In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, she reflects the historical time setting of the 1930’s in the Great Depression by using the Tom Robinson trial to show the discrimination whites put upon blacks. Many “mockingbirds” arise throughout the story, and with each one, another part of the novel is connected. Harper Lee writes from Scout’s perspective as the narrator, and begins the novel showing that Atticus believes and teaches his children that everyone will be treated equally upon personality, not the pigment of their skin. Atticus, living to his words, accepted to defend a black man named Tom Robinson in a trial. Although Atticus knew the trial would not prevail, he ...view middle of the document...
After the Cunningham's, there's the Ewell's, the epitome of poor. “Whole school’s full of ‘em...threatens ’em with the sheriff...” (36) The social caste system in the south relates to the way it was during the time of Jim Crow. "Blacks were not allowed to show public affection toward one another in public, especially kissing, because it offended whites." (www.ferris.edu), accurately describes the disrespect whites put upon blacks, in a different aspect, public respect to public affection. "Stetson Kennedy...offered...rules...blacks were supposed to observe...Never...to a white."(www.ferris.edu) Harper Lee connected the theme, innocent "mockingbirds" should be treated fairly among the rest, to this time setting to show the product of no change. "Mockingbirds" die because of the social scam of whites over blacks, and without a man like Atticus Finch, there probably would be a change in the society we have today.
Atticus believes everyone should be treated fairly, and in the South of the 1930's, this is a hard subject to understand. "You never really understand a person until...you climb into his skin...walk around... "Atticus(39). Atticus' glasses resemble a different perspective for him as his own character, and with his different perspective, he seems to understand Harper Lee's theme. He knows he has to emotionally be in the blacks position to really understand how they feel... "...climb into his skin and walk around..."Atticus(39). Atticus also knows the town has to make an effort together to make a change in the way things are. "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."Atticus(140). There are some things in life and in society that we can't do anything about, but by going with what you know is right, you can change the majority opinion, or in this case the town of Maycomb. Although Atticus can see this in his perspective, others just can't. In the middle of the novel, the children are changing in a way due to the way Atticus has been teaching them. Jems change is more visible as you can tell he tries to mimic the this he learned, as for Scout, she uses the teachings of Atticus later on in the novel. Atticus' knowledge and perspective is starting to affect the children, for the better. In this novel, the children are lifesavers, so "When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness sake."Atticus(116). Here's a perfect example of his philosophy relating to the children. Instead of letting the children be outspoken, Atticus sees, hears and responds. He validates their questions and concerns, demonstrating that he cares about what they think and who they are. Without the structure Atticus provides, there wouldn't be a pinch of self esteem in the children. "It ain't time to worry yet" (69) is repeated numerous times throughout the novel to give confidence to Scout. Mr. Finch teaches his kids to be calm when a problem occurs because Atticus knows if the kids stress on the little problems, they will...
