To Kill a Mockingbird

 Synopsis

One of the best-loved stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country. A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable coming-of-age tale in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father- a crusading local lawyer- risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

Loved

• The message of equality. "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks." This story is a potent reminder of the prejudices our country is overcoming- not just in the South, but in all of our neighborhoods, cities, schools, workplaces, and circles. What makes this story so vivid is seeing the racism and prejudice through the eyes of children, who are able to see with untainted, perceptive understanding. Seeing these events through Scout's perspective, with Jem trying to make sense of it as well, is eye-opening and honest in a way no adult perspective could give us. Through Scout's experience, readers discover and are reminded that all people are people- no one is better than another based on skin color, religion, beliefs, or upbringing. Scout discovers that it is not our appearance or race that makes us good and honest people, but rather our actions and the way we treat others that make us respectable.

• The message of empathy. Again, through Scout's perspective we are able to experience her journey of discovering that rumors and gossip are misleading and painful to their subjects. Scout, Jem and Dill spend so much time speculating and wondering about Boo Radley- never once stopping to consider that he might be a good person who just prefers to stay indoors away from people. But slowly throughout the story, Scout and Jem learn that Arthur Radley is kind, thoughtful, and a secret friend to them. Finally in the last chapter of the story, Scout is able to "stand in his shoes," as Atticus says, and see life through Arthur's eyes. This is a beautiful reminder that people are not what society makes them to be, and we should never let prejudice and gossip keep us from understanding and loving those around us.

• Scout. Scout has a hilarious and spunky little personality, but she is quite perceptive for her age. Had this story been written from the perspective of an adult, it would not have the power and potency that we see from Scout's earnest, honest, and unbiased perspective. Scout keeps us laughing throughout the story with her facetiousness at times, but also touches our hearts with her genuine kindness and empathy for everyone- of all different walks of life- that she encounters in her small-town world.

• Atticus. Atticus was a man ahead of his time in being able to see past prejudice and bias, and see people for their desires, deeds, and motives, rather than their skin color. The speech he gives at the end of his testimony to the jury before they decide Tom Robinson's case is illuminating and makes us all- across generations since this time period- examine our own beliefs and whether we are blinded by bias in the way we love and treat others. Atticus stands as an example and pillar for all of us in the fight against prejudice- in whatever form that takes in our lives.

Didn't Love

• This story should not be changed by one word- it's perfect as it is.

Content

• Language: 
• Fairly frequent uses of "damn" and "hell."
• Many uses of "nigger."

• Sexual content:  
• A man is accused of raping a woman. In the trial there is more graphic talk of the rape- asking if he had sexual intercourse with the woman. Lots of talk of rape surrounding the trial and events. 

• Violence:
• Lots of fist fights between children at school.
• Many references to a man beating his daughter and injuring her. References that this happens often.
• A mob attempts to hurt two men, but do not succeed.
• A man is shot for trying to escape prison. He has 17 bullet holes on his body.
• Two children are attacked by a man with a knife- one of the children is knocked unconscious and breaks his arm.
• A man stabs another and kills him in self-defense.

Overall Thoughts

I think this is an absolute must-read for everyone. I read this in ninth grade and I remembered loving it and being very affected by it- since it was my first real understanding of racism in our country. I decided to re-read it since I couldn't remember the details, and I figured this was a powerful time to read it with racism being an especially prevalent topic right now. I had forgotten how powerful these messages are as Scout discovers empathy, understanding, and unbiased reasoning by watching her father and having her own experiences. Although Scout is the one learning these lessons, we all learn them with her, and each of us is powerfully reminded that respect and empathy should be given to everyone, regardless of race, circumstances, backgrounds, and culture. Honesty, integrity and respect are what make people good, not the body, family or circumstance they were born into.