By over coming fear one shows true courage. Someone strong and brave usually demonstrates fear & courage. However, in To Kill a Mockingbird all types of characters in the story were demonstrating fear and courage. In the first chapter we see fear & courage coming from the children. While still young Jem, Scout, and Dill were scared of Boo Radley from very beginning but one of them had the courage to challenge their fear of the Radley House:
“Jem threw open the gate and sped to the side of the house, slapped it with his
palm and ran back past us, not waiting to see if his foray was successful. Dill and
I followed on his heels. Safely on our porch, panting and out of breath, we looked
back.
The old house was the same, droopy and sick, but as we stared down the street we
thought we saw an inside shutter move. Flick. A tiny, almost invisible movement,
and the house was still.”
(Page 18-19. Chapter 1)
This was one of the first instances of courage shown to counter the fear of the Radley House. Jem would have been seen as courageous in the minds of his sister Scout, and Dill because they themselves think they could not have done the same.
In my opinion there is two types of courageousness. One type would be to just impress others and just prove you don’t have fear to do something regardless if he benefits others of not. The second type is be courageous for others forget your fears because you know you need to help another person or your action would be of benefit for someone. By Jem slapping to Radley House to show to his friends that he was brave was not of any good to anyone else. This type of courageousness is less regarded in the world by scholars today as it does not hold much value mentioning to everyone. That is why Jem’s action of touching the House does not hold much value throughout the story and it is forgotten quickly.
Atticus who is much wiser showed much more true courageousness by not caring for what others thought him while he fought for Tom Robinson’s safety and justice. Atticus is a man who stands by what he believes in and he shows courageousness for people regardless of their color, which shows very good character. His courage was further tested when he got notice of Tom Robinson being moved to a country jail which meant his safety at night could be at risk from Mr. Ewell who could bring a lynch mob.
“You know what we want,” another man said. “Get aside from the door, Mr.
Finch.”
“You can turn around and go home again, Walter,” Atticus said pleasantly. “Heck
Tate’s around somewhere.”
(Page 202. Chapter 15 )
Regarding the quote above one clearly see Atticus’s bravery in standing in the way of a lynch mob to protect Tom Robinson. He bravely stands in the way of the mob because he knows if he steps aside a innocent man would die at the hands of his fears. Atticus however not only shows courage but also tries to teach his children about what true courage is. This was an especially important quote because by being able to teach others to have courage is beyond courage in truth. The following quote reads:
“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.”
(Page149. Chapter 11)
Atticus again shows how real courage is not overcoming the fear to shoot a gun but to go through with life even you know you’re against odds anyway. He teaches him a very important lesson about courage with really defined the amount of bravery Atticus had as a man due to his wisdom and experience.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Existence of Social Inequality
The setting of To Kill a Mockingbird is in Alabama during the 1930’s when do to lack of moral education many people followed a social structure which in current times would be viewed as highly unjust and discriminative towards different ethic groups and social classes. Through the novel Tom Robinson’s trial played a major role in highlighted the racial discrimination and discrimination black people faced from the white people during that time. A major scene, which showed the unfair attitude towards the black people, was during the trial:
“Mr. Gilmer smiled grimly at the jury. “You’re a mighty good fellow, it seems—
did all this for not one penny?”
“Yes, suh. I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try more’n the rest of ‘em—”
“You felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for he?” Mr. Gilmer seemed ready to rise
to the ceiling.
"The witness realized his mistake and shifted uncomfortably in the chair. But the
damage was done. Below us, nobody liked Tom Robinson’s answer. Mr. Gilmer
paused a long time to let it sink in.”
(Page 264. Chapter 19)
This shows the attitude that the white people had towards black meaning that they felt disrespected for the fact that a black person felt sorry for a white person. Evidently throughout the trial Tom Robinsons was disrespected and was called “boy” by Mr. Ewell because he didn’t see him as equal to a white person. Many white witnesses referred to Tom as a “nigger” throughout the trial which back then was also a derogatory statement. This shows the lack of care from the authorities to stop the derogatory comments and treatment.
