“It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” This line, spoken by Atticus, sums up the heart of this book. A mockingbird is a harmless bird that makes the world more pleasant with its song. In this novel, the mockingbird symbolizes Boo Radley and Tom Robinson, who were both peaceful people who never did any harm. To kill or harm them would be a sin.

Boo Radley though his life never wanted to hurt a fly. He left gum, pennies, and wax dolls for Jem and Scout. He sewed Jem’s pants and left them on the fence so he could get them. Boo also saved Scout and Jem’s lives while risking his own. To kill him would be like killing a mockingbird.

Chopping wood and doing whatever he could for Mayella Ewell was Tom Robinson’s only crime. The readers know Tom is innocent, but they also know he will be convicted and sent to prison. Just like Boo Radley, Tom never harmed a soul. He risked his own safety by helping Mayella, and he did it because someone needed him. It was like a mockingbird being shot down when Tom was accused of rapping Mayella. In the moment that she accused him, he was a dead man.

Boo Radley and Tom Robinson’s parts in the story bring power to it. We see a misunderstood man return kindness for torment. In this book we understand that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.

Characters

Scout was Atticus’s daughter. She liked to tag along with her brother and got into a lot of fights. She didn’t act much like a girl and hated to wear dresses. She didn’t have to wear dresses often except the first day of school. She also loved her father and brother very much. She even went with him when he had to read to Ms. Dubose, an old lady who was dying from a morphine addiction. When her aunt came she had to act like a young lady. However, she didn’t change that much. Her aunt turned out to be a nice person. Scout was an adventurous and exciting girl.

Most all of the events an action took place around Jem. He was the son of Atticus Finch. Jem did a lot in this book such as going up to Boo Radley’s house and looking inside the. Jem lost his freedom when his aunt came. Jem looked out for Scout most of the time. Jem broke his arm one night trying to protect Scout and himself from Bob Ewell. Jem seemed like he would be a fun person to know.

Atticus was the father of Jem and Scout. He was a great lawyer and stood up for what he believed in. This was the case when he was asked to defend a black man. Atticus believed that all men of all races should be treated equally. He also taught this to his children. Tom Robinson was found guilty and sent to prison. Atticus was planning on appealing the jury’s verdict’ but that day he found out that Tom had been killed when he tried to escape. Atticus was always there for his children. He was a good father and friend.

Quotes

“If you’ll concede the necessity of going to school, we’ll go on reading every night just as we always have.”

~ Atticus Finch(page 31)

Scout does not want to go to school, so Atticus makes a deal with her. Atticus will keep reading to her if she keeps wanting to go to school. Reading with Atticus means a lot to Scout so she is willing to go to school.

“Shot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

~Atticus Finch(page 90)

This line sums up the heart of the book. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they never harm a thing. All they do is make music for us to enjoy. This is the case with Boo Radley and Tom Robinson.

“You never really understand a person untill you concider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

~ Atticus Finch(page 30)

This was said by Atticus to Scout. It means that you don’t know a person until you walk in his shoes. Atticus thinks that if you can learn this simple trick you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks.

“Mayella Violet Ewell---!”

~Mr. Gilmer(page 178)

This was the first statement in Tom Robinson’s trail. Mayella Ewell was the girl who said that Tom Robinson raped her.

“Scout, I think I’m beginning to understand why Boo Radley’s stayed in the house all this time . . . it’s because he wants to stay inside.”

~ Jem Finch(page 227)

Jem realizes that Boo may not want to come outside because of the way the world acts. Boo may not want to be a part of prejudice and racism.

“Hey, Boo.”

~ Scout Finch(page 270)

These are the first words that Scout said to Boo Radley. Boo was standing in the corner by the fireplace. He had carried Jem into the house from the street were he had killed Bob Ewell.

Settings

The courtroom is a very important setting in the book. This is where the most conflict of racism and prejudice takes place. Scout and Jem witness the acts of injustice, and how brave their father, Atticus, is. Tom Robinson is trailed and convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Many aspects of the story take place in the courtroom. The feeling in the courtroom is judgmental and hateful.

The home of Scout, Jem, and Atticus is also an important setting in the book. The home is full of love. Atticus teaches his children important values of life. He wants them to have the wisdom that comes from the heart. Atticus is a sincere and loving man. The home of the Finch’s shows us love powerful love can really be.

Diary Entry

Dear Diary,

Today I went to Tom’s trail. Atticus was great. I really thought we were going to win. Atticus proved that Tom didn’t rape and beat Mayella Ewell. He tried to prove it was actually Bob Ewell who beat Mayella. Tom’s side of the story was very convincing to me, but I guess it wasn’t enough to convince the jury. But I knew the verdict before the even announced it to us. I knew because the way they looked at Tom when they came out. When the judge read the piece of paper and said guilty my heart sank down in my chest. I still can’t believe that he will have spent the rest of his life in a prison. I didn’t really understand all the things they talked about during the trail. I think Atticus done a great job defending Tom. I wonder what will happen to Tom? He is a kind man and doesn’t belong in a prison. I really don’t understand why there is so much conflict between the blacks and whites.

~ Scout Finch

Calpurnia

Calpurnia works in Atticus Finch’s home. Calpurnia takes care of the household duties. She cooks and cleans but she’s not only a maid but also a friend and mentor to the children. Calpurnia is like a mother to Scout and Jem though she is not. She love Atticus, Jem, and Scout very much.

Song

“Jesus Loves The Little Children”

Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red, brown, yellow, black, and white

They are precious in his sight

Jesus loves the little children of the world

This song represents the way Atticus felt in the book. No matter the color of a man’s skin all men are equal. Atticus also taught his children this. In a world of racism and prejudice this is a song everyone should remember.

Biography: Harper Lee

“ This is a book about racism and prejudice. The book To Kill A Mockingbird tells about the injustice of an innocent man. Everyone should read this book. It gives a very powerful message to all of its readers.”

Harper Lee is the author of the book To Kill A Mockingbird. Harper Lee first published this book in 1960. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. Harper Lee always considered her book to be a smile love story.

Kayla Felker

3rd Hour