To kill a Mockingbird thematic
In the Deep South, in a little town named Maycomb, tradition for most people meant prejudice, separation, and racism. Atticus Finch chooses to fight against this "old tradition" with traditions of his own. Because of his highly ethical character, Atticus is able to honorably defend Tom Robinson and promote a "new tradition" for himself and his children. Respect, dignity, and equality form the backbone of Atticus' belief system, a belief system containing qualities that are often overlooked in the traditional South. In the absence of outside support, Atticus fights his battle the only way he knows how -- with patience, perseverance, and honesty. The South and tradition are synonymous. Southerners are known to be proud of their traditional beliefs. To Kill A Mockingbird serves as a piece of literature that allows its readers to question and consider those southern beliefs. Maycomb represents a typical old southern town. Not many people move into Maycomb and not many people who live there journey beyond its boundaries. As a result, the opinions held by many of the citizens of Maycomb are left to grow and foster in the same families for many generations. The circumstances in Maycomb are less than ideal for generating change and mor
Atticus admits, "I've got to live with myself. In the eyes of Maycomb, Tom is not only charged with the raping of Mayella Ewell but, also, with the raping of a strong set of Southern traditional beliefs to which most people had grown accustomed. e prone to sustaining traditionally accepted codes. 173) and for Mayella he is nothing more than the evidence of her offense that she must destroy. Two codes embedded within southern social beliefs are class and race. He strongly believes that "in our courts all men are created equal"(p. He conducts himself with pride, and, at all times, remains true to his feelings. Scout does not have to think hard to know that she would "let Tom Robinson go so quick the Missionary Society wouldn't have time to catch its breath"(p. Others revert to hatred and sometimes even violence. Traditional southern social values clash with Atticus' strong traditional character and the outcome is decided through the trial.
Common topics in this essay:
Tom Robinson,
Jem Scout,
Aunt Alexandra,
Kill Mockingbird,
People Maycomb,
Dubose Atticus,
Atticus Finch,
Missionary Society,
Mayella Ewell,
Mayellap173 Mayella,
tom robinson,
aunt alexandra,
jem scout,
traditional views,
traditional beliefs,
southern gentleman,
people maycomb,
trial jem scout,
won't 'em,
true gentleman,
southern society,
folks won't 'em,
honorably defend tom,
defend tom robinson,
|
Acceptance Essays
