essay examples to kill a mockingbird

101 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Titles & Examples

If you struggle to find “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay topics on prejudice, race, the characters’ courage, or any other issue, look no further. Our team has prepared a list of titles and essay writing tips for this book.

🏆 Best To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics & Examples

📌 most interesting to kill a mockingbird essay titles, 👍 good to kill a mockingbird research topics, ❓ to kill a mockingbird essay questions.

Before we will talk about the do’s and don’ts in essay writing, let’s clarify the types of essay.

When working on “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay thesis, you can focus on the facts of the book or concentrate on your attitude towards its key issues and characters. According to your approach, we can divide essays into two main areas:

• Objective essay: you set out your personal thoughts on a chosen issue and provide supporting arguments and evidence;
• Subjective essay: you express your point of view on a specific topic without claiming the truth and strengthening it with facts.

For example, when you choose a “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay topics on goodness, you will state that Atticus is a kind and fearless. No doubt that this character has a positive role.

On the other hand, when you describe Mayella, you will have to choose: will you condemn her or express pity.

As for the essay content, it can be divided into many subcategories:

• Philosophical essay
• Critical essay
• Literary analysis
• Historical essay, etc.

There are also a few key literary types:

• Feature article, etc.

Do’s & Don’ts When Writing To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

Now, it’s time to talk about what you should write and what to avoid in your paper. First of all, you have to remember that all “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay titles should reveal the essence of the issue.

Recommendations for essay writing:

• Do mark your essay subject at the beginning of the text. “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay hooks will help you to catch the reader’s attention. Don’t forget to emphasize the central issue in the conclusion.
• Do support the style of presentation by your emotions, vision, and opinion. Use the “question-answer” in paragraphs. Make the transitions between paragraphs harmonious and smooth.
• Do use quotes, historical facts, and observations to argue the thesis statement, solve the main issue, and describe the key subject of the paper.
• Do stick to the central thesis of your essay. Avoid deepen into philosophical reflections — tell about concrete facts and examples. Here’s an example: don’t include the facts from the author’s biography if you focus on the events of the book and factors that affect discrimination.
• Do proofread the paper. Read carefully your essay several times and think if your readers will understand your expressions.
• Do not use specific terminology in “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay. For example, when you write about discrimination, you don’t necessarily have to provide its dictionary definition or use complex law, historical and psychological literature, and samples. Just your own language. However, it doesn’t mean that your opinion should seem ungrounded.
• Do add your emotions to the paper. Let your readers feel that you believe in your ideas when defending the essay thesis.
• Don’t choose the header before you write an essay. First, you should write an essay, and only then compile the title of your paper.

Well, now you know about the essay types, what to do, and what to avoid in your essay. Of course, you may ask: “What to write in my own essay?”

The key to success is to start. Check “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay examples on our website to get inspiration. Even the topic seems to you too complicated, start your research, and then you will be able to express new and original thoughts.

• Slavery in To Kill a Mockingbird Novel The introduction of Tom by the author is a plot device to represent the plight of the slaves in the state.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird”: Book and Movie Differences It is important to note that the film, To Kill a Mockingbird entails most of the aspects depicted in the novel.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) by Robert Mulligan This movie presented a timely reflection of the extent of deep racial problems and social injustices existing in the southern part of the US in the early 60s.
• To Kill a Mockingbird Main Themes The main themes of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird cover both adult and children’s concerns, including the dignity of human life, the importance of truth, the rights of people to be different, the need […]
• Analysis of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird Although the innocent black man is killed while attempting to break out of prison when he might have gone free had the case proceeded to a higher court, Atticus and the town’s sheriff conjure a […]
• Nelle Harper Lee and Her Reflection in “To Kill a Mockingbird” The author perfectly reflects her life in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird as her father played an essential role in creating the story.
• Novel Appreciation: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee The contemporary discussion of this novel is often tied to the question of racism; nevertheless, I am convinced that this book can be of great interest to modern readers, and I would like to discuss […]
• Themes in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee To Kill a Mockingbird, in its imperfection, is a testament to the march of progress in social justice and racial equality.
• The Problem of Racism and Injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee In the novel, Harper Lee demonstrates her vision of the question of the social inequality with references to the problem of racism in the society based on prejudice and absence of actual principles of tolerance […]
• Moral Principles in Harper Lee’s Novel To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee explores a great number of themes in the first chapters of the novel, for example, integrity of a person and his/her ability contradict the norms, adopted in the community.
• The Title of Lee’s “How to Kill a Mockingbird” Book The novel’s core topic is the disappearance of innocence and the influence of bias on the lives of the novel’s characters.
• Empathy and Racism in Stockett’s The Help and Li’s To Kill a Mockingbird To start with, the first approach to racism and promoting empathy is to confront prevalent discrimination and racism, which was often shown in The Help. Another solution to racism and the possibility of promoting empathy […]
• Systemic Racism in Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” & Whitehead’s “The Nickel Boys” Racism in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird is pronounced and presented as the natural habitat of the town of Maycomb.
• Lift a Ban on “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Lee Understanding different activities have remained vital in society.”To Kill a Mockingbird” is a book that explains the problems of the United States and promotes people to be just and respect human rights.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” Drama Film The plot proves to be logical and consistent throughout the movie, motivating the audience to watch till the end of the film.
• Understanding Other Perspective: To Kill a Mockingbird The literature portrays the actual happenings in the society in an educative and corrective manner that is acceptable to both sides of the victim and perpetrator of injustices.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird”: The Novel by Harper Lee Scout does not realize the severity of many of the events of the book as they are taking place, and as such she is an innocent.
• American History in “To Kill a Mockingbird” Book & Film Racial attitudes and the dominance of white men over the black ones in the USA are the central ideas of the movie and the novel.
• Racist Trial in the Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee For the purpose, evaluation would be made in the context of utilization of events, time and culture of the book and compare it to today’s society, culture and racial attitudes.
• Racial Prejudice in Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” Paul Lawrence Dunbar in his poem, “Sympathy” has vividly portrayed the pangs of a caged bird and likens it to the collective pain that colored people have felt like victims of racial prejudices.”And a pain […]
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” Novel by Harper Lee It is one of the main characteristics of the mockingbird includes its innocence and imitation of the songs of other birds in a loud voice.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee In consequence, the book became a model source of reading that inspired people to further take on the issues of race in the USA and throughout the world.
• American Novel: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee It is also worth to mention that the novel is indeed relevant to its readership because it mirrors the nature of society affected by racism and inequality. Through the act of inclusiveness, I am in […]
• What It Takes to Kill a Mockingbird: In Search for the Differences Between the Novel and a Movie The characters both in the novel and in the movie were often pushed to the breaking point; however, one of such moments described in the book was left out of the movie.
• Social Issues in the “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee The phrase ‘to kill a mocking bird’ stands out as a metaphor in the book To kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
• To Kill a Mockingbird: Movie Analysis Speaking of the movements which convey the essence of the film without any speech “intrusion”, it would be a good idea to drive the example of Boo Radley standing in the darker corner of the […]
• To Kill a Mockingbird The author, in the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird presents a deeper understanding in relation to events occurring in her novel. To enhance understanding of the novel, the author has widely embraced symbolism in […]
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” and the Techniques Used: Characterisation, Structure, Point of View, and Language
• The Different Types of Families Represented in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Atticus Finch’s Views on Race and How They Change Throughout “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Racist Attitudes of the People in Maycomb County in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• “To Kill a Mockingbird”: How Symbolism Reinforces Important Ideas
• The Supproting Character of Boo Radley as a Hero in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Unjust Persecution as a Major Theme in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Significance of the Title of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Use of Symbols in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Trial of Tom Robinson and Its Role in Exploring the Issue of Racism in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Violence and Alienation in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• “To Kill a Mockingbird”: The Importance of Understanding Individual Differences
• True Courage in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Two Types of Underprivileged People in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Influences Parents Have on Their Children in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The References That Suggest to Boo Radley and Tom Robinson in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Tom Robinson and Boo Radley as Mockingbirds in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Southern Gothic Elements in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Resemblance Between Tom Robinson and Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Themes of Childhoods in “Jane Eyre” and “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Role of Family in Shaping the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Affects of One’s Surrounding Environment on Their Personality and Morals in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The True Heroic Qualities of Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Theme of the Loss of Childhood Innocence in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Town of Maycomb’s Role in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Different Types of Prejudice Represented in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Atticus Finch as a Moral Compass for His Children in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Moral Development of the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Impact of Cowardice on the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Mrs Dubose as an Example of Courage in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Impact of Scout’s Family on Her Development in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Victims of Stereotyping in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Atticus Finch as a Father Figure in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Tragic Hero in “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Crucible”
• The Themes of Racism and Fear of the Unknown in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Hidden Symbols in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Value of Informal Education in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Tom Robinson’s Trial as a Central Part of “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Unarmed Bravery in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Use of Piaget’s Theories of Child Development in Analyzing “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Tolerance Level of the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Use of Symbolism and Irony in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Tom Robinson’s Conviction in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• How Old Is Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Does Mrs. Maudie’s Nut Grass Symbolize in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does Scout Describe Dill in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Is the Theme of Femininity and the Power of Women From “To Kill a Mockingbird” Still Relevant Today?
• Who Are the Radleys in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• Why Does Scout Have That Nickname in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Are Fathers Presented in the Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Is the Main Meaning of “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does Author Present Racial Issues During the 1930s in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Are the Two Main Plots in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Is the Irony in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Is the Most Important Lesson in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• Is “To Kill a Mockingbird” Still Relevant Today?
• How Does Lee Make Atticus Finch a Heroic Figure in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What “To Kill a Mockingbird” Teaches Us?
• What Are Some Life Lessons From “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Is the First Turning Point in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What’s the Climax of “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Are Some Symbols in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Are Prejudice and Hypocrisy Explored in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does Harper Lee Build Up Tension Throughout the Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird?
• How Has “To Kill a Mockingbird” Changed the World?
• Why Should Students Read “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does Harper Lee Use Minor Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does “To Kill a Mockingbird” Connect to the World?
• What Does the Reader Learn About the Social Setting in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Are the Most Important Quotes in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• Who Is the Protagonist in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• Who Lost Their Innocence in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Does the Mad Dog Represent in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
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To Kill A Mockingbird - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee that deals with racial injustice and moral growth in the American South. Essays could explore its themes, character analyses, literary significance, and the societal reactions it provoked upon its release. Discussions might also delve into its relevance in contemporary conversations about race, justice, and morality. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about To Kill A Mockingbird you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Themes of Courage and Heroism

