how to kill a mockingbird essay questions

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101 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Titles & Examples

If you struggle to find “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay topics on prejudice, race, the characters’ courage, or any other issue, look no further. Our team has prepared a list of titles and essay writing tips for this book.

🏆 Best To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics & Examples

📌 most interesting to kill a mockingbird essay titles, 👍 good to kill a mockingbird research topics, ❓ to kill a mockingbird essay questions.

Before we will talk about the do’s and don’ts in essay writing, let’s clarify the types of essay.

When working on “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay thesis, you can focus on the facts of the book or concentrate on your attitude towards its key issues and characters. According to your approach, we can divide essays into two main areas:

• Objective essay: you set out your personal thoughts on a chosen issue and provide supporting arguments and evidence;
• Subjective essay: you express your point of view on a specific topic without claiming the truth and strengthening it with facts.

For example, when you choose a “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay topics on goodness, you will state that Atticus is a kind and fearless. No doubt that this character has a positive role.

On the other hand, when you describe Mayella, you will have to choose: will you condemn her or express pity.

As for the essay content, it can be divided into many subcategories:

• Philosophical essay
• Critical essay
• Literary analysis
• Historical essay, etc.

There are also a few key literary types:

• Feature article, etc.

Do’s & Don’ts When Writing To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

Now, it’s time to talk about what you should write and what to avoid in your paper. First of all, you have to remember that all “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay titles should reveal the essence of the issue.

Recommendations for essay writing:

• Do mark your essay subject at the beginning of the text. “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay hooks will help you to catch the reader’s attention. Don’t forget to emphasize the central issue in the conclusion.
• Do support the style of presentation by your emotions, vision, and opinion. Use the “question-answer” in paragraphs. Make the transitions between paragraphs harmonious and smooth.
• Do use quotes, historical facts, and observations to argue the thesis statement, solve the main issue, and describe the key subject of the paper.
• Do stick to the central thesis of your essay. Avoid deepen into philosophical reflections — tell about concrete facts and examples. Here’s an example: don’t include the facts from the author’s biography if you focus on the events of the book and factors that affect discrimination.
• Do proofread the paper. Read carefully your essay several times and think if your readers will understand your expressions.
• Do not use specific terminology in “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay. For example, when you write about discrimination, you don’t necessarily have to provide its dictionary definition or use complex law, historical and psychological literature, and samples. Just your own language. However, it doesn’t mean that your opinion should seem ungrounded.
• Do add your emotions to the paper. Let your readers feel that you believe in your ideas when defending the essay thesis.
• Don’t choose the header before you write an essay. First, you should write an essay, and only then compile the title of your paper.

Well, now you know about the essay types, what to do, and what to avoid in your essay. Of course, you may ask: “What to write in my own essay?”

The key to success is to start. Check “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay examples on our website to get inspiration. Even the topic seems to you too complicated, start your research, and then you will be able to express new and original thoughts.