“Mr. Tate said, “It was the night of November twenty-first. I was just leaving my
office to go home when B—Mr. Ewell came in, very excited he was, and said get
out to his house quick, some nigger’d raped his girl.”
(Page 223. Chapter 17)
Scout also shares her opinion, which does hold a lot of truth to it since she is narrating the story, and she says:
“Tom had been given due process of law to the day of his death; he had
been tried openly and convicted by twelve good men and true; my father had
fought for him all the way. Then Mr. Underwood’s meaning became clear:
Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in
the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the
minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.”
This quote further justifies the claim that there is social inequality against Tom Robinson in Maycomb. The reason being is because even Scout had realized the truth of the unfair justice system and she was only a child.
“Mr. Gilmer smiled grimly at the jury. “You’re a mighty good fellow, it seems—
did all this for not one penny?”
“Yes, suh. I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try more’n the rest of ‘em—”
“You felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for he?” Mr. Gilmer seemed ready to rise
to the ceiling.
"The witness realized his mistake and shifted uncomfortably in the chair. But the
damage was done. Below us, nobody liked Tom Robinson’s answer. Mr. Gilmer
paused a long time to let it sink in.”
(Page 264. Chapter 19)
This shows the attitude that the white people had towards black meaning that they felt disrespected for the fact that a black person felt sorry for a white person. Evidently throughout the trial Tom Robinsons was disrespected and was called “boy” by Mr. Ewell because he didn’t see him as equal to a white person. Many white witnesses referred to Tom as a “nigger” throughout the trial which back then was also a derogatory statement. This shows the lack of care from the authorities to stop the derogatory comments and treatment.
“Mr. Tate said, “It was the night of November twenty-first. I was just leaving my
office to go home when B—Mr. Ewell came in, very excited he was, and said get
out to his house quick, some nigger’d raped his girl.”
(Page 223. Chapter 17)
Scout also shares her opinion, which does hold a lot of truth to it since she is narrating the story, and she says:
“Tom had been given due process of law to the day of his death; he had
been tried openly and convicted by twelve good men and true; my father had
fought for him all the way. Then Mr. Underwood’s meaning became clear:
Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in
the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the
minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.”
This quote further justifies the claim that there is social inequality against Tom Robinson in Maycomb. The reason being is because even Scout had realized the truth of the unfair justice system and she was only a child.
The Co-existence of Good & Evil
Throughout To Kill A Mockingbird there was many instances in where the reader could quickly comprehend that there were two opposing forces coexisting at that certain time in the novel. These two forces that are linked as being opposed to each other are known as good & evil. The good and evil in this novel were different for each character. Tom Robinson’s trial had to opposing sides with one that could be regarded as being evil for falsely accusing a innocent man for a bogus crime while the good is Atticus for defending this poor man from being sent to prison for something he did not do. The following quote shows that the good the Good & evil coexist.
"I don't know, but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it-seems that only children weep.”
(Page 285. Chapter 22)
This just shows how though people try to do well in the world sometimes evil can prevail too in this case the evil was the poor judgment that Tom Robinson was guily. Tom Robinson like other black people during that time was faced with evil because of the prejudice of the white people during that time.
The trial also has an effect on Jem who was shocked and overwhelmed with emotion when he realized how much hate some people had for others by hearing the comment made during the trial. The following quote form the book shows his frustration with the result of the trial:
“ It was Jem’s turn to cry. His face was streaked with angry tears as we made our
way through the cheerful crowd.
“It ain’t right,” he muttered, all the way to the
corner of the square where we found Atticus waiting.
Atticus was standing under the street light looking as though nothing had happened: his vest was buttoned, his collar and tie were neatly in place, his watch-chain glistened, he was his impassive self again.
“It ain’t right, Atticus,” said Jem.