In the Novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are several themes that are shown; however, one of the most exceedingly valued is courage. Courage is shown by assuredly every character in this book, but just a few examples are Boo Radley, Scout Finch, and Atticus Finch. In the novel, Boo Radley showed a plethora of courage and heroism. In one situation Boo saved Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell, who assailed them while they were on their […]

Prejudice in to Kill a Mockingbird

As a very powerful attitude that is either negative or hostile, prejudice refers to a very unfavorable feeling about a person or group simply because the person or group has membership with a particular group; prejudice is formed without any thought, reason, or knowledge to support the belief (Aronson, Wilson, Akert, & Sommers, 2016). When people are prejudiced against a particular group, they will engage in unenthusiastic and adverse behaviors toward anyone who is a member of the group against […]

What Happens to Jem and Scout’s Mother and how do they Fell about her Absence?

The New York Times states, that Scores of motherless children are overlooked in America every day. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, the two children, Scout and Jem Finch, have been motherless since Scout was 2, and Jem was 6. Although they do not have a mother, they have three mother figures. One is Calpurnia, their maid, another is Miss Maudie their neighbor, and the third is their Aunt Alexandra. Even though these children are […]

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Tolerance in to Kill a Mockingbird

Do you think that tolerance is an important part of life? In To Kill a Mockingbird, By Harper Lee, many characters show tolerance towards others, and others show a lack of tolerance. I will be discussing why I think Atticus and Scout both show tolerance, and why Lula shows intolerance. Atticus showed tolerance towards Mrs. Dubose even when she insults him and negatively comments on him. But He [Atticus] treats her politely and helps her throughout the novel. ""Good evening, […]

Symbolism in to Kill a Mockingbird

What is symbolism? What is the importance of symbolism? Why do we use symbolism in literature? Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal meaning. In literature, symbols can be items, characters, ideas, or even colors used to represent larger concepts. Authors often use symbolism to communicate in-depth ideas or themes without stating them. Symbols are often used to represent something important. Symbolism is used […]

What is the Symbolic Meaning of Mockingbirds?

The book To Kill a Mockingbird was written by Harper Lee in the year 1960. When people have no laws to follow, mass corruption and chaos run wild. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, the law is a major theme in the book. It shows how lawlessness can determine the life and future of the felons. Muddle and distress are what is created when you have no laws. Therefore, laws are established to keep peace and structure. Laws are […]

Character Development in to Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a story of a girl named Scout Finch and her friends who live in a town called Maycomb County, in the racially charged atmosphere of the early 1960s. Her mother is deceased, and her and her brother are cared for by Calpurnia, an African American housekeeper and Her father, Atticus, is a lawyer who takes on a case defending a black man accused of rape, and he confronts the racist justice system […]

Victim Blaming and to Kill a Mockingbird

People are held accountable for their own actions, until their actions are someone else's. In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, there are many examples of a so called innocent victim. For instance, Tom Robinson is an innocent victim. Although he is the alleged suspect, the trial was biased and half-true. Tom Robinson, being a black male in the 1930s, is going to get the unfair end of the deal because of the color of his skin. Tom Robinson's alleged […]

Great Depression – Economic Impact

In the modern world, the Great Depression began one of the worst economic crises in history. It began October 29, 1929 and reached its lowest point by 1933, but did not officially ended until 1939. In addition, millions of Americans began to get unemployed, nearly half the country's banks began to fail, and stock markets started to crash. In 1929, 3% of the population was unemployed. In 1933, the unemployed took a toll and 25%, 1 out of every 4 […]

Atticus Finch Character Analysis in to Kill a Mockingbird

Whether he is a father, lawyer, friend or foe, Atticus Finch exudes prominent traits admired by his children and the community. He stands as a honest and morally upright character in To Kill a Mockingbird. Written by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in Maycomb, a small town in Alabama and is primarily told from the eyes of nine-year-old Jean Louise Finch (Scout). Her father, Atticus Finch, takes a controversial case to defend Tom Robinson, a black man […]

To Kill a Mockingbird Racism

Justice and racial prejudice To Kill a Mockingbird and A Time to Kill illustrates the deep-rooted racism and discriminatory society in the timeline that was difficult to change the equal rights of blacks at that time. These prejudices make innocent people ineligible to justify anything they do, and most of them are black. In To Killing a Mockingbird, Harper Lee describes a story of Tom Robinson, who was accused of rape, just because he was a black man. Atticus Finch […]

Coming of Age: the Hard Truths Untold

Children who first learn to ride a bicycle are always prone to accidents on the first try and end up falling and scraping their knees or elbows. They cry at first but shake themselves off and climb back on their bicycles to try again and hopefully get it right. No matter what experiences people go through, in some form or another, those experiences help to develop deeper comprehension. Coming of age is a life-long journey, but it is mostly experienced […]

How is Bravery Shown in to Kill a Mockingbird?

In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, the author uses word choice to convey that bravery is the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous and that allows us to find the the mental or moral strength to face our fears and make unthinkable choices. Throughout part one of the book, Atticus strives to teach his children the real meaning of bravery and courage. One way the author demonstrates bravery through word choice is when Atticus […]

Examples of Stereotyping in to Kill a Mockingbird

While racism is the most common form of discrimination in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, there are many more forms of injustices in the book. From the beginning of the book, we read sly remarks about Scout's blatant tomboyish nature, from her brother Jem. Later, however, we hear the white citizens of Maycomb county use very offensive racial slurs towards the African American citizens; but racial slurs aside, the other forms of disrespect that most of the whites show […]

Life Lessons in to Kill a Mockingbird

Is it okay if someone does everything they're told to do, they're completely innocent, yet the majority of people they know still treat them unfairly? Is it okay to kill someone that was just fighting for his freedom? He wanted to know what freedom felt like, but he had it taken away from him with just one swift movement. One pull of a trigger. Picture having only one chance at escaping the dark world that some people live in, and […]

To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus Finch

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee demonstrates a very detailed image of Atticus Finch as he deals with his quarrels and dissensions. As he goes about his normal life in Maycomb county, he is faced with troubles including hate, racism, and disappointing his acquaintances by sticking up for an African American man. Despite being talked down on and being disrespected by everyone around him, he puts on a smile and demonstrates a character that inspires not only his children […]

Powers Granted by Exclusion

“No matter the situation, humans have always found a way to categorize themselves and others based on factors such as their looks, how much money they make, where they come from, and even the kind of music they listen to” (John Henrik Clarke). Although this kind of behavior may at first present itself as unharmful and nothing but a means of arrangement for individuals, the power one group has over another can easily turn things into the direction of hostility. […]

Depiction of Discrimination in to Kill a Mockingbird

"Our generation has had no Great war, no Great Depression. Out war is spiritual. Our depression is our lives" (Chuck Palahniuk). Discrimination was most common in the 1930's and was performed by prejudice people against others. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, discrimination is one of the main conflicts in the story. Till this day, people still face discrimination and injustice. Throughout the novel, sexism, classism, and racism are prominent in the lives of the characters. […]

Power in to Kill a Mockingbird

Claim: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Miss Maudie and Atticus teach Scout and Jem lessons of power and true courage, ultimately to help them overcome the social norm of what courage is, and to understand the power divided by race. Scout is spending the summer with Dill and Jem, but Dill and Jem become closer and they begin to leave her out of their plans. Hurt, Scout decides to spend her summer with Miss. Maudie, one of her friendly neighbors. […]

To Kill a Mockingbird Theme of Morality and Ethics

“To Kill A Mockingbird” is a book that takes many turns which makes it not easy to put down. It is set in Maycomb, Alabama around the time where slavery still existed. The story is focused around a trial where Atticus Finch has chosen to defend a black man named Tom Robinson. When read at the present time it is not felt as a big deal but at the time it was more than a big deal. It was something […]

Scouts Moral Growth in to Kill a Mockingbird

The novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” is a book that takes many turns which makes it not easy to put down. The story is told by Scout Finch who is the daughter of the main character, Atticus Finch. The story is focused around a trial where Atticus Finch has to defend Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson is a man being accused of raping women. In Maycomb, Alabama at the time, racism was a problem. The color of Tom’s skin is what […]

