To Kill a Mockingbird Essay
Indian music is a genre through which one instrument is more outspoken above the rest, bringing rhythmic variance and a focal point to the song. Without this point of attention in most Indian songs, the instruments would fade into a piece that resembled a stream of consciousness, remaining rhythmically resolute as opposed to evolving into different movements. As in Indian music, the society in To Kill a Mockingbird is mostly composed of people who meld in with one another, similar in views and tastes. Without an individual to speak out against this sameness, the society would be stagnant and unwavering, never changing to fit a more modern description. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a historical fiction book about two Southern children growing up and coming to terms with the injustice of the world around them, despite their father's best attempts to prevent them from growing into that prejudiced, racist mindset. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, there are several instances where characters try to listen to their own voice of reason and do what they think is right versus what others want them to do. Atticus defending Tom Robinson, Jem protecting the roly-poly from Scout, to Mrs. Dubose deciding to pass away no longer addicted to morphine are all examples of characters overcoming the majority in order to do what they personally believe to be the correct path. Looking into Harper Lee's work reveals one message that ranks over all the others: following personal beliefs of what is right is a stronger, more rewarding form of courage.
Lawyers are often character depicted to be morally 'slimey' and generally disliked, weak characters. However, Atticus Finch is the exact opposite of this stereotype. He's a very strong character who shows dynamic change through the story. When asked about my he's defending Tom Robinson, Atticus says “... The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again" (100). This shows that Atticus honestly believes what he's doing is right, and that he's truly exerting courage by going against the Ewells. If he didn't do this, Atticus would not be able to have the same pride that he once had. Many people, including his family, think that Atticus should not defend Tom Robinson, but he's so deeply seeded in changing the racial injustice of Alabama, he does it anyways. And through his courage, several individuals in Maycomb have their perspective changed, a notable figure being Mr. Underwood. As the writer of the Maycomb Tribune, Underwood is known as a character who hates negroes. After the court case and Tom's death, however, he writes an editorial that criticizes the court, and the fact that Atticus originally had no case at all. This small detail shows just how profound the impact of Atticus' courage to fight for what he thought was right was. When people are hurt, they have two very typical reactions. They will, in turn, either turn around and hurt others as a reaction, or become very defensive and protective in situations similar to their own for others. Jem’s reaction to the court case is an on point example of one becoming defensive after being hurt. He’s confused and hurt by the conclusion to the case, not fully understanding that the world is a terrible place. Because of this, he tries to protect others from the same fate, eve on a smaller scale. Jem standing up to Scout, in favor of the roly poly was this exact concept. Jem exhibited courage by going against his sister’s musings, despite the fact that she would have wanted differently. This shows just how deeply Jem was changed by the outcome of the case, and the realisation that even when you try your hardest, sometimes it just isn’t enough. Through a deep self-reflection, one can encounter flaws. Flaws are a part of being human, and are undeniable something everyone faces. The true facet of being flawed, however, is the ability to accept the flaws that you have, regardless of what overcoming them may entail. Mrs. Dubose displays this very strong sense of courage. "Her head moved slowly from side to side. From time to time she would open her mouth wide, and I could see her tongue undulate faintly. Cords of saliva would collect on her lips; she would draw them in, than open her mouth again. Her mouth seemed to have a private existence of its own” (58). Mrs. Dubose knew that, when she tried to end her addiction to morphine, it would be tedious and painful, as shown in the quote. However, Mrs. Dubose overcame what she herself knew and went on with the choice to get off of morphine before her death, reflecting that even before the end, she knew what the truly correct choice was. And it was this overcoming of the self that shows just how courageous Mrs. Dubose was. There are forms of courage that are more rewarding than others. Lee’s main message for To Kill a Mockingbird is that the courage that causes one to fight for what they believe in is the the utmost important, and most beneficial form of courage. Through the stories of Atticus and Jem Finch, and Mrs. Dubose, Lee displays the way that this courage can be utilized, in many different forms. The message shows that the past shouldn’t affect courage, nor should the thoughts of the contrarians, only that true courage is one that is fought for, and true to the individual’s beliefs, not used to appeal to others. |