“No son, it’s not right.” ”
(Page 284. Chapter 22)
Jem’s realization that the justice system and the society treated human beings in a horrible way left him in tears. His innocence partly also helped fuel this. However, this sudden exposure to racism and unjust treatment of a human being showed the true evils of society through the eyes of a young boy who could only fell sorrow and sadness knowing that while he enjoyed such good times and happiness or the good part of life people at the same time experienced the evils of life inflicted upon them. The coexistence of that good & evil could be together left Jem, Scout, and Dill confused, as they wanted to know why were things the way they were.
"I don't know, but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it-seems that only children weep.”
(Page 285. Chapter 22)
This just shows how though people try to do well in the world sometimes evil can prevail too in this case the evil was the poor judgment that Tom Robinson was guily. Tom Robinson like other black people during that time was faced with evil because of the prejudice of the white people during that time.
The trial also has an effect on Jem who was shocked and overwhelmed with emotion when he realized how much hate some people had for others by hearing the comment made during the trial. The following quote form the book shows his frustration with the result of the trial:
“ It was Jem’s turn to cry. His face was streaked with angry tears as we made our
way through the cheerful crowd.
“It ain’t right,” he muttered, all the way to the
corner of the square where we found Atticus waiting.
Atticus was standing under the street light looking as though nothing had happened: his vest was buttoned, his collar and tie were neatly in place, his watch-chain glistened, he was his impassive self again.
“It ain’t right, Atticus,” said Jem.
“No son, it’s not right.” ”
(Page 284. Chapter 22)
Jem’s realization that the justice system and the society treated human beings in a horrible way left him in tears. His innocence partly also helped fuel this. However, this sudden exposure to racism and unjust treatment of a human being showed the true evils of society through the eyes of a young boy who could only fell sorrow and sadness knowing that while he enjoyed such good times and happiness or the good part of life people at the same time experienced the evils of life inflicted upon them. The coexistence of that good & evil could be together left Jem, Scout, and Dill confused, as they wanted to know why were things the way they were.
The Importance of Moral Education
To Kill a Mockingbird is set in place and time during which moral education and education in general was not of much importance. This lack of moral education leads to many instances during the novel in which narrow-minded people’s views conflict with people that have some morals such as Atticus and his daughter Scout. When Scout first went to school her conflict with Miss Caroline reflect her lack of moral education.
"'Your father does not know how to teach. You can have a seat now.'
I mumbled that I was sorry and retired meditating upon my crime."
(Page 23. Chapter 2)
This scene in which Miss Caroline scolds Scout knowing how to read & write show her lack of knowledge that knowing how to read & write beforehand is in fact a good attribute and not something to be ashamed of. Miss Caroline like others in the town lack this moral education that if someone is very bright and is excelling further then others then this individual should be praised and not discouraged. Atticus in my opinion is the best example having good moral education because Atticus knows that certain social custom like racism are wrong while others blindly choose to follow them and continue doing wrong. Atticus being the good father he tries to instill some these morals into his children by teaching them lessons.
"'First of all,' he said, 'If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-'
'Sir?'
'-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.'" Page 39. Chapter 3)
After feeling bad about being scolded by Miss Caroline, Scout consoles with Atticus who gives her very useful advice that by feeling empathy her time at school and experience with ignorant people will be much easier to deal with. As one you reads the quote can tell Atticus has given Scout a very good lesson giving her better moral education.
"'Your father does not know how to teach. You can have a seat now.'
I mumbled that I was sorry and retired meditating upon my crime."
(Page 23. Chapter 2)
This scene in which Miss Caroline scolds Scout knowing how to read & write show her lack of knowledge that knowing how to read & write beforehand is in fact a good attribute and not something to be ashamed of. Miss Caroline like others in the town lack this moral education that if someone is very bright and is excelling further then others then this individual should be praised and not discouraged. Atticus in my opinion is the best example having good moral education because Atticus knows that certain social custom like racism are wrong while others blindly choose to follow them and continue doing wrong. Atticus being the good father he tries to instill some these morals into his children by teaching them lessons.
"'First of all,' he said, 'If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-'
'Sir?'