Society and Traditions in Literary Works

Literary works often reflect on society and its traditions, hoping that the readers realize the lessons and messages that are trying to be portrayed. Critical theories are reflective assessments and critiques of society and culture by applying knowledge, and the messages presented into our lives. Reader Response theory, Deconstruction theory, and Ethical theory are forms to uncover the meanings of a text, each in its own unique way which aids the reader to have an improved understanding of the messages. […]

To Kill a Mockingbird Book Vs Movie

I have watched the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”, there are a few fallacies that I managed to find in the movie, which are attacking the motive and two wrongs make a right and inappropriate appeal to authority. First and foremost, the first fallacy is attacking the motive that appeared in the movie, where all the people insist that Tom Robinson had raped Mayella Ewell. While Mayella was suing Tom by rapping her, Mr Ewell stopped Atticus outside the court and […]

Protagonist in Books “To Kill a Mockingbird”

The protagonist is Jean Louise (a.k.a Scout.) She is the narrator of the story. Scout is 6 to 9 years old in this story. She is a white girl in the middle of racist times during the Great Depression. Because of this, her family is poor but is still more valued than others. Scout's appearance is not directly mentioned, but it can be inferred she wears breeches and has bangs. Scout is very intelligent, for her father has taught her […]

Gender Equality in to Kill a Mockingbird

For centuries, there was always the mindset that men are superior to women. They were known to know more, do more and be the primary figure in all circumstances. Gender equality was not a widely known and controversial topic until the early 2000’s. Even with movements popping up, gender inequality still persisted. Females were expected to do ‘lady like things’; these things include: staying at home to clean, wear dresses and stay out of trouble. In the book To Kill […]

Plot Analysis of to Kill a Mockingbird

Is shielding children from various things to protect their innocence beneficial? In To Kill a Mockingbird the author, Harper Lee develops the main character Scout Finch in an old boring town called Maycomb. Through the use of characterization of Scout, Lee reveals that innocence along with the capacity to comprehend situations leads to the ability to perceive the world more ethically because they can grow and mature. One of Scout's most prominent characteristic is innocence. Her innocence limits her perspective […]

Is Mayella Ewell Powerful

Mayella Violet Ewell, a 19 ½-year-old girl, made one of the most widely known accusations in Maycomb. She accused a black man, Tom Robinson, of raping her. Mayella first appears in chapter 17 of Harper Lee’s book, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” when Tom Robinson’s trial occurs. She pours out a sob story to the court about Tom following her into the house, jumping on her, and raping her innocent self. Throughout her questioning in chapter 18, Mayella is depicted as […]

How the Jury Changed in Harper Lee’s to Kill a Mockingbird

An innocent black man named Tom Robinson is voted guilty of raping a white woman by an all-white jury in 1935. Fifty years later, in John Grisham’s A Time to Kill, a black man kills two white men who raped his daughter and is voted innocent by an all-white jury. Both cases occurred in the south where there was much racial prejudice towards African Americans at the time. From 1935 to 1985, there were 10 events that influenced the minds […]

Equality: Past, Present, and Future in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

Most Americans would agree that our country needs to work on achieving true equality, but the process of getting there has been challenging. America is divided because people have their own views and experiences and are not always willing to change, or agree. Inequality dates back to when our country was founded, and the way things were then affects how they are now. Most people think they know what equality means but they don't. Equality is the state in which […]

Scout Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Sometimes when people discriminate against one thing, they’re still open to another. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, this issue is expressed all throughout the story. For the time and place “To Kill a Mockingbird” takes place in, there was some way people would find a difference of another person and compare it to themselves. Examples of discrimination were racism and sexism; consequently, Scout learned multiple lessons from discrimination. Discrimination will alter someone’s life in ways of humiliation and […]

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How To Write an Essay About To Kill A Mockingbird

Introduction to harper lee's to kill a mockingbird.

"To Kill A Mockingbird," a novel by Harper Lee, is a profound work that explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence in the Deep South during the 1930s. Begin your essay by introducing the setting of Maycomb, Alabama, and the central characters: Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus Finch. Outline the novel’s primary themes and the significance of its title. This introduction should provide a brief yet comprehensive overview, setting the stage for a deeper analysis of the novel's complex themes and character dynamics.

Analyzing Central Themes and Characters

The body of your essay should delve into the critical themes of "To Kill A Mockingbird." Explore the theme of racial injustice, as seen in the trial of Tom Robinson, and discuss how this reflects the broader societal prejudices of the time. Another key theme is the moral development of Scout and Jem as they navigate a world of complex ethical choices and learn from their father's example of integrity. Discuss the character of Atticus Finch as a moral compass of the novel and a symbol of decency and justice. Use specific examples from the text to illustrate how these themes are developed through the narrative and character interactions. Each paragraph should focus on a specific theme or character analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of Lee's narrative.

The Novel's Social and Historical Context

In this part of the essay, place "To Kill A Mockingbird" within its broader social and historical context. Discuss the significance of the novel being set in the Great Depression and its reflection of the racial tensions in the American South during that period. Additionally, consider the impact of this novel when it was published in 1960, at the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement, and its continued relevance in contemporary discussions about race and justice. This contextual analysis will enrich your essay, demonstrating the novel's enduring significance as both a product of its time and a timeless commentary on human behavior and societal issues.

Concluding Reflections

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points and reiterating the novel's significance in American literature. Reflect on the lessons that "To Kill A Mockingbird" imparts about empathy, understanding, and moral courage. Consider the novel's impact on readers and its contribution to ongoing conversations about racial injustice and moral integrity. A strong conclusion will not only encapsulate your analysis but also underscore the novel's relevance to modern readers, encouraging them to reflect on its themes in the context of today's world.

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35 To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics

Harper Lee’s classic American novel To Kill a Mockingbird is among the most taught books in American literature. The story of young Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus–as told through the eyes of Scout–is one that has captivated readers for generations.

With the reading of the novel also comes an assortment of assignments that require students to analyze and interpret the text. One such assignment is the To Kill a Mockingbird essay.

While understanding the book’s content can be a challenge in and of itself, crafting a well-written essay on the subject can be even more so. However, we’ve created a handy guide detailing everything you need to know about writing a To Kill a Mockingbird essay, including tips on structure and 35 essay topic ideas.

How to Write the Essay

To Kill A Mockingbird essays can be written in many different writing styles depending on the essay prompt and the teacher’s individual preferences. However, there are a few key things that every To Kill A Mockingbird essay should have. Let’s take a look at what those are.

A Strong Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is the most crucial element of a good To Kill A Mockingbird essay. This statement is what your entire essay will be based around and should be narrow in focus. Depending on whether your essay is an argumentative, persuasive, comparative statement, or literary analysis essay, your thesis will take on a different form.

An Argumentative Thesis Statement

If you’re writing an argumentative essay, your thesis statement should take a clear position on the issue at hand. For example, if you’re writing about whether or not Atticus Finch is a good father, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“Atticus Finch is a good father because he is patient, teaches his children to be moral people, and is always there for them when they need him.”

A Persuasive Thesis Statement

If you’re writing a persuasive essay, your thesis statement will take on a slightly different form. Instead of simply stating your position, you’ll also need to provide evidence from the text to support your claim. So, for example, if you’re writing about whether or not Atticus Finch is a good father, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“Atticus Finch is a good father because he is patient, teaches his children to be moral people, and is always there for them when they need him. This is evident in how he deals with Scout’s defiance, helps Jem come to terms with Boo Radley, and stands up for Tom Robinson in court.”

A Comparative Thesis Statement

If you’re writing a comparative essay, your thesis statement will need to compare and contrast two or more characters, themes, or elements from the text. For example, if you’re comparing and contrasting the characters of Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“Though both Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell are fathers, they couldn’t be more different in the way they raise their children. Atticus Finch is a patient and level-headed father who instils morality in his children, while Bob Ewell is an abusive and alcoholic father who does nothing but harm his daughter.”

A Literary Analysis Thesis Statement

In this type of essay, you’ll be asked to analyze the themes, symbols, or other literary devices used in the text. So, for example, if you’re writing about the theme of racism in To Kill A Mockingbird, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“The theme of racism is evident in To Kill A Mockingbird through the characters of Tom Robinson, Calpurnia, and Atticus Finch.”

In each of these examples, you’ll notice that the thesis statement is clear, concise, and takes a position on the issue at hand. This is exactly what your thesis statement should do as well.

The Body Paragraphs

Once you have a thesis statement, you can begin to write the body paragraphs of your essay. In each body paragraph, you’ll need to include a topic sentence, supporting evidence from the text, and your own analysis.

The topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph and introduces the main idea that will be discussed in the paragraph. The supporting evidence can be quotes, events, or other information from the text that backs up your main idea. And finally, your analysis is your interpretation of the evidence and how it supports your main idea.

For example, if you’re writing about Atticus Finch as a good father, your first body paragraph might look something like this:

Paragraph 1:

• Topic sentence: Atticus is a good father because he is patient.
• Supporting evidence: “Atticus was making a feeble attempt to comfort her, but his hands were shaking as badly as hers.” (Lee 94)
• Analysis: This quote shows that even when Scout is misbehaving, Atticus remains calm and patient with her.

With each new paragraph, you’ll need to include a new topic sentence and supporting evidence.