• Slavery in To Kill a Mockingbird Novel The introduction of Tom by the author is a plot device to represent the plight of the slaves in the state.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird”: Book and Movie Differences It is important to note that the film, To Kill a Mockingbird entails most of the aspects depicted in the novel.
• To Kill a Mockingbird Main Themes The main themes of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird cover both adult and children’s concerns, including the dignity of human life, the importance of truth, the rights of people to be different, the need […]
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) by Robert Mulligan This movie presented a timely reflection of the extent of deep racial problems and social injustices existing in the southern part of the US in the early 60s.
• Nelle Harper Lee and Her Reflection in “To Kill a Mockingbird” The author perfectly reflects her life in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird as her father played an essential role in creating the story.
• Analysis of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird Although the innocent black man is killed while attempting to break out of prison when he might have gone free had the case proceeded to a higher court, Atticus and the town’s sheriff conjure a […]
• Novel Appreciation: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee The contemporary discussion of this novel is often tied to the question of racism; nevertheless, I am convinced that this book can be of great interest to modern readers, and I would like to discuss […]
• Themes in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee To Kill a Mockingbird, in its imperfection, is a testament to the march of progress in social justice and racial equality.
• The Problem of Racism and Injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee In the novel, Harper Lee demonstrates her vision of the question of the social inequality with references to the problem of racism in the society based on prejudice and absence of actual principles of tolerance […]
• Moral Principles in Harper Lee’s Novel To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee explores a great number of themes in the first chapters of the novel, for example, integrity of a person and his/her ability contradict the norms, adopted in the community.
• The Title of Lee’s “How to Kill a Mockingbird” Book The novel’s core topic is the disappearance of innocence and the influence of bias on the lives of the novel’s characters.
• Empathy and Racism in Stockett’s The Help and Li’s To Kill a Mockingbird To start with, the first approach to racism and promoting empathy is to confront prevalent discrimination and racism, which was often shown in The Help. Another solution to racism and the possibility of promoting empathy […]
• Systemic Racism in Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” & Whitehead’s “The Nickel Boys” Racism in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird is pronounced and presented as the natural habitat of the town of Maycomb.
• Lift a Ban on “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Lee Understanding different activities have remained vital in society.”To Kill a Mockingbird” is a book that explains the problems of the United States and promotes people to be just and respect human rights.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” Drama Film The plot proves to be logical and consistent throughout the movie, motivating the audience to watch till the end of the film.
• Understanding Other Perspective: To Kill a Mockingbird The literature portrays the actual happenings in the society in an educative and corrective manner that is acceptable to both sides of the victim and perpetrator of injustices.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird”: The Novel by Harper Lee Scout does not realize the severity of many of the events of the book as they are taking place, and as such she is an innocent.
• American History in “To Kill a Mockingbird” Book & Film Racial attitudes and the dominance of white men over the black ones in the USA are the central ideas of the movie and the novel.
• Racist Trial in the Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee For the purpose, evaluation would be made in the context of utilization of events, time and culture of the book and compare it to today’s society, culture and racial attitudes.
• Racial Prejudice in Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” Paul Lawrence Dunbar in his poem, “Sympathy” has vividly portrayed the pangs of a caged bird and likens it to the collective pain that colored people have felt like victims of racial prejudices.”And a pain […]
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” Novel by Harper Lee It is one of the main characteristics of the mockingbird includes its innocence and imitation of the songs of other birds in a loud voice.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee In consequence, the book became a model source of reading that inspired people to further take on the issues of race in the USA and throughout the world.
• American Novel: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee It is also worth to mention that the novel is indeed relevant to its readership because it mirrors the nature of society affected by racism and inequality. Through the act of inclusiveness, I am in […]
• What It Takes to Kill a Mockingbird: In Search for the Differences Between the Novel and a Movie The characters both in the novel and in the movie were often pushed to the breaking point; however, one of such moments described in the book was left out of the movie.
• Social Issues in the “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee The phrase ‘to kill a mocking bird’ stands out as a metaphor in the book To kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
• To Kill a Mockingbird: Movie Analysis Speaking of the movements which convey the essence of the film without any speech “intrusion”, it would be a good idea to drive the example of Boo Radley standing in the darker corner of the […]
• To Kill a Mockingbird The author, in the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird presents a deeper understanding in relation to events occurring in her novel. To enhance understanding of the novel, the author has widely embraced symbolism in […]
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” and the Techniques Used: Characterisation, Structure, Point of View, and Language
• The Different Types of Families Represented in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Atticus Finch’s Views on Race and How They Change Throughout “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Racist Attitudes of the People in Maycomb County in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• “To Kill a Mockingbird”: How Symbolism Reinforces Important Ideas
• The Supproting Character of Boo Radley as a Hero in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Unjust Persecution as a Major Theme in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Significance of the Title of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Use of Symbols in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Trial of Tom Robinson and Its Role in Exploring the Issue of Racism in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Violence and Alienation in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• “To Kill a Mockingbird”: The Importance of Understanding Individual Differences
• True Courage in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Two Types of Underprivileged People in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Influences Parents Have on Their Children in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The References That Suggest to Boo Radley and Tom Robinson in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Tom Robinson and Boo Radley as Mockingbirds in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Southern Gothic Elements in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Resemblance Between Tom Robinson and Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Themes of Childhoods in “Jane Eyre” and “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Role of Family in Shaping the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Affects of One’s Surrounding Environment on Their Personality and Morals in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The True Heroic Qualities of Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Theme of the Loss of Childhood Innocence in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Town of Maycomb’s Role in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Different Types of Prejudice Represented in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Atticus Finch as a Moral Compass for His Children in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Moral Development of the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Impact of Cowardice on the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Mrs Dubose as an Example of Courage in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Impact of Scout’s Family on Her Development in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Victims of Stereotyping in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Atticus Finch as a Father Figure in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Tragic Hero in “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Crucible”
• The Themes of Racism and Fear of the Unknown in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Hidden Symbols in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Value of Informal Education in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Tom Robinson’s Trial as a Central Part of “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Unarmed Bravery in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• Use of Piaget’s Theories of Child Development in Analyzing “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• The Tolerance Level of the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The Use of Symbolism and Irony in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Tom Robinson’s Conviction in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• How Old Is Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Does Mrs. Maudie’s Nut Grass Symbolize in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does Scout Describe Dill in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Is the Theme of Femininity and the Power of Women From “To Kill a Mockingbird” Still Relevant Today?
• Who Are the Radleys in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• Why Does Scout Have That Nickname in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Are Fathers Presented in the Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Is the Main Meaning of “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does Author Present Racial Issues During the 1930s in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Are the Two Main Plots in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Is the Irony in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Is the Most Important Lesson in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• Is “To Kill a Mockingbird” Still Relevant Today?
• How Does Lee Make Atticus Finch a Heroic Figure in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What “To Kill a Mockingbird” Teaches Us?
• What Are Some Life Lessons From “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Is the First Turning Point in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What’s the Climax of “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Are Some Symbols in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Are Prejudice and Hypocrisy Explored in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does Harper Lee Build Up Tension Throughout the Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird?
• How Has “To Kill a Mockingbird” Changed the World?
• Why Should Students Read “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does Harper Lee Use Minor Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• How Does “To Kill a Mockingbird” Connect to the World?
• What Does the Reader Learn About the Social Setting in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Are the Most Important Quotes in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• Who Is the Protagonist in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• Who Lost Their Innocence in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• What Does the Mad Dog Represent in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
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To Kill A Mockingbird Extract + Comprehension Tasks + Essay Questions

