A Short Analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird, a Novel by Harper Lee
This novel is a southern classic that shows the times since past in American history. The story takes place in the town of Maycomb. Two children named Jem and Scout, who are the children of Atticus Finch grow up and play while gossiping with the locals on a suspicious family. The children meet a friend named Dill with whom they share days of play and adventure with.
The children test the limits behind the stories they have been told about their neighbor Boo Radley. The children have a special relationship with one another. They spend time engrossed in their games and Scout acts out the events of Boo Radley’s life that is gossiped about. Scout, Jem, and Dill have heard numerous stories about Boo Radley and his family.
They all live in fear of him, because of some of the things that he is reported to have done. The children try to get as close as they can to the Radley household, to try to catch a glimpse at its inhabitants. Boo isn’t seen by the children until the end of the book. Jem and Scout change throughout the timeline of the book as they mature from seeing the life that they have always known change because of their new life experience. For example, When Scout talks to the angry mob about trying to harm the man who was up for trial, she displays a maturity that her playful nature at the beginning of the book did not hint at such a development. Jem has changed from being fearful and looking at the world through the lens of ignorance.
Atticus is seen to the town of Maycomb as a professional and an honest man. He is a lawyer, and is well known by everyone in the small town. He keeps to his word, and is honest to a fault. The town’s opinion of him shifts however when he chooses to represent a black man as a defendant. He gets threats of violence and even shunned by some. His reputation takes a sharp dive and he is somewhat rejected. People treat Boo Radley terribly and he plays a large role in saving Scout’s life. He is hated and gossiped about by the townspeople. They try to throw him in jail. He never comes out in public. Then, on Halloween, he saves Scout’s life. So, in the end this is a story of love and compassion for everyone in their lives, and accepting everyone as equal.