The Conclusion

The conclusion of your essay is where you’ll need to tie everything together and leave your reader with a clear understanding of your position. To do this, you’ll need to restate your thesis statement and main points from the body of your essay.

You’ll also want to leave the reader with something to think about. Maybe offer a new perspective on the text, or suggest how the themes of the text apply to real life.

For example, your conclusion might look something like this:

“Though Atticus Finch is a fictional character, he serves as an excellent role model for fathers everywhere. His patience, morality, and courage are qualities that all fathers should strive to possess.”

35 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics

Sometimes the most challenging part of essay writing is coming up with a topic. That is where this list of To Kill A Mockingbird essay topics will come in handy.

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Racism

• The racist attitudes of the people in Maycomb County
• The impact of racism on the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
• The trial of Tom Robinson and its role in exploring the issue of racism
• Atticus Finch’s views on race and how they change throughout the novel
• How racism affects the relationships between the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Family

• The different types of families represented in To Kill A Mockingbird
• The role of family in shaping the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
• Atticus Finch as a father figure
• The impact of Scout’s family on her development
• How the absence of a mother figure affects the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Courage

• The definition of courage and how it applies to the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
• Atticus Finch as a model of courage
• Mrs Dubose as an example of courage
• How the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird define and demonstrate courage
• The impact of cowardice on the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Morality

• The moral development of the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
• Atticus Finch as a moral compass for his children
• The importance of morality in To Kill A Mockingbird
• How the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird deal with moral dilemmas
• The impact of immorality on the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Prejudice

• The different types of prejudice represented in To Kill A Mockingbird
• The role of prejudice in shaping the events of the novel
• How the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird deal with prejudice
• The impact of prejudice on the relationships between the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
• Atticus Finch’s views on prejudice and how they change throughout the novel

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Injustice

• The injustice of the trial of Tom Robinson
• The role of injustice in To Kill A Mockingbird
• How do the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird deal with injustice
• The impact of injustice on the relationships between the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
• Atticus Finch’s views on justice and how they change throughout the novel

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics About Gender

• The role of gender in To Kill A Mockingbird
• How characters in To Kill A Mockingbird are impaired or helped by gender roles
• The impact of gender roles on the relationships between the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
• Atticus Finch’s views on gender and how they change throughout the novel
• The significance of Scout’s development as a tomboy

With any of these 35 To Kill A Mockingbird essay topics, you will have a pretty easy time coming up with an excellent essay. Remember to create a strong thesis and use the guide above when writing your To Kill A Mockingbird essay body and conclusion.

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Everything You Need to Know About Analysing ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ for English | Summary, Context, Themes & Characters

One of the classics of American literature, ‘ To Kill a Mockingbird’ has been assigned to you for your English class and you need to conduct an essay analysis. Whether you’re looking for a summary of the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird or a quick refresher of the key characters or context, we’ve got you! 

You’ll also be able to download a copy of our analysed textual examples, as well as a sample paragraph so you can ace your tasks.

Let’s take a look together! 

To Kill a Mockingbird Summary Key Characters in To Kill a Mockingbird Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird Context Themes Explored in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird

Summary of To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel that centres around the Finch family and is told through the perspective of Jean (nicknamed Scout), within the town of Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus, Jean’s father, is a prominent lawyer and the family lives relatively comfortably despite the impacts of the Great Depression. 

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Scout, her brother Jem and their friend Dill spend the summer together where Dill eventually becomes fascinated by the Radley’s house where Boo Radley, a mysterious and ghostly figure that is the topic of much speculation and stories for the children of Maycomb .

Scout and Jem find gifts in the knothole of a tree on the Radley property, but Nathan Radley chases the children off the property and eventually seals up the knothole. When a fire breaks out, Jem tells Atticus that Boo is caused it. 

Access the To Kill a Mockingbird Downloadable Sample Paragraph and Examples of Analysis

The climax of the novel arrives when Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man who has been accused of raping a white woman. As a result, Scout and Jem get bullied by other children in their conservative, racist town.

At a pivotal moment, Mrs Dubose, the neighbour of the Finch family, harasses the children and Jem lashes out by destroying her garden.

As punishment, Atticus tells Jem to read to Mrs Dubose every day, explaining to the children that she is addicted to morphine and trying to overcome her addiction. Thus, despite the children’s initial indignation, Atticus teaches them an important lesson in empathy and perspective. 

When Tom Robinson’s trial begins, he is held in the local courthouse where a group of people gather planning to lynch him. Atticus confronts the group the night before the trial, where Jem and Scout sneak out of the house to join him.

Recognising one of the men, Scout gently asks him how his son is doing, unknowingly shaming him and causing the group the disperse. 

At the trial, the siblings choose to sit with the town’s Black citizens as Atticus presents clear evidence that Mayella and Bob Ewell are lying about the rape.

Atticus demonstrates that the injuries on Mayella’s face are wounds from Bob when he found her with Tom. However, despite the convincing evidence indicating Tom’s innocence, the all-white jury convicts him. 

Tom is killed later on when he tries to escape prison. Additionally, despite his success at the trial, Bob Ewell feels that he has been made a fool and takes revenge.

First, he harasses Tom’s widow before finally attacking Jem and Scout as they walk home from a party. However, the children are saved by Boo Radley who fatally stabs Ewell during the struggle.

Boo carries an injured Jem home and Atticus insists that Ewell tripped over a tree root and fell on his knife to protect Boo.  The novel ends with Scout walking Boo home and reflecting on the events of the novel and the complexities of humanity. 

Key Characters in To Kill a Mockingbird

Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch is the main character and we first met her when she is 6 years old, although it is narrated by an older Scout who is reflecting and looking back on her life. Through her, we learn about the town, her family and what it was like to live in the early 1930s during the Great Depression and the racial tensions that existed during that time.  

Atticus Finch Atticus Finch is a single father in To Kill a Mockingbird who is appointed as the defence lawyer for a Black man who is accused of raping a White woman. Throughout the novel, Atticus teaches the children about empathy and how to view situations from different people’s perspectives instead of judging them harshly. 

Jem Finch Jem Finch is Scout’s older brother who looks up to their father a lot. As an older brother, Jem accompanies Scout for a lot of her adventures and it is evident that the two are close. Being older, we watch Jem mature and often understand issues that Scout still does not. 

Tom Robinson Tom Robinson is the Black man who Atticus defends during the rape trial. During the trial, there is compelling evidence that Tom is innocent and that the Ewells falsely accused him of rape. Despite this, Tom Robinson is found guilty due to the jury’s racial prejudice. 

Boo Radley Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley is the Finch’s mysterious neighbour which the children in the town often speculate and make up scary stories about him. While he was a teenager, Boo was part of a gang of boys who caused trouble in Maycomb by drinking and gambling. As a result of this, he was locked in his home for many years and not allowed out. However, he has a soft spot for the children, leaving them gifts in the knothole of a tree and saving Jem when he is attacked by Bob Ewell. 

Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird

Mockingbird In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the symbolic significance of the mockingbird resonates deeply. It represents innocence and goodness . Atticus Finch’s advice to his children, Scout and Jem, to never harm a mockingbird metaphorically extends beyond the bird itself. The innocent characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are likened to mockingbirds, as they bring no harm but are subjected to cruelty and injustice due to societal prejudices .

The Radley Place The ominous Radley house and its reclusive occupants, particularly Boo Radley, symbolise the fear of the unknown . The town’s gossip and myths surrounding the Radleys serve as a reflection of the community’s prejudiced attitudes. Boo Radley, initially feared and misunderstood, eventually becomes a symbol of compassion and kindness, challenging the town’s preconceived notions.

These symbols intricately weave into the narrative, adding layers of depth to the novel’s themes of innocence, prejudice, empathy, and the complexities of morality and human behavior.

To Kill a Mockingbird is set in Alabama during the 1930s, allowing Harper Lee to explore the impact of racism and the Great Depression on people. While slavery had been abolished in 1890, most White Americans continued to hold racial prejudices against them.

Segregation laws meant that Black people were separated from White people. This is reflected in Maycomb where they live in a separate part of town and even sit in a separate area during Tom Robinson’s trial. 

Image sourced from Britannica

Additionally, Lee demonstrates the racism in America during this time through the town’s response to Atticus agreeing to defend Tom and his subsequent trial. From the children being harassed, the attempted lynching of Tom and finally being found guilty by the jury despite overwhelming proof of his innocence, the novel demonstrates how racism affected Black people in all aspects of their lives during this time. 

While the novel was set in the 1930s, Lee wrote it during the 1960s when the Civil Rights Movement was happening . The legal system continued to be discriminatory towards Black people, thus many of the racial themes that Lee explores in the novel would easily be recognisable to the public when the book was published.

The continued relevance of To Kill a Mockingbird during the 21st century can still be seen in the Black Lives Matter movement in America and ongoing racial injustices. 

Image sourced from Minnesota Historical Society

Themes Explored in To Kill a Mockingbird

As you read through To Kill a Mockingbird, you will encounter themes such as:

• Empathy and courage
• Loss of innocence 

The Complexities of Humanity

To Kill a Mockingbird explores the complexities of humanity and how both good and evil can exist at the same time within people. Told through the perspective of Scout between the ages of 6-9, readers are offered an opportunity to watch Scout mature while also learning alongside her. 

