Students in Year 9 have been studying To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee as part of their English course. Savannah's review is a comprehensive, mature and insightful piece of work that examines the merits of this timeless classic.
'To Kill a Mockingbird' is an incredible novel. It tackles racism and mortality in a way that is both poignant and accessible. The character development, especially Scout and Atticus, is very well done and the story has a timeless quality that makes it relevant even today. It is a book that encourages reflection and discussion.
The book addresses many different topics like racism and injustice which was highly significant during the Great Depression. The novel is set in the racially charged atmosphere of the 1930s. It highlights the deep-seated prejudice and injustice faced by the African Americans, particularly through Tom Robinson's trial. Another topic is moral growth; Scout and her brother Jem experience significant moral development as they confront the realities of their community, learning about empathy, integrity, and the importance of standing up for what's right. One more is 'The loss of Innocence'; The story reflects on how children are exposed to the harsh truths of the world, marking a transition from innocence to a more complex understanding of human nature and society.
The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a 9-year-old girl who lives in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression. Scout lives with her older brother, Jem and their widowed father Atticus Finch, who is a lawyer. The children are fascinated by their mysterious neighbour, Boo Radley, a reclusive figure who they believe is a monster.
As the story unfolds, we see the Finch family's life and the social dynamics of Maycomb. Atticus is appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white 19-year-old woman. This decision brings tension and hostility from the townspeople, who are deeply entrenched in racial beliefs. Atticus teaches Scout and Jem important lessons about empathy, justice, and moral integrity. He explains the importance of understanding others from their perspective. Scout and Jem also encounter various characters that illustrate the complexities of human nature, such as Mrs Dubose, an elderly neighbour who battles with addiction, and Calpurnia, their black housekeeper who provides them with insights of the black community. At the trial approaches, the children become more aware of the racial prejudices in their town and the challenges their father will face defending Tom Robinson.
There are 4 scenes which I found stood out:
- The Boo Radley game - Scout, Jem, and Dill imaginative play about Boo Radley, where they reenact stories about him, show casing their childhood innocence.
- The First day of school - Scout's experiences with her teacher, Miss Caroline, highlights the challenges of growing up and the difference in education in social class.
- Atticus' defence - The moment when Atticus explains to Scout and Jem why he is defending Tom Robinson, emphasising the importance of standing up for the right things, regardless of public opinion.
- The trial - The courtroom scene, where the trial unfolds revealing prejudice of Maycomb and the impact of racism on justice
These characters and scenes are pivotal in illustrating the themes of the novel, such as racial justice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence.
There are many different 'bad points' in this book like:
- Some argue it reinforces racial stereotypes especially with characters like Tom Robinson.
- The story's perspective limits understanding of other characters, particularly in the black community.
- The pacing can feel quite slow at times due to lengthy descriptions.
- The moral distinction between characters might seem over simplistic.
- Female characters, aside from Scout, lack depth and development
To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful novel about racial injustice and moral growth. Its mix of childhood innocence and harsh realities makes it compelling. While there are some criticisms, its impact on literature and society is significant.
