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.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Writer’s Techniques

Narrative Voice and Perspective

● Harper Lee tells the story from Scout’s perspective, a move that positions the
main character as both participant and observer, providing valuable insight into
events and character dynamics.
● Lee’s decision to use Scout’s naïve voice allows her to present moral questions
throughout the novel in a straightforward and unprejudiced manner.
● Time shift, as the older Scout narrating often gives hints about future events,
creating suspense and engaging the reader in the unfolding of the story.

Symbolism

● The mockingbird symbolises innocent individuals who are harmed by the evil in
society, such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.
● The mad dog, brought down by Atticus, symbolises the racism and prejudice
running rampant in Maycomb, which only a few, like Atticus, recognise and
tackle.

Use of Setting

● The town of Maycomb is a microcosm of the American South and serves as an

effective metaphor for the larger society, its values and struggles with racial
prejudice.
 ● The Radley Place and the Maycomb County Courthouse are symbolic settings,
representing areas of fear and prejudice, but also of justice and moral
understanding.

Imagery and Metaphors

● Lee often employs nature imagery to reflect the moral climate of Maycomb.
Example: The description of Maycomb as an old, sleepy town reflects its
stagnant and outdated attitudes towards race and equality.
● Metaphors such as ‘killing a mockingbird’ are used to support the main themes
and messages of the novel. As Atticus explains, it is a sin to kill a mockingbird
because they only sing and bring joy, so killing them is killing the innocent.

Characterisation

● Direct and indirect characterisation is used in the novel. Direct characterisation is

when the author describes the character to the reader. Indirect characterisation is
shown through characters’ dialogue and actions.
● Atticus’s character is directly characterised by straightforward descriptions
whereas characters such as Boo Radley are indirectly characterised through the
townspeople’s superstitious descriptions of him.

Irony

● Situational irony is prevalent in the novel, such as the conviction of Tom

Robinson, when readers expected justice to prevail.
● Verbal irony is utilised, with characters saying one thing but meaning another,
often used as a critique of the town’s prejudice.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Themes

Racial Inequality

● Central theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is racial inequality, demonstrated by the

unjust accusations against Tom Robinson, a black man, by a white woman.
● This extends to the racist society in which the judgement occurs- despite
evidence of Tom’s innocence, he is found guilty.
● Atticus’s character personifies the fight against racial inequality as he defends
Tom, understanding that the prejudiced jury may not rule in his favour.
Loss of Innocence

● This theme is embodied in the transformation of Jem and Scout as they grow up
and learn about the harsh realities of their society.
● Their idealism and innocence are shattered as they witness racism, injustice and
hatred, especially during Tom Robinson’s trial.
● The title “To Kill a Mockingbird” metaphorically signifies the end of innocence. In
the story, Boo Radley and Tom Robinson are considered ‘mockingbirds’ –
innocent beings who have been harmed by a morally corrupt society.

Moral Nature of Human Beings

● Character of Atticus Finch best exemplifies this theme. He believes in the

inherent goodness of people, despite the evil that they may display.
● Another figure that explores the moral nature of humans is Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley
whose kindness and bravery contradict the town’s view of him as a frightening
recluse.
● The decision of the town to protect Boo after he kills Bob Ewell re-affirms that the
coherent moral code exists amongst even a prejudiced society.

Education

● This theme is shown through Scout’s experiences at school which Harper Lee
uses to criticize the education system of the day.
● The contrast between the formal education Scout receives at school and the
moral education from her father Atticus is prominent in the novel.

Class and Gender

● The theme of social class is explored through Maycomb’s caste system, from the
proud poverty of the Cunninghams to the ‘white trash’ Ewells, showcasing that
racial discrimination isn’t the only form of bias in the town.
● Gender expectations are also touched upon throughout the book, particularly
through Scout, who defies traditional expectations of what it means to be a ‘lady’.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Plot Summary

Setting and Context
 ● To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama during the
years of the Great Depression.
● The narrative addresses the injustice in society and the importance of moral
education.

Introduction to Characters and Plot

● The story is narrated by Jean Louise Finch, also known as Scout, who lives with
her older brother, Jeremy “Jem” Finch and their widowed father, Atticus Finch.
● Atticus, a lawyer, embodies morality and reason in Maycomb.
● A reclusive, mysterious neighbour, Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley, is central to the children’s
lives as he is the subject of their fascination.