Social Prejudice

Themes of social prejudice are also strong within the novel, featuring various social outcasts from Mrs Dubose who is a morphine addict, Boo Radley and the Black citizens of Maycomb.

Through these characters, Lee is able to explore the different prejudices society often holds and encourages us to be empathetic to people we may think of as unpleasant or weird due to their differences or behaviours. Instead, we are encouraged to see a different point of view and “climb into his skin and walk around in it”. 

The Enduring Relevance of the Text

While To Kill a Mockingbird was set in the 1930s and written in the 1960s, many of the themes continue to remain relevant more than 50 years later. It is likely that your English classes will ask you to consider why we continue to study this book and what it teaches us about social prejudices.

While segregation may be a thing of the past, themes like racism’s impact on the justice system can still be seen in movements like Black Lives Matter. Additionally, while the book deals with racism specifically, social prejudices like how we interact with people from different backgrounds, those with a disability or LGBTQ+ people can also be examined through this book. 

Events to Keep in Mind

While Tom Robinson’s case is the climax of the novel, there are various characters and events that you should keep a lookout for as well!

From the children going to the Black church, their interactions with Mrs Dubose and Boo Radley — there are various events where the children build empathy and challenge their own opinions of other citizens in the town , providing an opportunity for the readers to learn alongside them too. 

How to Analyse To Kill a Mockingbird in 3 Steps

Usually, when students try to write their essay for To Kill a Mockingbird, or any other text, they’ll try to work on their thesis first when responding to an essay question — however, we recommend starting with your analysis!

Doing this will allow you to expand your knowledge of the text before thoroughly answering anything about it. Once you’ve analysed your text, then you can draw ideas from it and properly build your thesis.

We’re going to walk you through writing up an essay analysis for To Kill a Mockingbird in three simple steps!

Step 1: Choose your example

When picking an example ensure that you are able to identify a technique in the text.

Here, we have chosen to look at Atticus’s statement to the Court and jury at Tom Robinson’s trial:

“We know all men are not created equal in the sense some people would have us believe – some people are smarter than others, some people have more opportunity because they’re born with it, some men make more money than others, some ladies make better cakes than others… But there is one way in this country in which all men have been created equal… That institution, gentlemen, is a court.”

This is quite a long quote from To Kill a Mockingbird, so remember when you’re actually writing up your analysis for your essay, you don’t actually need to include the complete quote — just excerpts.

We’ve got a list of 50 quotes that you should check out from To Kill a Mockingbird!

Step 2: Identify your technique(s)

Ensure that the technique you choose for your quote supports your analysis or helps you to build your argument.  

To enhance your response, you want to discuss techniques that have a lot more depth — you should keep an eye out for any literary techniques such as metaphors, similes and motifs!

For the above quote, there is repetition, cumulative listing, inclusive language and allusion. 

Step 3: Write the analysis

When writing the analysis, focus on the effect of the technique and how it supports your argument. In this case, we are going to analyse how the quote addresses the theme of racial prejudices. 

The opening of “we know all men are not created equal” subverts the American declaration of independence , as Atticus utilises cumulative listing to demonstrate all the ways in which men and women are not equal.

However, he also reminds the jury during this trial that the law is a “way in this country in which all men have been created equal”, alluding to the American Declaration of Independence and the core values of the nation . Analysis for this quote may look like: 

Atticus, aware that the jury is likely to find Tom Robinson guilty despite strong evidence of his innocence due to the racial prejudices the White jury is likely to hold tries to challenge this t hrough the inclusive language of in “we know all men are not created equal”, Atticus presents the jury and the defence as being on the same side. Furthermore, the allusion to the core American values when he states “in this country there is one way all men have been created equal”, creates an appeal to both the jury’s sense of justice and core American values. 

Need to write a Feature Article on ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’? Look no further than this incredible in-depth guide to help you ace your writing!

Need some help analysing other texts?

Check out other texts we’ve created guides for below:

• All the Light We Cannot See
• Lord of the Flies
• The Meursault Investigation
• In Cold Blood
• Pride and Prejudice
• Jasper Jones
• Romeo and Juliet

Read also: how to write a feature article for English ! 

Are you looking for some extra help with your essay analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird?

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We can help you master your essay analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by taking you through the summary, key characters and themes. We’ll also help you ace your upcoming English assessments with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or online!

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Tiffany Fong is currently completing a double degree in Media and Communications with Law at Macquarie University. She currently contributes to the university zine, Grapeshot where she enjoys writing feature articles, commentary on current affairs or whatever weird interest that has taken over her mind during that month. During her spare time, Tiffany enjoys reading, writing, taking care of her plants or cuddling with her two dogs. 

• Topics: ✍️ Learn , ✏️ English

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Essays About To Kill a Mockingbird: Top 5 Examples

Understand Harper Lee’s intention for the novel and successfully write essays about To Kill a Mockingbird. Here are some examples and prompts.

To Kill a Mockingbird is an iconic novel created by Harper Lee and published on July 11, 1961. It tells the story of a girl, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, and how she absorbed her father’s lessons through events over three years. She initially struggled to understand his lessons until she had to experience them firsthand through other characters. These include their recluse neighbor Boo Radley, African-American cook Calpurnia, and her father’s client accused of rape, Tom Robinson.

To further understand why this book is a timeless classic and why it deserves to be in teachers’ lesson plans, here are five sample essays you can read:

1. Metaphor, Foreshadowing, And Allusion In The Book To Kill A Mockingbird By Anonymous On Edubirdie.Com

2. growth in to kill a mockingbird by anonymous on samplius.com, 3. parenting in “to kill a mockingbird” by writer terra, 4. critical essays racial relations in the southern united states by anonymous on cliffsnotes.com, 5. my ‘to kill a mockingbird’ problem… and ours by zack graham, 1. to kill a mockingbird as an iconic novel, 2. literary elements in to kill a mockingbird, 3. lessons to learn from “to kill a mockingbird”, 4. why is it titled “to kill a mockingbird”, 5. what impacted the creation of to kill a mockingbird, 6. is to kill a mockingbird worth reading , 7. the characters in to kill a mockingbird, my reflection on a to kill a mockingbird movie.

“…Harper Lee excellently uses metaphors, foreshadowing, and allusion to show the theme of coming of age. Coming of age is something that occurs in everyone’s life whether it be at a young or old age.”

The essay retells To Kill a Mockingbird’s plot to refresh its readers on the novel’s contents. The author focuses on the literary elements in the book and how they helped to develop the story’s theme. 

The writer gives examples of these elements. Metaphors for Atticus asking Scout to put herself in someone else’s shoes to understand their point of view. Allusions for referring to Mockingbirds, alluding to innocent people. Foreshadowing for Atticus telling his daughter to resist the urge to fight, followed by Scout being unable to control her anger.

“Scout and Jem are both excellent examples of growth and maturity during a childhood. Jem learns what it really means to be brave, and Scout gets a true representation of the prejudice in her town.”

The piece delves into Jem’s bravery and how it changes throughout the novel. From simply touching the side of Boo Radley’s house, understanding what racism is through Tom Robinson’s trial, and coping with the attack of Bob Ewell. In the end, Jem grew up to be his sister’s savior. 

It also expounds on Scout’s growth and how she learned lessons worth a lifetime in just three years. In addition, the author recounted times when Scout was narrow-minded as a kid and how the people who love her corrected her ways. 

“There is a wide diversity of parenting styles in Maycomb which leads to many children behaving poorly… Atticus, Calpurnia, and Miss Maudie combine to make parental figures during the childhood of Jem and Scout.” 

Terra scrutinizes the many parenting styles in To Kill a Mockingbird and examines their effects on the characters’ children. For example, she labels Bob Ewell a lousy parent, resulting in mean, stubborn, and uneducated kids. On the other hand, Scout and Jem have many parental figures they learned from, such as their father, Atticus, nanny Calpurnia, and family friend Miss Maudie.

The author relates instances in the book to prove why Atticus is a great parent and how he tried to protect them despite the hate around their town. Terra further narrates other times when Calpurnia and Miss Maudie taught Scout and Jem valuable life lessons. 

“The racial concerns that Harper Lee addresses in To Kill a Mockingbird began long before her story starts and continued long after. In order to sift through the many layers of prejudice that Lee exposes in her novel, the reader needs to understand the complex history of race relations in the South.”

The writer lists relevant headlines during the time of Harper Lee’s creation of her book. The list includes Jim Crow laws that legalized racial segregation, banned interracial marriage, the Scottsboro Trials, where nine black teenage boys were falsely accused of rape, and Rosa Parks’ part in the Civil Right Movement.

“…after re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird, I can’t help but think about how the more things change, the more they stay the same. The book’s themes and dramatic tensions are anything but dated: they live on around us, appearing on the news and on social media. When you teach this book, I implore you to use it as a way of exploring what’s happening in this country to your students. “

Graham labels his essay an open letter to teachers. He shares his honesty on how he didn’t appreciate reading To Kill a Mockingbird in middle school and how the Black Lives Matter movement motivated him to re-read the book. Finally, he debates why teaching To Kill a Mockingbird to children doesn’t send them the right message. 

He highlights how the heroes in the novel are white people in the characters of Atticus and Boo Radley. Next, he compels teachers to teach their students about racism, such as how white people demonize blacks. He also mentions allegories in the book that can be used to explain cybersecurity, mental disabilities, and other information teachers should give more attention to when discussing the novel. Finally, he also points out the parts of the book he finds “ugly” and infuriating.

