A classic but sadly banned, written by Harper Lee
Just like that sentence this book has the perfect composition of its positives to its negatives.
Talking about the title itself, ‘MOCKINGBIRD’ represents innocence, literally too. A mockingbird does nothing but sings it’s heart out, doesn’t ever hurt us and hence to kill them is a sin.
When I think of this, two characters pop in my head.
Tom Robinson, a black man falsely charged of a white girl’s rape. Tom is married, father of three and a loyal worker of Mr Deas. His main intention throughout was to help people out and he was instead struck for his innocence. This story being set in the 1930’s steeped in prejudice and racism is highlighted throughout the book but is made crystal clear through this case. Even though there is an evident lack of evidence, the jury convicts him as guilty. Through the whole mentioned parts of Tom you feel extremely sad and empathetic towards him.
Arthur (Boo) Radley, has been under house-arrest for a crime he committed as teenager. This very fact proves that nobody knew valid facts about him. The whole Maycomb county mocks him and asks their kids to stay away from his house because he eats cats and squirrels. His real self is revealed at the end when he saves Jem and Scout (two children) although hints are given from beginning, like when he drops little treats in the squirrel hole of a tree. There are many such incidents that melts your heart for him, he never intended on being repaid for his kindness ever which makes him much humble which contradicts what people perceived of him.
Coming to the narrator,
Jean Louise (Scout) Finch, enthusiastic, believes in herself and a tomboy. Our narrator is 6 when the book is started and turns 9 when it ends. Set in 1930’s girls of her age are expected to dress, laugh and talk accordingly although that cannot be said just about 1930’s. We can learn confidence, defying ‘you can’t do that’ and actually doing it, maturity and understanding from her. Throughout the series we see elders telling her that she won’t understand. (In the words of Taylor Swift : When you are young they assume you know nothing.) She asks questions which is ‘insensitive’ but it’s fine because she is a child. At times she doesn’t understand the implications of what’s going on around her which makes her report things in its truest form rather than fabricating it with her own feelings towards it. When you’re reading this book two things about her must be kept in mind, 1. Child Scout talking, at times you will melt at her innocence. 2.Adult Scout talking, she seems mature and thoughtful in her expression. All her dialogues can be thought from both these point of view. The most important thing we learn from her is to be able to walk in other’s shoe because at the end she was able to imagine herself as Boo Radley whom she feared initially and learns that he is just different doesn’t imply he is wrong.
Jem Finch, seen from Scout’s perspective goes through immense change in his behavior. Jem is the embodiment of bravery, initially it is touching Boo Radley’s house which turns to learning where to truly apply it. He learns a lot of his lessons from his father much like Scout. He is seen as a protective brother who teaches implications of events around her. Scout finds him ‘bossy’ at times especially when he is seen saying things like ‘you won’t understand’ to her. Much like any adolescent his age, his coping methods aren’t notable. This can be seen when he is evidently upset with the jury’s conviction of Tom’s case leaving him with physical evidence too.
Atticus Finch, father of Scout and Jem and a non-discriminatory lawyer. My favorite character too. His parenting skills are very unique, he treats his children like adults making them feel valuable yet understands when they make childish mistakes. He is a very warm character whose morals are reflected through his actions. A lot can be said about this character, from proving Bob Ewell’s lies with dignity to questioning Maya Ewell with much more respect despite the crime they have committed he never loses his cool. Set in 1930’s Atticus is much more forward thinking than that age and hopes to impart the same to his kids. Despite the societal rules, he employs Calpurnia(a black) to work in his house. Even when Bob spits in his face he doesn’t retaliate showing how he understood that his pride was hurt and he needed a way to get rid of his aggression. To conclude, he is a compassionate being, truly. If everyone learns a value or two from him, this world might become a better place.
Dill, Scout and Jem’s friend who visits aunt Rachel during summer. Dill is a very intriguing character, his innocence leaves you wonderstruck. When Mr Gilmer is questioning Tom, Dill cries at the brutality with which he is being questioned. He finds it difficult to believe how a person can treat another person with so much hatred just because of the color of his skin. To sit among those same people again must’ve given him chills of disgust. Dill’s character stood out from the beginning for it’s peculiarity.
Although this book has its dark and negatives, it beholds a lot of lessons and even more humor which will keep you much entertained. when I read it for the first time I had a huge coat of warmth hugging me throughout. The innocence melts your heart. Racial disparities are existing even today among us in weird corners and its sad to see how it can take away a person’s life. This book gives you an insight on that too.
I can go on and on but its more enchanting to dwell yourself into this marvelous piece rather than knowing its flawless points.
Ms. Quirkytales 