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4
out of 5
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To Kill a Mockingbird,
December 5, 2008
By pequa51
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"There are critical aspects of life that people should learn for the betterment of society and improvement in their daily values. Literary works are often pieced together with a common goal. That goal is to deliver an underlying message to an audience through the use of ample literary elements such as, elaborate characters, an extensive conflict, and setting. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee establishes the aforementioned criteria to the fullest extent and beyond. This was an exceptional novel filled with dazzling details and a thrilling plot.
Firstly, the development of the characters by Harper Lee is enough to make a reader satisfied with this exhilarating novel. One character that is well developed is Atticus Finch. Mr. Finch is not necessarily the perfect being, but his values are thought through and he is a man overflowing with integrity. Harper Lee does not present Atticus as an unrealistic holy human. Atticus’ character is not one you would despise but one that provides inspiration. His forthright relationship with his children, Jem and Scout, is an admirable job of parenting.
Furthermore, Haper Lee goes to great depth to foil Atticus’ physical characteristics with his inner traits. Although weak and feeble on the outside his inner traits are blazing with triumph. This is readily seen through his profession as a lawyer. In the 1930s, down south in Maycomb, Alabama racial prejudice was prevalent. To be a racist back then was common, although not necessarily right. But for a white male to stand up for the rights of black people was strikingly rare, and those individualist who did, put themselves at danger. Atticus was put into this situation and had defended a black male, Tom Robinson, against a white female, to the best of his ability. Merely giving up and admitting defeat would have been sufficient. By raising such a conflict, Harper Lee allows the reader to question racial intolerance of the south and understand the values of a true hero.
One additional point that makes To Kill A Mockingbird an excellent read is Harper Lee’s use of quotes that apply to real life. In the beginning of the novel Atticus says, “You never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” People are often mislead by false rumors and ridiculous accusations. Harper Lee makes this concept easily seen through the character of Jean Louise Finch. One person that is most commonly misunderstood is Boo Radley. The character Boo was often known to eat raw squirrels and freeze flowers with his breath. At the end of the novel the viewpoint of Boo changes. Through the point of view of Scout, the reader acknowledges that Boo lives a happy life looking out on the world. The underlying message is that misconceptions are often harsh and to judge someone before fully understanding them is not right.
The most interesting theme is developed through the character Atticus. While talking to Jem, Atticus mentions, “Shoot all the Blue Jays you want, if you can hit’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” While Atticus was initially telling Jem to avoid shooting the innocent mockingbird, he was truly instilling in him a life lesson. To harm an innocent creature or human is not morally right. If a person is living a peaceful life he does not deserve to be bombarded by outsiders. Boo Radley is a somber recluse who is similar to a mockingbird. One character that understands this message is the sheriff Heck Tate. By bending the truth and create a harmless lie, Heck prevents unnecessary celebration for the soft-spoken character of Boo Radley.
Finally, To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee is a first-rate novel that is quite praiseworthy. This superb classic is a must read for any person interested in suspenseful action and a story full of youthful memories. Harper Lee went above and beyond to make this a remarkable book."
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12 of 16 people found this review helpful.
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