Key Events

● Part one of the novel covers the children’s fascination with Boo Radley and their
desire to draw him out of his reclusive lifestyle.
● During this period, the reader is introduced to several other key characters from
Maycomb.
● The second half of the book is largely about Atticus’s representation of Tom
Robinson, a black man who has been wrongly accused of raping a white woman,
Mayella Ewell.

Climax and Resolution

● As the trial progresses, it becomes evident that Tom Robinson is innocent and
his accuser, Mayella Ewell, is lying.
● However, societal prejudice blinds the jurors and Robinson is declared guilty.
● The undercurrents of racial tension lead to Bob Ewell (Mayella’s father) seeking
revenge on Atticus for ‘humiliating’ him during the trial, culminating in a night-time
attack on Scout and Jem.
● Boo Radley intervenes and saves the children, killing Bob Ewell in the process.
● In the aftermath, it is decided that Boo Radley should be protected, maintaining
the status quo and highlighting the town’s bizarre, yet enduring, code of conduct.

Remember, the plot is interconnected with the key themes of the book including, racial

inequality, loss of innocence, and the moral nature of human beings. Each event and

character development should be reviewed with this perspective.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Key Quotes
SECTION A: Key Themes and Justice

● When speaking about the Radley’s: **“They’re certainly entitled to think that and
they’re entitled to full respect for their opinion,” said Atticus, “but before I can live
with folks I’ve got to know them. I don’t like that man, I must get to know him
better.”** _(Chapter 3) - This quote exemplifies Atticus’s approach to achieving
justice—he believes in knowing all sides before forming an opinion.
● In his closing statement at Tom Robinson’s trial, Atticus says, **“In our courts, all
men are created equal.”** _(Chapter 20) - Despite the reality of the social and
racial disparity, Atticus emphasizes the principles of equality and justice that
should reign.

SECTION B: Prejudice and Morality

● Atticus tells Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider
things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
(Chapter 3) - Harper Lee’s key message on empathy and judgement.
● Scout ponders, “Naw, Jem, I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.” (Chapter
26) - Scout, despite her youth, has an insightful grasp of humanity and prejudice
that transcends societal biases.

SECTION C: Coming of Age and Loss of Innocence

● Speaking about Scout’s education, Atticus says: “I’m afraid our activities would
be received with considerable disapprobation by the more learned authorities.”
(Chapter 3) - At a young age, Scout is learning the complexities of society and
how it contradicts the so-called ‘learned authorities’.
● Jem realizes: “I think I’m beginning to understand something. I think I’m
beginning to understand why Boo Radley’s stayed shut up in the house all this
time. It’s because he wants to stay inside.” (Chapter 23) - A turning point in the
understanding of Jem, highlighting the process of maturation and loss of
innocence.

SECTION D: Courage and Fear

● Remarking on Mrs. Dubose, Atticus tells Jem: “She was the bravest person I
ever knew.” (Chapter 11) - Atticus’s respect for Mrs Dubose who fights against
her morphine addiction, illustrates the novel’s definition of true courage.
 ● Atticus advises his children: “It’s when you’re licked before you begin but you
begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” (Chapter 9) - A powerful
message about standing up for what’s right, regardless of the odds or outcome.
●

To Kill a Mockingbird: Context

SECTION A: Setting and Time Period

● Harper Lee set To Kill a Mockingbird in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama
during the Great Depression (1930s).
● During this period, economic hardship and poverty were widespread, especially
in the South.
● Racial segregation was legally enforced in the South due to the Jim Crow laws,
which propagated the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’.

SECTION B: Historical Context

● The novel explores the era of civil rights movement making it an indictment of
racial inequalities present in American society.
● Mockingbird highlights the systemic racial prejudices entrenched in the judiciary
system reflected in the unjust trial and conviction of Tom Robinson.
● The character of Atticus Finch is a symbol of progressive thinking, challenging
the status quo of ethnic and class prejudices.

SECTION C: Social Context

● The rigid social hierarchy of Maycomb mirrors the larger picture of Southern
American society, ranking individuals based on race, family ancestry, and wealth.
● The novel criticizes the faults and hypocrisy of traditional Southern culture,
particularly racism, sexism and class bias.
● Harper Lee, through her novel, subtly invites readers to question the social
norms and prejudices and cultivate a more empathetic and inclusive outlook.

SECTION D: Harper Lee’s Influence and Purpose

● Harper Lee herself grew up in 1930s Alabama, and the character of Scout Finch
is believed to be semi-autobiographical.
● Lee wanted to expose the deep-rooted racial prejudices in her society and
provoke a conversation about civil rights, fairness and justice.
 ● The novel remains relevant today for its timeless themes of racial and social
injustice, morality and the loss of innocence.

