tkam and mississipi trial

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Many themes are demonstrated in To Kill A Mockingbird and Mississippi Trial, 1955. Three of the most predominant themes were courage, integrity, and truth. The author developed these themes gradually throughout both books by illustrating the actions and thoughts of the main characters. Because of these characteristics, Hiram Hilburn and Atticus Finch emerge as the heroes of the stories. The way in which heroes become inspirational to others is by learning from their mistakes. Atticus and Hiram both struggle with the pressure to follow the crowd, but the critical question is will they be able to do what’s best for the town?

Courage plays a big part in each book. Without the immense amount of courage shown by the main characters, they wouldn’t be such good role models. For example, when Scout asks Atticus why he defends Tom Robinson, a negro, he says, “If I didn’t I couldn’t hold my head up in town, I couldn’t represent this country in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again. “(75) Atticus doesn’t have to defend Tom Robinson, but in his heart he knows everyone should have a fair chance at this trial, so he does. Even though the entire community is against the support of Negroes, Atticus finds the courage to defend Tom Robinson anyway. Another good instance of Atticus’ courage is when Mrs. Dubose dies clean from the morphine addiction. Atticus says, “I wanted you to see what real courage was, instead of getting the idea courage comes from a man with a gun in his hand, It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you do it anyway and you’ll see through it no matter what” (112) Atticus teaches his kids that you have to overcome your fears. He knows many citizens of Macomb use violence and...

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...rder, Hiram immediately lost respect for Grampa. Both Atticus and Hiram both learn that assuming a person who seems good is not always a correct assumption.

Courage, integrity, and truth are three themes taught by the main characters in To Kill A Mockingbird and Mississippi Trial, 1955. The authors wanted readers to understand courage is what’s earned after completing something you thought was impossible. Integrity is shown by teaching readers to be honest, and believe in what you think is fair to others. Finally the authors’ outlined truth by showing you need to have knowledge in other’s actions in order to know the truth about them. Good authors get readers to connect similar personal experiences to the events in the book, and teach moral lessons from them. I have connected these two books to myself, and will continue to think about the themes throughout my life.

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