Themes Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee - 939 Words

Sharon Yin Mrs. Reynolds English 9H 8 March 2015 Themes Foreshadowed in the First Chapter The first pages of a novel often introduce the major topics of the work, which is exactly what author Harper Lee did. The first chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird creates a basis and foreshadows the major themes that play out during the rest of the novel; themes such as prejudice, childhood and growing up, small town southern life, and bravery. One of the most crucial motifs in this novel is prejudice. The two kinds of prejudice displayed in Chapter One are racial and the fear of the unknown. The reader sees for the first time an indication that the white people of Maycomb discriminate against blacks, when Jem and Scout were shocked that Calpurnia said Mr. Radley was â€Å"the meanest man ever God blew breath into† (pg. 15), because â€Å"Calpurnia rarely commented on the ways of white people† (p. 15). Calpurnia’s comment is out of place because African Americans are usually respectful of white people since they were conside red superior in the 1930s, which is the time period that this novel is set in. Perhaps the biggest example of this racism is the trial involving Tom Robinson. Tom is accused of raping Mr. Ewell’s daughter, Mayella (pg. 164). During the trial, before Tom even has a chance to recite his side of the story, most people have already made up their minds about him. Even though Atticus is able to provide evidence that Tom was innocent, the biased white jury still found him guilty,Show MoreRelatedThe Mockingbird Theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee1047 Words   |  5 Pages This novel by Harper Lee has a seemingly curious title to a reader who looks at it in a literal way. Someone may argue that there are no mockingbirds in To Kill a Mockingbird but I beg to differ. An actual mockingbird may not play a large role in this story however the idea and connotation of a mockingbird becomes evident throughout the story in many characters. This is a major theme in the story and is s hown through the characters Boo Radley, Mr. Raymond, and Tom Robinson all connected in the factRead MoreTheme Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee2681 Words   |  11 PagesHonors III 01 June 2015 Independent Novel Project To Kill A Mocking Bird Knowledge Section Significance of Title The title of the book is â€Å"To Kill a Mocking Bird† which is a bird that Atticus told Jem not to shoot at, and Ms. Maudie has described as the one type of bird that shouldn’t be killed because it sings beautifully (119). Also Atticus told Jem that it’s a sin to shoot a mockingbird, and so the title â€Å"To Kill A Mockingbird† means to kill innocence (119). There are several characters in theRead MoreAnalysis Of Theme Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1765 Words   |  8 PagesAnalysis Of Themes In To Kill A Mockingbird The novel To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, published in 1960, comes out during a flourishing time of tremendous segregation and injustices in the United States. In fact, during this time in America, Civil Rights Movement are at their peak; also, some residents are pushing for equality for all, during this time period. One of those United States citizens who is exposing the South for what it truly is, is Harper Lee. Harper Lee, born on April 28, 1926Read MoreMajor Themes in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee989 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee takes place in Maycomb, Alabama in 1903. This novel is basically a coming of age story for a young girl named Scout and her older brother named Jem. Who grows up in a time where racism is normal. They soon learn to stand up for what is right, just like their dad, Atticus. The Coexistence of Good and Evil The most important theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is the Coexistence of good and evil. The novel approaches this theme in many ways throughoutRead MoreMaturation Theme In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1609 Words   |  7 PagesMaturation Theme To Kill A Mockingbird â€Å"Maturity is not measured by age. It’s an attitude built by experience.† This quotation says of how you don’t mature by aging and growing older but maturing by understanding situations and events you are found in and how you deal with those challenges or problems. The definition of maturity is to â€Å"have attained a final or desired state.† This means that although some don’t mature ever in life it is of something every human being must do to properly work inRead MoreThemes in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee Essay627 Words   |  3 PagesTo kill a mockingbird written by Harper Lee. Themes are the subject of a talk, a piece of writing or a persons thoughts. There are many themes present in this great American classic such as courage, racism, prejudice, morality and of course coming of age. Lee communicates these themes with characters, events that unfold and the scenarios that Jem and Scout have to face. One of many themes that is evidently present throughout the book is prejudice. The main action is of Atticus defending the innocentRead MoreTheme Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1013 Words   |  5 Pages1. Jean Louise Finch is a young tomboy who lives with her father and brother in Maycomb County, Alabama. 2. To Kill a Mockingbird sets in Maycomb County, Alabama, and takes place during the Great Depression Era. 3. After Bob Ewell accuses Tom Robinson of raping his daughter, Mayella, Atticus is chosen to represent and defend Tom at his trial. 4. The theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is that we should not judge people by their appearance, nor pick on people who don’t cause any harm, because it wouldRead MoreThemes Found in Harper Lee ´s To Kill a Mockingbird843 Words   |  3 Pages 20160752 To Kill A Mockingbird James P. Krehbiel once said â€Å"Inevitably, if we are to grow and change as adults, we must gradually learn to confront the challenges, paradoxes, problems and painful reality of an insecure world.† In Harper Lee’s book, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper lee sends many messages to the reader. Set in a fictitious town in Alabama in the 1930’s, one obvious theme is racism. However, while racism was the most obvious theme, it wasn’t the only one; other themes included innocenceRead MoreHow Does Harper Lee Present the Theme of Courage in to Kill a Mockingbird1048 Words   |  5 PagesHow Does Harper Lee Present The Theme Of Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird Harper lee presents the theme of courage through several of the characters within TKAM, such as Scout, Atticus, Calpurnia, and Mrs Dubose. Within the book courage is shown in different ways such as Scout’s innocence and naivety or Atticus’ reluctance to carry out an action but still having to carry it out. One character to show courage is Atticus who shows courage twice as he shoots Tim Johnson and stands up to the lynchRead MoreESSAY: The theme of human dignity in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.1501 Words   |  7 Pageseye. Thus, ones dignity would be decided based on societys opinion of them. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the theme of human dignity is portrayed by Scout, Calpurnia, and Atticus. This essay will analyze the theme of human dignity and describe how this novel proves that all people, regardless of race, social status, and family history are people of worth. Scout depicts the theme of human dignity by following Atticus words of wisdom and putting them to use in her everyday