Below, you’ll find a ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ Extract – The Radley’s Place, along with some comprehension tasks, essay questions, and close reading tasks.

TASK 1: COMPREHENSION

• What reaction does Dill have to The Radley Place? Why do you think this is?
• How is the house described? What atmosphere does this create?
• Find two examples of superstitions that the children have about the house.
• What kind of person is Mr Radley? Use evidence from the extract in your answer.

TASK 2: CLOSE READING 

Annotate the extract, paying close attention to Harper Lee’s creation of setting and characterisation. Use form, structure and language techniques to enhance your analysis of the story . 

TASK 3: SETTING 

How does Harper Lee use setting in her novel? Use The Radley Place as a starting point, but consider several other settings to develop your answer. You should use PEE paragraphs to write about each setting. You may include discussions of the following: 

• The town of Maycomb in general 
• The school environment at the beginning of the novel 
• The courthouse 
• Atticus’ home environment 
• The Ewell’s residence 

TASK 4: CHARACTERISATION 

Examine the ways in which Harper Lee presents the character of Boo Radley in ‘ To Kill A Mockingbird .’ 

You may include: 

• How Boo is portrayed at the beginning of the novel 
• How our opinion of Boo changes by the end of the novel 
• What Boo represents symbolically as a character 

Thanks for reading! If you find this useful, check out our full ‘Mockingbird’ course , or our other English Language and Literature courses .

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20 To Kill a Mockingbird Discussion Questions

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a haunting exploration of innocence lost amidst a society grappling with deep-rooted racial prejudice.