For help with your essay, check out our round-up of best essay writing apps .

8 Prompts on Essays About To Kill a Mockingbird

Below are persuasive prompts you can use for your essay:

For this prompt, explain why To Kill a Mockingbird is considered an iconic book. What makes it different from other books? Highlight the key points that make this bestseller a famous English literature example. Then, discuss its themes and provide a summary of the plot for those who haven’t read the book.

In this essay, study the key literary elements that make this book so groundbreaking. First, talk through the literary elements Harper Lee used in this novel, such as the settings, plot, and motif. How did they make the story more digestible? Then, discuss your favorite elements within the book and expand on the points made.

Atticus shares four lessons with his children in the book. Briefly summarize these lessons and share how you understand them. Then, give your opinion on whether they are good or bad advice and include your relevant experience connected to these lessons.

Explain to your readers why the novel is titled as such. Include what you thought of Harper Lee’s title, are there any other title you think better fits the book? For example, you may think the title should be: Atticus’ Four Lessons because the book revolves around his four core messages.

Many events inspired Harper Lee during her time. For example, explain how Rosa Parks’ bus incident and the murder of Emmett Till affected the book’s plot. Then, to give you an idea, you can create a timeline of these events and add their possible impact on Harper Lee.

To Kill a Mockingbird was praised back when it was first published in 1960, but some comment that it has a one-dimensional view of racism. For this essay, share your thoughts and your stance on this debate. Also, include what you felt during and after you read the book and why you would or would not recommend it to others.

Discuss the characters in the story — Scout, Jem, Atticus, Boo Radley, Bob Ewell, Tom Robinson, etc. Include why their parts are relevant in the novel. For example, if you pick Scout, share how her father’s lessons guided her through the book. 

To Kill a Mockingbird Movie was directed by Robert Mulligan and released in 1962. Highlight the elements that you think the movie managed to convey well. You can also point out what the movie missed.

If you are interested in learning more, see our essay writing tips .

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English Works

Student’s sample essay To Kill a Mockingbird: life lessons

From which three characters in the novel do you think Jem and Scout learnt the most? Discuss with close reference to the events of the novel.

In Harper Lee’s   To Kill a Mockingbird , Scout and Jem Finch witness the demise of Tom Robinson who becomes the victim of cruel prejudice in the American town of Maycomb.  As they grow up, and witness the racial divisions in the town, they become exposed to a range of perspectives that particularly focus on different forms of prejudice. Their father, Atticus, who defends Tom in court, has a significant impact upon the children as they realise observe his steadfast defence of his convictions. Calpurnia, the family’s domestic helper, exposes the children to the difficulties faced by the African negroes as they confront racial prejudice on a daily basis.  Mr Arthur Radley, or ‘Boo’, also teaches them the dangers associated with stereotyping individuals based on hearsay. All of these mentors emphasise the importance of simple kindnesses.

Atticus Finch, the children’s father, succeeds in teaching Scout and Jem a valuable lesson about courage and moral strength. Atticus displays integrity by defending Tom Robinson. When Atticus explains why he takes the case of Tom Robinson, he says to Scout, “ If I couldn’t hold up my head in turn, I couldn’t represent this country in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again”.  Atticus impresses upon the children that courage is not a man with a gun in his hand or any form of physical strength. Atticus wishes for Scout and Jem to aspire to moral courage and he shows the children that courage is to defend their principles. When Atticus shoots the dog with rabies, Lee points out that a gun should only be used as a last resort.  Lee draws attention to that fact that physical strength , which is also evident whenever the feisty Scout uses her fists, is not true strength.  Even when her cousin calls her father a “nigger lover”, Scout learns that she must hold her head high and must control her temper.  Jem also learns that he must not respond to accusations of “nigger lover” by Mrs Dubose. To the very end, Atticus leads by example and stands “with his head high and fists down” and through this example he shows why it is a “sin to kill a mockingbird”.

Secondly, Calpurnia exposed the children to first-hand experiences of African American prejudice and to the disadvantage that they endure from the ‘socially superior’ white people. This is particularly apparent when they visit Calpurnia’s church. Scout is shocked that they don’t have hymn-books and Lee uses the lack of books as a symbol to show their Negroes’ illiterate status. Scout later asked Calpurnia why they don’t save for hymn-books and Calpurnia laughed and said, “ Wouldn’t do any good, they can’t read”. This reinforces their disconnection and exclusion from society because of their lack of education. Scout also notices that the church is bare and lacks a piano or organ. Lee uses the emptiness of the church as a symbol of the poverty-stricken situation of African Americans.  It is this downtrodden status, Lee suggests, that  contributes to the miscarriage of justice in Tom’s case. The jury members prosecute Tom Robinson without “one iota of medical evidence” and on the basis of two unworthy witness statements. Atticus’ stance and dedication to the case of Tom Robinson also directly challenges the bigoted views that doom the Negroes to perpetual disadvantage.

Together, Atticus and Calpurnia convey the message to the children that it is easy to abuse people who are ‘inferior’ and who lack a voice. Lee depicts the Ewells as socially disadvantaged people who have a tendency to belittle those beneath them. If Mr Ewell seems unable to change, the Negroes by contrast struggle to find work despite their best efforts. In addition, while the Negroes in the church do not have much money, they all support each other, raising $10 for Helen Robinson, with slight pressure by Reverend Sykes. This displays the close-knit community of the Negroes and how they support each other in times of need even though they do not have much to give.

Furthermore, Boo Radley’s benevolent presence teaches the children not to judge a person based on rumours and not to discriminate against the disabled. Scout and Jem’s personal experiences with Boo help them dispel the bigoted views about those with a disability. The constant and consistent acts of kindness from Boo such as folding Jem’s pants and leaving them for him on the fence, leaving them gifts in the tree hole such as chewing gum, an old watch, soap carvings and other trinkets, reveals that Boo is a very misjudged and gentle person. As Jem notes, “our biggest prize was a pocket watch that wouldn’t run, on a chain with an aluminium knife”. These gifts make the children aware that Boo is watching them affectionately.  Jem shows his appreciation towards Boo and the gifts by placing a thank you letter in the tree. Boo’s brother, Mr Radley, who Calpurnia describes as the “meanest man ever God blew breath into”, fills the hole with cement, because of the ‘dying’ tree which reflects his heartless attitude. The rumour surrounding Boo as being a dangerous and horrific ghost is proved unjust when he risks his own life to save Scout and Jem from the violent clutches of Bob Ewell. Boo not only rescues them both but he also carries Jem home to be nursed back to health. Lee uses the symbolism of the mockingbird to reflect the view that it is a “sin” to kill or judge unfairly something that is innocent, harmless, and vulnerable and that brings joy to others. Both Boo and Tom Robinson can be equated with mockingbirds.

Through first-hand experiences and the guidance of significant role models such as Atticus, Calpurnia and Boo Radley, Harper Lee depicts the personal growth of both Scout and Jem.  She suggests that they grow through their first-hand experience with the victims of both racial and social prejudice.  These role models highlight the importance of courage, education and kindness and they encourage Scout and Jem to see past the social barriers.

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To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

Harper lee’s to kill a mockingbird.

• To Kill a Mockingbird

Essays About To Kill a Mockingbird

This book has such depth to it and is a must for anyone to read. The story may seem quite basic at first but the real reward is when you start to read between the lines. The title itself has a specific meaning which is the death of innocence and this can be reflected in the main characters as they journey through the story and witness the harshness of the real world.

On top of that, the main theme of racism and prejudice gives us a look at how it affects the town’s citizens and the region. In addition, there are also topics of injustice and inequality in the system itself that you could refer to in modern times as well.

It’s key to note that the story doesn’t just revolve around a negative theme. There are also vital positive moments and themes, especially concerning morality and courage. It also gets us thinking about being more compassionate to the characters that need it in the novel and our daily lives.

How to write an essay on To Kill a Mockingbird

This is another popular topic that has been written about a lot so make sure to pick a theme you want to reference and add a new twist to it. Then, bring the modern world into it and showcase how powerful and meaningful the book is and how there is still progress we can make as a society. With so many topics and essays written about, this method can help give you the ideas you are looking for. Finally, make sure to not just write about it but also to take the time to read the book so that you can better understand the themes themselves and get a real grasp of them.

Essay topics you can cover on this novel

These will typically center around the themes mentioned above or in particular about one of the major characters in the novel, such as:

• The Growth and Change of Scout Finch • The Mystery Behind Boo Bradley • How Powerful Empathy is • Why To Kill a Mockingbird is relevant more now than ever

If you need help in creating an outline for your paper, use essay examples on this page that may push you in the right direction and help you complete your assignment with excellence.

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Essay Samples on To Kill a Mockingbird

The theme of prejudice in "to kill a mockingbird" by harper lee.

Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" explores the deeply ingrained prejudice and racism that plagued the American South during the 1930s. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, Lee vividly portrays the destructive effects of prejudice on individuals and society as a whole. In...

• To Kill a Mockingbird

The Central Idea of "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a profound exploration of social justice, moral growth, and the consequences of prejudice. Set against the backdrop of the racially charged American South during the 1930s, the novel presents a central idea that revolves around the injustice...