Understanding the context of the novel is the key to unlocking its depths. The

socio-political climate of the setting and the author’s influences have a profound impact

on the characters and the unfolding drama of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. This knowledge

can enhance your grasp of the wider themes and messages of Harper Lee’s influential

novel.

Scout Finch:

● Scout (Jean Louise Finch) is the narrator and protagonist of the novel.
● She is intelligent and not afraid to challenge stereotypical feminine norms.
● Throughout the novel, her innocence is gradually replaced by a mature
understanding of the world and its injustices.

Jem Finch:

● Jem (Jeremy Atticus Finch) is Scout’s older brother.

● Jem’s character embodies the theme of moral education in the book.
● His sense of justice and fair play evolves significantly through the course of the
story.

Atticus Finch:

● Scout and Jem’s father is a highly respected lawyer and the moral backbone of
Maycomb.
● Atticus’s actions are driven by strong values of justice, equality and empathy.
● His parenting style significantly shapes and influences Scout and Jem’s
understanding of the world.

Boo Radley:

● An elusive, almost mythic character, Boo Radley is misunderstood and seen as a

figure of fear by the children.
● Boo’s character is an exploration of the concept of innocence and goodness
being camouflaged by fear and prejudice.
Tom Robinson:

● A black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell; his case
themes racism and prejudice.
● Despite the significant evidence favoring Tom, the biased social system unjustly
convicts him purely due to his race.

SECTION B: Supporting Characters

Mayella Ewell:

● A poor, uneducated white woman who accuses Tom Robinson of rape.

● Her character is at the intersection of Race, Class, and Gender and represents
both victim and villain of the story.

Bob Ewell:

● Mayella’s abusive father, who represents the dark side of the South and the
destructive force of ignorance and hatred.
● Despite being white, the Ewells are considered the lowest class in Maycomb
society due to their behaviour and living conditions.

Miss Maudie Atkinson:

● A wise and caring friend to the Finch children and represented as a rare,
enlightened woman in a town steeped with prejudice.
● Provides Scout with insight and perspective about the happenings around them.

Calpurnia:

● The Finch’s housekeeper and a strict yet loving maternal figure to Scout and
Jem.
● Calpurnia also symbolises the tenuous status of black women in Southern
society.

Attending to each character’s motivations, growth, or lack thereof, and the relationships

between characters can provide valuable depth to your analysis of ‘To Kill a

Mockingbird’. Characters not only drive the plot, but illuminate the novel’s underlying
themes, and understanding them will navigate you towards a comprehensive

understanding of Harper Lee’s seminal work.

Obviously, racism is a major theme of the novel. During the Depression era, blacks were still
highly subjugated members of society. Blacks were not permitted to commingle with whites in
public settings, as exemplified in the courthouse physical separation of races and in the clearly
distinct black and white areas of town. Moreover, things like intermarriage were almost unheard
of, and sorely looked down upon. Throughout the novel, Scout explores the differences between
black people and white people. She and Jem attend church with Calpurnia and Scout truly
enjoys the experience. Afterwards, she asks Calpurnia if she might be able to visit her house
sometime because she has never seen it. Calpurnia agrees, but the visit is never made, largely
because Aunt Alexandra puts a stop to it. Jem, Scout and Dill also sit with the black citizens of
the town in the balcony of the court house to observe the trial. In addition, Scout and Dill have a
lengthy conversation with Mr. Raymond, a white man who married a black woman and has
mixed children. Mr. Raymond reveals that he pretends to be an alcoholic by carrying around a
paper bag with a bottle of Coca-Cola inside in order to let the town excuse his choice to marry a
black woman. Tom Robinson is convicted purely because he is a black man and his accuser is
white. The evidence is so powerfully in his favor, that race is clearly the single defining factor in
the jury's decision. Atticus fights against racism, and a few other townspeople are on his side,
including Miss Maudie and Judge Taylor. Jem and Scout also believe in racial inequality, but are
obviously in the minority. When Atticus wins the trial, he tries to make his children understand
that although he lost, he did help move along the cause of ending racism as evidenced by the
jury's lengthy deliberation period. Usually, such a trial would be decided immediately.