Set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s, the novel follows young Scout Finch as she navigates the complexities of growing up. Through her innocent eyes, we witness the stark realities of racial injustice and the enduring power of empathy.

Published in 1960, the book rapidly ascended to literary acclaim, culminating in the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. Its subsequent adaptation into an Oscar-winning film solidified its status as a cultural touchstone. Beyond its captivating narrative, To Kill a Mockingbird offers profound insights into themes of morality, courage, and the human condition.

Join us as we dive into the complexities of this timeless classic through a series of thought-provoking discussion questions. Prepare to be challenged, moved, and inspired as we explore the enduring relevance of Harper Lee’s masterpiece.

And if you like this classic, don’t forget that a sequel Go Set a Watchman was released in 2015. We have a set of questions for that as well. 

To Kill a Mockingbird Discussion Questions

• In the novel, the character of Atticus Finch is often considered a symbol of moral integrity and justice. How does Lee depict Atticus as a role model for his children, Jem and Scout, and what impact does his unwavering belief in justice have on the larger community of Maycomb?
• One of the recurring themes in the novel is the exploration of racial prejudice and injustice. Discuss how Harper Lee portrays the racial tensions and discrimination prevalent in 1930s Alabama through various characters, incidents, and the trial of Tom Robinson. How does this depiction resonate with the readers in understanding the historical context and the broader implications of racism?
• The relationship between Scout, Jem, and their enigmatic neighbor Boo Radley undergoes a transformation throughout the book. Analyze the factors that contribute to their changing perceptions of Boo, from initial fear and curiosity to empathy and understanding. How does their interaction with Boo challenge their preconceived notions about outsiders and the nature of courage?
• Harper Lee skillfully employs the symbol of the mockingbird throughout the narrative. Discuss the significance of the mockingbird as a symbol of innocence and its thematic resonance in relation to various characters, including Tom Robinson, Boo Radley, and even Scout herself. How does this symbol shed light on the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and the broader themes of the novel?
• The character of Calpurnia occupies a unique position in Maycomb society as the Finch family’s African American housekeeper. Explore the complexities of Calpurnia’s role, considering her loyalty to the Finch family, her community ties, and her role as a bridge between the white and black communities. How does Calpurnia’s character contribute to the exploration of race and social dynamics in the novel?
• The trial of Tom Robinson is a pivotal event in the novel, bringing issues of racial inequality to the forefront. Discuss the strategies employed by Atticus during the trial to challenge the prosecution’s case and expose the flaws in the Maycomb justice system. How do these courtroom scenes highlight the power dynamics and prejudices that exist within the town?
• Maycomb’s social hierarchy is another important aspect explored in the book. Analyze the divisions within the community, such as the distinctions between the Finch family, the Cunninghams, and the Ewells. How do these class differences shape the characters’ attitudes, behaviors, and interactions? What commentary does Lee offer about the impact of social status on individual lives?
• Aunt Alexandra, Atticus’s sister, is a conservative and traditional Southern woman who strongly believes in the importance of family reputation. Examine Alexandra’s influence on Scout and Jem, considering how her presence affects their upbringing, their understanding of their place in society, and their views on race and class. How does Alexandra’s character contribute to the novel’s exploration of societal expectations and individual growth?
• Scout’s growth and coming-of-age journey is a central narrative thread in To Kill a Mockingbird. Analyze the events and relationships that contribute to Scout’s maturation process, from her interactions with Boo Radley and Calpurnia to her observations of the injustices and prejudices in Maycomb. How does Scout’s perspective on the world evolve throughout the novel, and what lessons does she learn about empathy, understanding, and the complexities of human nature?
• Throughout the book, Lee explores the concept of empathy and its role in combating prejudice and injustice. Discuss the instances in which characters display empathy or lack thereof, such as Atticus, Miss Maudie, and even the children themselves. How does Lee convey the importance of empathy in fostering positive change and challenging societal norms?
• Tom Robinson’s trial takes place during a time of intense racial tension in Maycomb. Investigate the responses of different characters to the trial and their motivations for taking a stance, whether supportive or discriminatory. How does Lee illustrate the consequences of standing up against injustice in a community that is resistant to change?