Literary Analysis of "To Kill a Mockingbird": Unveiling Themes and Symbols

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a masterpiece of American literature, captivating readers with its exploration of social issues, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of human nature. This literary analysis essay delves into the novel's themes and symbols, shedding light on the profound messages...

Character Analysis: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Harper Lee's iconic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" has left an indelible mark on literature and society, offering a poignant exploration of racism, justice, and human nature. The characters within the story are richly developed, each contributing to the narrative's depth and themes. This essay...

"To Kill a Mockingbird": Racism and Its Impact on the Novel's Characters

Introduction In the book 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, racism is an ongoing theme that significantly impacts several characters, including Tom Robinson, Jem, Scout, and Atticus Finch. The narrative contains numerous instances where racism plays a substantial role and affects various aspects of...

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Empathy in 'To Kill a Mockingbird': Compassion Through Literature

Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' empathy is a central theme that runs through the entire story. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. The book illustrates empathy through the characters of Atticus Finch and his daughter...

Atticus as an Example of a Good Father and Lawyer: Is Atticus a Good Father

In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch demonstrates the traits of a brave gentleman and a heroic role model. At the beginning of the novel, Atticus’ character is respected and admired by most of the town, and by the end,...

Richard Cory, Atticus Finch and Jay Gatsby: The Similarities Between Them

Atticus Finch, in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, reveals an interesting fact about people. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 39). Finch’s...

• The Great Gatsby

To Kill a Mockingbird Analysis and Reflection

The novel, To Kill a Mockingbird is a touching story that takes place in the sleepy small town of Maycomb, Alabama. The story is centered around Scout Finch, daughter of the widowed Atticus Finch. Scout and her older brother Jem keep themselves busy by playing...

• Reading Books

Lessons about Growing Up in "To Kill A Mockingbird" Novel

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a story about growing up and learning about the real world. Throughout the book, many of the characters, particularly the protagonists, experience the hard lesson of growing up. Some of the characters offer guidance to Jem and...

Important Life Lessons in "To Kill a Mockingbird" Novel

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a novel that teaches us about discrimination, both racist, religious and sexist. To some, this may be a disagreeable novel to read in high schools, but in fact, this novel teaches students historical content and the development...

• Childhood Lessons

"Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover": Prejudice in To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel that explores themes of racism, prejudice, and discrimination in the American South during the 1930s. At its core, the book is about the dangers of judging others based on their appearance or background. Through the...

To Kill A Mockingbird: The Symbolism Of Mockingbird In The Book

In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, two men who live completely different lives are on trial against one another. Even though they seem to be only compared as different from each other, they also have compared similarities of each other throughout the novel....

The Problem With Prejudice: Conflict In To Kill A Mockingbird

 “Cry about the simple hell people give other people-without even thinking” (Lee 269), this was said by the unusual character of Mr. Dolphus Raymond to Jem and well communicates the problems the characters in the novel are faced with. The fictional, southern gothic novel is...

• Atticus Finch

To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee: What It Feels Like To Walk Around In Someone Else's Skin

“Goodness exists in powerful and unexpected forms just as evil does”. Every human being is capable of doing good things for themselves and others as well a bad and terrible things it is just a matter of choice and circumstances how we decide to act.“You...

Analysis Of The Moral Choices Made By Atticus Finch In The Novel To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee is an American novelist, who wrote “To Kill a Mockingbird” that deals with the adult attitudes towards race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s. It is a novel that is mainly showing the social problems of racism, which forces the...

How Side Characters Help Jem Mature Emotionally In The Novel To Kill A Mockingbird

The environment surrounding a child reflects on the child’s character development. Similarly, in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee a book about misconceptions and prejudice the significant events and characters such as Mrs.Dubose, Tom Robinson's trial and Boo Radley in Maycomb influence Jem’s emotional...

Racism And Portrayal Of Black Community In To Kill A Mockingbird

The appearance of an individual can heavily influence and shape their experiences. In particular, the colour of one’s skin can provide them with countless opportunities or deprive them of basic rights. Black people encounter these consequences in the book To Kill a Mockingbird written by...

Heroism of Atticus Finch in the Novel "To Kill A Mockingbird"

In the novel ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, Atticus Finch is considered to be the hero of the story. Atticus is a lawyer who believes in justice for everyone, and what is right to do in all cases. He constantly is reinforcing these ideas into his...

Novels That Impacted the Monster of Frankenstein

In the novel Frankenstein written by Mary Shelley, the monster is shown four different readings that shaped his outlook on human existence. The four novels are Paradise Lost by John Milton, Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe and Ruins of Empires by...

• Frankenstein
• The Sorrows of Young Werther

Mockingbirds: The Similarities and Differences Between Tom Robinson and Boo Radley

There has never been a period in the history of humanity without victimization of some category of people. Harper Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird is an example of different types of victimization. There are two characters, each of which is not welcome by society...

Analysis of Arthur Boo Radley From the Novel To Kill a Mockingbird

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Arthur “Boo” Radley is a mysterious, caring, yet playful character as well. Boo is a neighbor to the Finch family and the source of Scout, Jem, and Dills fun. Not much is actually known about Boo, and he really only...

Analysis of Atticus Finch's Character in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird

Atticus Finch is a strong and important character in Harper Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird. He can be described in several ways. Atticus is kind, thoughtful, wise, and a great father. There are many circumstances where Atticus is portrayed as considerate. “You never really...

Atticus Finch: A Courageous Man with Open Mind

Atticus Finch is a widowed lawyer and the father of Jem and Scout. Atticus has many strong traits that make him a prominent leader in the community. Atticus respects others and likes to hear from both sides of an argument. He gives advice on making...

Comparison of Novels 'Jasper Jones' And 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

“The most important human endeavour is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our actions can give beauty and dignity to life” - Albert Einstein The novel Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey was written in 2008. It is set in...

• Jasper Jones

The Gender Bias in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee's novel, To Kill Mockingbird has attracted a lot of controversy and many analyses about its main theme of prejudice and racism. However, the novel also depicts gender bias and stereotypes of the era. Set in the 1930s in the small, southern town of...

• Gender Inequality

Examining Innocence in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

In Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, the theme of prejudice appears often among the characters in the story. Being prejudice is like looking through a pair of glasses that has lens fogging up after coming in from the cold weather outside. When the lens...

The Impact of Harper Lee on American Culture

“You see, more than a simple matter of putting down words, writing is a process of self-discipline you must learn before you can call yourself a writer” (Harper Lee). According to Laura Fine (2016), Harper Lee, born as Nelle Harper Lee, was raised in Monroeville,...

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird Deals with Societal Issues

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, many of the characters are used as an array of both symbols and themes which deals with numerous issues such as; racism, innocence, maturity, and morality through characterization and conflict. This important novel focuses on...

Strong Presence of Bravery in To Kill a Mockingbird

Prejudice, social inequality, bravery, including the battle between good and evil (asyndeton) are what humans struggle with in the world. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee establishes that one requires bravery if they aspire to face their fears and overcome the obstacles that life...

Abiding One's Conscience in To Kill a Mockingbird

On page 41 of “To Kill A Mockingbird” a compromise has been struck between Atticus Finch and his daughter Jean Louise (Scout) Finch. The compromise was needed for Scout to have the right mindset to willingly go to school. A young new teacher, Miss Caroline...

Internal Struggles of Main Characters in 'To Kill A Mockingbird'

Martin Luther King Jr. once stated that black people undoubtedly commit crimes, as do all people of America, but most crimes they are convicted of are derivative. To Kill a Mockingbird is set during the 1930s, but written and published in 1960, during which the...

• Martin Luther King

To Kill A Mockingbird: Plot Analysis

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee tells the story of the young narrator’s passage from innocence to experience when her father confronts the racist jury and justice system of the rural court during the Depression-era. In witnessing the trial of Tom Robinson, a black...

Best topics on To Kill a Mockingbird

1. The Theme of Prejudice in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

2. The Central Idea of “To Kill a Mockingbird”

3. Literary Analysis of “To Kill a Mockingbird”: Unveiling Themes and Symbols

4. Character Analysis: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

5. “To Kill a Mockingbird”: Racism and Its Impact on the Novel’s Characters

6. Empathy in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’: Compassion Through Literature

7. Atticus as an Example of a Good Father and Lawyer: Is Atticus a Good Father

8. Richard Cory, Atticus Finch and Jay Gatsby: The Similarities Between Them

9. To Kill a Mockingbird Analysis and Reflection

10. Lessons about Growing Up in “To Kill A Mockingbird” Novel

11. Important Life Lessons in “To Kill a Mockingbird” Novel

12. “Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover”: Prejudice in To Kill A Mockingbird

13. To Kill A Mockingbird: The Symbolism Of Mockingbird In The Book

14. The Problem With Prejudice: Conflict In To Kill A Mockingbird

15. To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee: What It Feels Like To Walk Around In Someone Else’s Skin

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Professors share 5 myths students believe about college, how to write a character analysis essay, anxiety among students: what do teachers think about it, dorm overbooking and transitional housing: problems colleges are trying to solve, themes in to kill a mockingbird.

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The following review example can serve as a guide for students trying to find inspiration when writing an assignment on the themes in “To Kill a Mockingbird” .

