To Kill A Mockingbird: Coexistence Of Good Or Evil?
WHAT MAKES TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD A CLASSIC NOVEL?
To Kill A Mockingbird is a novel written by Harper Lee and, published in 1960. Classic novels should say something of value. They may draw attention to issues within human condition. These issues usually transcend time, remaining relevant to later generations. In To Kill A Mockingbird (TKAM hereafter), Harper Lee draws attention to the societal issues covering themes of coexistence of good and evil, the importance of moral education and the existence of social inequality. These themes are explored through the characters of Scout Finch, Bob Ewell and Tom Robinson.
Coexistence of good and evil is displayed in the character of Scout Finch. Through the eyes of Scout we begin to see the changes that occur when the innocence of youth is corrupted by a world that is not always fair. As Scout’s good character progresses through the novel she experiences the consequences of prejudice and segregation. For example, when the Finches attend their family Christmas celebration, Scout’s cousin, Francis …show more content…
From the beginning of the book we find he is an African American who has been unjustly accused of raping a young, white girl Mayella Ewell. An example of social inequality is evident by Mayella Ewell’s response to a question asked by Atticus while on the stand (p199), “I said, Come here, nigger, and bust up my chiffarobe for me, I gotta nickel for you”. Also, the attitude towards negroes is shown as quoted in chapter 25, “Typical of a nigger’s mentality to have no plan, no thought for the future, just run blind first chance”. Despite the fact that Tom Robinson was innocent to all allegations the jury found him guilty. Supporting the assumption, “when it comes to the line the veneer’s mighty thin. Nigger always come out in ’em”. Prejudices born from social inequality are issues which still exist in many countries
To Kill A Mockingbird is a novel written by Harper Lee and, published in 1960. Classic novels should say something of value. They may draw attention to issues within human condition. These issues usually transcend time, remaining relevant to later generations. In To Kill A Mockingbird (TKAM hereafter), Harper Lee draws attention to the societal issues covering themes of coexistence of good and evil, the importance of moral education and the existence of social inequality. These themes are explored through the characters of Scout Finch, Bob Ewell and Tom Robinson.
Coexistence of good and evil is displayed in the character of Scout Finch. Through the eyes of Scout we begin to see the changes that occur when the innocence of youth is corrupted by a world that is not always fair. As Scout’s good character progresses through the novel she experiences the consequences of prejudice and segregation. For example, when the Finches attend their family Christmas celebration, Scout’s cousin, Francis …show more content…
From the beginning of the book we find he is an African American who has been unjustly accused of raping a young, white girl Mayella Ewell. An example of social inequality is evident by Mayella Ewell’s response to a question asked by Atticus while on the stand (p199), “I said, Come here, nigger, and bust up my chiffarobe for me, I gotta nickel for you”. Also, the attitude towards negroes is shown as quoted in chapter 25, “Typical of a nigger’s mentality to have no plan, no thought for the future, just run blind first chance”. Despite the fact that Tom Robinson was innocent to all allegations the jury found him guilty. Supporting the assumption, “when it comes to the line the veneer’s mighty thin. Nigger always come out in ’em”. Prejudices born from social inequality are issues which still exist in many countries