Notes: To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Plans

Key Themes for Essay Questions:

1. Coming-of-age (Bildungsroman):
○ To Kill a Mockingbird can be considered a coming-of-age novel, especially in Part
1, but Part 2 adds complexity, addressing larger societal issues.
○ Scout’s growth and understanding of the world are central, with multiple lessons
about poverty, justice, courage, and morality.
2. Scout’s Lessons on Growing Up:
○ Poverty and Wealth: Scout frequently questions what it means to be poor,
reflecting on the socioeconomic divides in Maycomb.
○ Justice and Morality: Learns that justice is not always served (e.g., Tom
Robinson’s trial), but Atticus teaches her the importance of doing the right thing
despite this.
○ Courage: Realizes that courage comes in different forms, from Atticus’s quiet
moral strength to Mrs. Dubose’s battle against addiction.
 ○ Empathy and Understanding: Through experiences like the dinner with Walter
Cunningham and observing the people of Maycomb, Scout learns to appreciate
other viewpoints.
3. Scout Learns the World is Unjust:
○ Mob Mentality and Injustice: Tom Robinson’s trial and the behavior of the lynch
mob highlight societal and racial injustices.
○ Maycomb's Divisions: The racial and class divisions, symbolized by Lula's
attitude and the division between different parts of society, show Scout how
racism and prejudice permeate the town.
○ Hec Tate's Decision: His choice to protect Boo Radley rather than expose him to
a trial shows Scout how individual morality can diverge from societal norms.
4. Possible Essay Topics:
○ Racial and Socioeconomic Divisions: The impact of racism and classism on
individuals and society in Maycomb.
○ Courage: Different forms of courage (Atticus defending Tom, Mrs. Dubose
fighting her addiction) and how Scout learns about bravery.
○ Empathy and Understanding: The importance of seeing things from another’s
perspective, as highlighted by quotes about walking in someone else’s shoes.
5. Key Quotes:
○ "Jem says Atticus is a gentleman just like me" — Reflects the admiration Jem
has for Atticus's moral compass.
○ "It’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name" — Atticus
teaching Scout about rising above prejudice.
○ "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of
view" — Atticus teaching empathy, central to the novel’s theme.
○ "Every mob in every little Southern town is always made up of people you know"
— Shows the danger of mob mentality and conformity in society.
○ "Cheating a colored man is 10 times worse than cheating a white man" —
Highlights the systemic disadvantages African Americans face and connects to
the mockingbird motif.
6. Masculine and Feminine Influences:
○ Scout is influenced by multiple figures:
■ Atticus: Moral guidance and encouragement to think independently.
■ Aunt Alexandra and Calpurnia: Feminine expectations, emphasizing
traditional roles.
■ Jem: Encourages Scout to be strong and resilient, reflecting male role
models like Atticus.

These themes and ideas can be used to build essay responses focused on Scout's
development, the moral lessons she learns, and the broader social commentary of To Kill a
Mockingbird.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee presents a complex mix of hope and horror, exploring
themes of racism, injustice, and moral growth in 1930s America. The most striking horror in the
novel is the systemic racism that leads to Tom Robinson’s wrongful conviction, despite
overwhelming evidence of his innocence. This reveals the deep-rooted prejudice in Maycomb's
society, where African Americans are denied justice. Through the character of Atticus Finch,
who defends Tom knowing the case is unwinnable, Lee highlights the horror of a legal system
that favors white men. However, Atticus’s defense also offers hope, as he stands as a moral
figure who upholds justice, suggesting that individuals can still act with integrity even in the face
of societal injustice.

Moreover, Lee illustrates the horror of mob mentality when a lynch mob arrives at the jail to
harm Tom Robinson. This scene exposes the dangerous power of collective prejudice, where
otherwise decent people are driven to commit hateful acts. However, there is hope in Scout’s
innocent intervention, which diffuses the mob’s aggression and reminds them of their humanity.
This moment demonstrates how empathy and individual actions, even from a child, can counter
the horrors of racial violence. It shows that people are capable of change when confronted with
the innocence of moral reasoning, offering a glimpse of hope in a deeply divided society.

Finally, Boo Radley’s redemption offers a significant symbol of hope in the novel. Initially feared
and misunderstood, Boo becomes a protector for Scout and Jem, saving them from Bob Ewell’s
attack. His actions challenge the town’s prejudices and demonstrate that people are more than
the labels society places on them. Boo’s kindness reveals that empathy and understanding can
overcome fear and prejudice, suggesting that there is hope for personal and societal growth.
While To Kill a Mockingbird portrays the horrors of racism and injustice, it ultimately provides
hope through characters like Atticus and Boo, who show that change is possible, even in a
flawed society.