Free Sample Essays > North American
What make's to kill a mockingbird a classic?
A classic has lasting significance or worth enduring. It deals with complex issues which stimulate and challenge readers to consider the different aspects that are portrayed, making a novel unique and memorable. There are many important themes in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, which make it memorable to the reader. The major theme in this novel explores issues such as the destructive impact of racism, prejudice, injustice and the nature of justice and of humanity.
The events of the novel are presented through the eyes of a young, naпve and innocent narrator who plays a big role in the theme of growing up and her untainted approach amongst a racist society. The characters and the event’s that take place in the little town called Maycomb represent the world. Characters such as Tom Robinson, Bob Ewell, Aunt Alexandra and Heck Tate exist in real life, not only in a story. The event’s that occur in the novel such as the racist attitudes of the town and the unjust ruling of the court are global issues which are common occurrences in today’s society.
Atticus Finch is a character with a lot of dignity. He is a man of justice and morality. When asked by his young daughter Scout, why he would continue to defend Tom Robinson if he knew he were to lose the case, Atticus replied, “If I didn’t defend Tom Robinson, I would never be able to tell you or Jem to do or not to do anything ever again”. This shows that Atticus Finch is not a hypocrite unlike many townsfolk of Maycomb such as Aunt Alexandra who is continuously labeling everyone. “Oh the Cunningham’s have a drinking streak that runs in the family...” or Mrs. Merriweather, supposedly considered as the kindest woman who runs the Maycomb Ladies Missionary to help the Maruna tribe of South America. Her intentions to help the tribe are out of false sympathy; in reality she desires admiration from fellow town’s members. This is shown because at one point of the Missionary meeting, she is sympathizing towards the Maruna’s and the next minute she begins to speak lowly of the Negroes and of Atticus Finch. “... there are some good but misguided people in this town... ...Now far be it from me to say who, but some of ‘em in this town thought they were doing the right thing a while back, but all they did was stir ‘em up.”
To Kill a Mockingbird teaches multiple moral lessons and presents an overall picture of the prejudice, lifestyle and attitude of an average society. Atticus Finch’s level of understanding people and life in general is outstanding. He knows not to judge a book by its cover as he tells Scout, “... You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walked around in them.” Prejudice is very much directed towards individuals in the novel who do not fit into the expected behavioral patterns of society and about whom little is known. For instance Boo [next page]