What is it about “To Kill a Mockingbird” that makes it a literary classic? “To Kill a Mockingbird,” written by Harper Lee and published in 1960, is a timeless literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers across generations. This iconic novel delves into a tapestry of profound themes that shed light on the complexities of society, morality, and human nature. Harper Lee, who was just 34 years old when she penned this remarkable work, gifted the world with a narrative that remains as relevant and influential today as it was upon its initial release.

The enduring power of “To Kill a Mockingbird” extends far beyond its pages, as it addresses issues of racial injustice, moral integrity, and the human capacity for empathy. Lee’s portrayal of the American South through the eyes of an independent female protagonist provides a unique perspective not often found in the works of other southern women writers. As we explore the major themes of this novel, we gain valuable insights into the author’s intentions and the profound messages she sought to convey, ensuring that the impact of “To Kill a Mockingbird” will endure for decades to come.

In this article, we will focus attention on the most prominent To Kill a Mockingbird’s themes. 

Racial Prejudice

Racial prejudice takes center stage in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” where the story revolves around the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a crime in a deeply racist Southern community. The question that looms large is how can a Black man ever expect a fair trial when racial hatred is so ingrained in the community that it’s even taught in schools? And what does a jury of one’s peers look like in such a prejudiced environment? These questions about prejudice, especially racism, lie at the heart of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” giving rise to some of its most compelling and unforgettable moments.

Racial conflict within the story leads to two tragic deaths, highlighting the high stakes of racial tension. On a basic level, the novel portrays a straightforward and moralistic view of racial prejudice: White individuals who hold racist beliefs are depicted as morally wrong, while those who reject racism are seen as virtuous. Atticus Finch, the novel’s moral compass, risks his reputation, his standing in the community, and even his children’s safety because he refuses to embrace racism; he represents the embodiment of goodness. On the other hand, characters like Bob Ewell, who falsely accuses a Black man of rape, publicly humiliates Atticus, and attempts to harm a child, stand as symbols of racism’s malevolence and evil.

However, “To Kill a Mockingbird” also attempts to delve into the complexities of life in a racially prejudiced society. Scout and Jem, Atticus’s children, confront not only the discomfort but also the outright hostility that arises from their family’s opposition to racial prejudice. Their commitment to equality positions them in opposition to the wider community, resulting in conflicts and challenges.

Prejudice is pervasive throughout the novel, with numerous characters displaying varying degrees of bigotry. Many residents of Maycomb harbor racist sentiments and prejudices against Black people. For instance, Tom Robinson is automatically assumed guilty of sexually assaulting Mayella Ewell solely because of his race, despite clear evidence suggesting his innocence. During Tom’s trial, Mr. Gilmer, the prosecuting lawyer, expresses shock when Tom admits to feeling sorry for Mayella. The idea of a Black man sympathizing with a white person is so unthinkable in the community that it seems to seal Tom’s fate.

Atticus, in contrast, champions tolerance and equality, values he hopes to instill in his children, Jem and Scout. However, his sister, Aunt Alexandra, embodies a different mindset. This is evident in her treatment of Calpurnia, a Black woman who helps care for the Finch children. When Aunt Alexandra comes to the Finch house to assist while Atticus is busy with the trial, she instructs Calpurnia to carry her suitcase upstairs, a task Atticus would never ask of her. This disparity in treatment reflects Alexandra’s prejudiced beliefs.

The novel further exposes hypocrisy when Aunt Alexandra hosts a missionary tea attended by Maycomb’s ladies. At this gathering, the ladies express pity for the fictional Mruna tribe in Africa, sympathizing with their perceived hardships. Yet, these same women later condemn the Black people in their own community, revealing the extent of their prejudice. Mrs. Merriweather, one of the ladies, exemplifies this hypocrisy. She can show sympathy for a distant tribe but fails to empathize with the Black citizens of Maycomb, dismissing them as lazy and sulky. Her focus on the Mruna tribe stems from their non-Christian status, as she believes that white missionaries can save their souls by converting them to Christianity and introducing them to the Bible.

Dolphus Raymond provides another perspective on prejudice in Maycomb. He pretends to be continuously drunk to divert attention from his unconventional life choices. Raymond is in a relationship with a Black woman and has mixed-race children, a taboo in the community. Consequently, he and his family are treated as outcasts. As Jem observes about Raymond’s mixed-race children, they are rejected by both Black and white communities. Raymond’s deception about his drinking habits serves as a shield, allowing him to lead his life as he sees fit, even if others find it objectionable.

Racial intolerance, though prominent, is not the sole prejudice explored in the novel. Many residents of Maycomb are depicted as narrow-minded and intolerant of anyone who deviates from their expectations. Boo Radley, a reclusive neighbor who hasn’t been seen outside his house for years, becomes the target of gossip and persecution. Neighbors speculate about his mysterious activities, painting him as a shadowy figure who only ventures out at night. Local rumors even depict Boo as a terrifying monster, perpetuating the cycle of prejudice and intolerance.

In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” courage shines through the actions of various characters. First and foremost, Atticus Finch stands out as a symbol of courage. He demonstrates this quality by agreeing to defend Tom Robinson, fully aware that it will bring trouble to him and his family. Despite the slim chances of winning the case in a deeply prejudiced society, Atticus takes on the challenge. His courage is further evident when he guards Tom Robinson’s prison cell alone, knowing there’s a high risk of a lynch mob attempting to harm Tom. Throughout the novel, Atticus consistently opposes racism and encourages his children to do the same. He emphasizes the importance of not using derogatory language like the N-word, teaching Scout and Jem about the courage it takes to stand up against injustice.

Atticus’s courage extends to his marksmanship when he shoots a rabid dog that poses a threat to the neighborhood. Despite his reputation as “One-Shot Finch” from his youth, he hasn’t handled a gun in 30 years. Taking on the responsibility of eliminating the dangerous dog requires immense bravery. Remarkably, Atticus doesn’t reveal this skill to his children because he wants them to understand that true courage isn’t defined by marksmanship.

Other characters also exhibit acts of courage throughout the novel. Miss Maudie, for instance, displays courage when her house burns down. Instead of wallowing in despair, she remains optimistic and focuses on the opportunity to have a larger garden. Boo Radley, the reclusive neighbor, shows courage when he intervenes to protect Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell’s threats, even though it means leaving the security of his home.

Mrs. Dubose is yet another example of courage. She battles a morphine addiction, determined to break free from it before her death. Unbeknownst to Jem, reading to her aids in her struggle to overcome the addiction. Her decision becomes even more courageous when it’s clear that there’s no immediate need for her to quit the drug, given her terminal illness. Mrs. Dubose’s bravery stems from her personal satisfaction in wanting to be drug-free at the time of her passing. Her battle is a deeply personal one, and most of Maycomb remains unaware of the inner strength it takes for her to face it. Atticus believes that her quiet courage, unseen by many, makes her even braver. He wants Scout and Jem to witness her struggle to understand that courage often involves doing difficult things that others may never comprehend or may even criticize. This prepares them for the bravery they’ll need during Tom Robinson’s trial.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” underscores the idea that standing up for what is right demands both courage and bravery. These traits are exemplified by various characters in the story, while others exhibit cowardice. Atticus, the Finch children, and even Boo Radley exemplify courage and bravery as they stand up for justice and morality, even in the face of danger and adversity.

Justice vs Law

The book conveys the idea that adhering to the law doesn’t always equate to achieving justice. Laws, being human-made, are not without their flaws. Sometimes, strict adherence to the letter of the law doesn’t lead to true justice. Atticus comes to understand that doing what is right and just may require going beyond the confines of the legal system. Laws, he realizes, are shaped by society’s values, even when those values are rooted in hatred and prejudice. This is starkly evident in the case of Tom Robinson, where his innocence is glaringly apparent to those willing to see the facts. Yet, the deep-seated prejudice within the justice system prevents the delivery of true justice.

While the trial of Tom Robinson occupies only a small portion of the book, it serves as the focal point around which the rest of the narrative revolves. This trial serves as a critique of the legal system, particularly as it functions within the town of Maycomb. Procedurally, the trial follows the rules. The judge oversees the proceedings, the lawyers present their cases, and the jury is selected in the usual manner. However, the all-white jury’s decision doesn’t align with the evidence or the law; instead, it reflects their own biases. Tom Robinson’s unjust verdict underscores the limitations of the legal system, prompting readers to question the fairness of a “fair trial.”

Atticus, while acknowledging the flaws in the legal system, maintains his faith in due process. Simultaneously, he believes that the law should be applied differently based on an individual’s circumstances. He explains to Scout that while she enjoys a privileged life with ample opportunities, others face far greater challenges and fewer prospects. In certain situations, he suggests it’s just to allow these individuals some leeway in breaking the law to prevent them from being unduly harmed by its rigid enforcement.

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Works Cited

• Davidson, Jen. “Literary Theory PC.” Google Slides, Google, 12 Oct. 2020, docs.google.com/presentation/d/1wjCG6jYpk3LLH2BNCR1FOtmjll0r3A2Vgji0SFdzaUw/edit.
• Mackenzie. “Being Black in a World Where White Lies Matter.” The Undefeated, The Undefeated, 30 Jan. 2017, theundefeated.com/features/being-black-in-a-world-where-white-lies-matter/.
• “The Law and the Code in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.” Southern Cultures, 12 May 2020, www.southerncultures.org/article/law-code-harper-lees-kill-mockingbird/.

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To Kill a Mockingbird Thesis Statement

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