to kill a mockingbird

Atticus Finch is the perfect gentleman’s gentleman.

Although Harper Lee’s classic has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, the question remains whether it is so timeless that it is still considered relevant to today’s contemporary students. The young black man is a church going cripple accused of the rape of Mayella Ewell. Even though he has to maintain his role as Maycomb’s leading attorney, atticus always makes time for his children. Certain aspects of the storyline are not irrelevant, but rather confusing, from the vernacular vocabulary (which although sets the atmosphere, is hard to associate with modern language), to the subtle hatred crimes committed. Although slim evidence is available on his case against Robinson, all plausible evidence points at Ewell, whereas Bob’s word is all that needs authentification to bring Tom Robinson to trial.

The title of Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” relates to a line used by atticus in giving his children a lesson in ethics “kill all the bluejays you want, but remember, it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”. From Boo Radley’s innocence of the crimes and rumors spread about him, to Tom Robinson and his obvious innocence in the raping of Mayella Ewell.

During the first half of her story, scout describes her father as a strong and positive father figure overflowing with integrity, but when Atticus is handed the Robinson case, he is almost certain that a black man against an Alabama jury had no chance.

Scout is a typical tomboy child, wearing overalls whenever possible and beating up on all who antagonizes her. This section of the classic covers the Robinson case in which the seemingly peaceful county of Maycomb becomes a dark labyrinth of hate, courage and eventual death. Granted that prejudice is an important theme to discuss and educate students of today, the path in which the characters take in this novel would bewilder any student. Despite the rules of etiquette governing life in her small town, scout voices her opinions and recognizes hypocrisy and injustice in those around her.

Tom Robinson is the most important client of Atticus’ career. His stubbornness means his pride gets in the way of his judgment, thus he is incapable of making sound decisions without some sense humiliation or regret.