To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

Best American novel

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best classic American novels for a lot a reasons; it is enriched with knowledge about life, racism and maturity. All through the book, courage is shown in many different ways, teaching us that standing out in front of the society for what is right is the best thing someone can do. Also, the theme of racism is demonstrated in order to prove that the skin type does not make a difference and that everybody should be treated equally. At last, Lee uses the misconceptions of people to prove the prejudice in the society. Despite its violence, swearing and sexual content Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird should not be banned from classroom because it teaches the reader universal life lesson.

First of all, many characters are courageous in the novel, which teaches the reader to do something that they think is right even though everyone might be against it. “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” (Lee 149). This quote demonstrates that even if there is a chance of falling during the process, risks must be taken even if it is result or failure. For example, Mrs. Dubose was a morphine addict and she wanted to leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody. She fought through the pain, and at the end she won her fight with pride. Beside many people don’t have this kind of courage. Harper Lee used this theme to teach readers that fighting through it, no matter if it means standing all alone against society, or fighting against itself takes a lot of courage, and that courage is found within oneself. Not only does Lee show courage through many characters, she also uses the racism in society to demonstrate the inequality in society.

Next, racism is shown in the book with the goal of teaching the readers that everybody, black or white, is equal. Atticus’ words, “As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it, whenever a white does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash” (Lee 295) explains that every man should be treated the same no matter what. Also, this quote proves the truth behind the fact that at this time, white men and black men were not equal. It teaches that a white man is no better than a black man and vice-versa. In addition, the racism in society is shown in chapter 17 as well when Mr. Ewell says he saw a black nigger on his Mayella. His focus is on Tom’s race; he labels Tom by naming him a nigger. He also compares Tom to a beast. (Lee 231) Even in society nowadays, people often believe that they are better than everyone else, simply because of their skin type. Additionally, Scout thought there was only one type of folks, folk. She might be just a little girl but she is correct. People tend to believe that because of their skin color, their heritage, their amount of money it makes them different but in fact human beings are all the same. Not only does Lee present racism that delivers an important message, she also uses the misconception of people.

Finally, the misconception of one plays a huge role in the novel. Also, the prejudice that is found through the book was to teach the reader that not

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