'-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.'" Page 39. Chapter 3)
After feeling bad about being scolded by Miss Caroline, Scout consoles with Atticus who gives her very useful advice that by feeling empathy her time at school and experience with ignorant people will be much easier to deal with. As one you reads the quote can tell Atticus has given Scout a very good lesson giving her better moral education.
Innocense & Experince
To Kill a Mockingbird is narrated heavily by Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. As the reader progresses through the book Scout starts from a confused little girl who had just started school to a confident person who was aware of the events that happened around her. This in it’s own sense is Innocence and experience. Scouts character is developing as one reads the novel. In the beginning Scout doesn’t understand some of thing that’s were happening or being said around her. One example of this would be her discussion with Miss. Maudie who was praising Atticus for living life now then worrying about the future.
“Miss Maudie stopped rocking, and her voice hardened. “You are too young to
understand it,” she said, “but sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse
than a whiskey bottle in the hand of—oh, of your father.”
I was shocked. “Atticus doesn’t drink whiskey,” I said. “He never drunk a drop in
his life—nome, yes he did. He said he drank some one time and didn’t like it.” (Page 60. Chapter 6)
This scene seems to show Scout’s understanding of life at that point of her life compared to after the trial from which had a major influence on Scout’s life. The trial of Tom Robinson had led to Scout being exposed to serious things like racial discrimination, social injustice, rape, and in life there is much to learn.
When Scout is talking with Atticus regarding Bob Ewell’s death she narrates:
"Atticus looked like he needed cheering up. I ran to him and hugged him and kissed him with all my might. 'Yes sir, I understand,' I reassured him. 'Mr. Tate was right.'
Atticus disengaged himself and looked at me. 'What do you mean?'
'Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?'"
(Page 276 .Chapter 31)
As you can access the quote above Scout surprised Atticus by understanding the situation from using her experience of knowing about the time when Atticus explains it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird that only is helping others and doing no harm. Overall there are many examples of that highlight the innocence of certain characters throughout the book alongside their experience too. However, Scout seemed to be a stronger character to choose as this book is centered on her life.
“Miss Maudie stopped rocking, and her voice hardened. “You are too young to
understand it,” she said, “but sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse
than a whiskey bottle in the hand of—oh, of your father.”
I was shocked. “Atticus doesn’t drink whiskey,” I said. “He never drunk a drop in
his life—nome, yes he did. He said he drank some one time and didn’t like it.” (Page 60. Chapter 6)
This scene seems to show Scout’s understanding of life at that point of her life compared to after the trial from which had a major influence on Scout’s life. The trial of Tom Robinson had led to Scout being exposed to serious things like racial discrimination, social injustice, rape, and in life there is much to learn.
When Scout is talking with Atticus regarding Bob Ewell’s death she narrates:
"Atticus looked like he needed cheering up. I ran to him and hugged him and kissed him with all my might. 'Yes sir, I understand,' I reassured him. 'Mr. Tate was right.'
Atticus disengaged himself and looked at me. 'What do you mean?'
'Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?'"
(Page 276 .Chapter 31)
As you can access the quote above Scout surprised Atticus by understanding the situation from using her experience of knowing about the time when Atticus explains it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird that only is helping others and doing no harm. Overall there are many examples of that highlight the innocence of certain characters throughout the book alongside their experience too. However, Scout seemed to be a stronger character to choose as this book is centered on her life.
To Kill A Mockingbird
There is much to take away from this book. This books in sense I believe was written so people could be taught some valuable advice to make the world a better place. From overcoming your fears to stand up for what you believe in. To understanding that there is evil in this world and you need work your way around it try to live your life. At the same time there is lessons to be learned about discrimination and the importance of moral education form this book as it becomes more evident that moral education can be the key to a society i which everyone lives together peacefully. By being feeling empathy one can live their life easier and much more. There is much to take from this book that is why i have broken down some the themes of the book and noted key quotes that demonstrate the different themes Harper Lee had inscribed in the story.
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