Tom Robinson on trial. Although Atticus instructed Jem and Scout to not go to the trial, they still go and watch. The hearing is about a black male, Tom Robinson supposedly raping and beating a white woman. The children are the protagonists of the novel due to the way that over time they mature more and develop more helpful personalities.
The Cunninghams are mistreated by part of the society in Maycomb. Aunt Alexandra, who mistreats them the most, is prejudiced toward the Cunninghams, she does not like them. She thinks that her reputation, and social status are going to be stained if Scout plays with Walter Jr.. Scout wants to invite Walter over, but Aunt Alexandra does not like Walter, she says that they are folks from different class. She thinks it is best if they do not see each other. She once talks to Scout about how different they are, "Because - he - is - trash, that's why you can't play with him.
Harper Lees To Kill A Mockingbird has become an iconic staple in American literature. It serves as a historical criticism of the Southern United States in the 1930’s or depression era. The story takes place during three years (1933–35) of the Great Depression in the fictional "tired old town" of Maycomb, Alabama, the seat of Maycomb County. It focuses on six-year-old Jean Louise Finch (nicknamed Scout), who lives with her older brother, Jeremy (nicknamed Jem), and their widowed father, Atticus, a middle-aged lawyer.