• The character of Bob Ewell embodies the worst aspects of Maycomb’s society. Analyze the motivations and actions of Bob Ewell, considering his racism, his abusive behavior, and his role in the trial of Tom Robinson. How does Ewell’s character contribute to the exploration of the novel’s themes of prejudice, power, and the destructive nature of ignorance?
• The Radley House serves as a haunting presence throughout the novel, capturing the imagination of Jem, Scout, and Dill. Discuss the symbolic significance of the Radley House, its role as a catalyst for curiosity and fear, and the eventual revelation of Boo Radley’s true nature. How does the Radley House contribute to the novel’s exploration of the power of rumors, gossip, and the fear of the unknown?
• Mayella Ewell, the accuser in Tom Robinson’s trial, is a complex and tragic character. Examine Mayella’s motivations for accusing Tom Robinson, considering her social and familial circumstances. How does Mayella’s character highlight the effects of poverty, racism, and patriarchal oppression on individuals who are marginalized and voiceless?
• Atticus’s famous quote, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it,” is a recurring theme in the book. Discuss the instances in which characters demonstrate the ability to see beyond their own perspectives and empathize with others. How does Atticus’s philosophy influence the overall narrative and the characters’ development?
• The town of Maycomb itself is almost a character in its own right, with its richly described streets, neighborhoods, and inhabitants. Analyze the significance of Maycomb as a microcosm of Southern society, considering its attitudes towards race, class, and tradition. How does the setting of the town contribute to the novel’s exploration of societal dynamics and the individual struggles faced by its residents?
• The relationship between Scout and her brother Jem is a central aspect of the story. Explore the complexities of their sibling bond, considering their similarities, differences, and the growth they experience together. How does their relationship reflect the larger themes of the novel, such as the loss of innocence, the exploration of moral courage, and the power of childhood friendships?
• Miss Maudie Atkinson, a neighbor and friend of the Finch family, serves as a moral compass for Scout and Jem. Examine Miss Maudie’s character and her role in the novel, considering her wisdom, resilience, and her progressive views on life and justice. How does Miss Maudie’s character contribute to the overall theme of morality and the fight against prejudice?
• Harper Lee uses various narrative techniques, including Scout’s first-person perspective and the use of flashback, to tell the story. Discuss the impact of these narrative choices on the reader’s understanding of the events, the development of the characters, and the exploration of the novel’s themes. How do these techniques enhance the overall reading experience and contribute to the novel’s enduring legacy?
• To Kill a Mockingbird is often praised for its exploration of the complexities of human nature and the duality of good and evil. Analyze the characters of Atticus, Scout, and Boo Radley as representations of these dualities, considering their struggles with moral choices, their capacity for kindness, and their encounters with injustice. How does the exploration of these dualities deepen our understanding of the human condition and the broader messages of the novel?

If you liked this set of questions, here are a few other options for you to explore. 

• The Magnolia Palace Book Club Questions
• The Dictionary of Lost Words Book Club Questions
• Atlas of The Heart Book Club Questions
• We Begin at The End Book Club Questions
• The Housemaid Book Club Questions

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — To Kill a Mockingbird

Essays on To Kill a Mockingbird

To kill a mockingbird essay topic examples.

You can analyze its themes in argumentative essays, compare and contrast characters or themes, describe the book's settings, persuade readers about certain points, or narrate personal experiences related to the novel's themes. These essay ideas allow you to dive into the world of "To Kill a Mockingbird" from various angles, making it easier to understand and engage with the story.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the novel. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Analyze the portrayal of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird and its relevance in today's society.
• 2. Argue whether Atticus Finch is an ideal role model for modern fathers.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird shines a spotlight on the persistent issue of racial injustice in the American South. This essay delves into the novel's portrayal of this injustice and its enduring relevance in the contemporary world, examining the lessons it offers for addressing social inequality.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird underscores the novel's power to inspire meaningful conversations about equity and justice. As we grapple with these issues today, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and compassion in fostering positive change.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the novel or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the characters of Scout and Jem Finch, exploring their individual growth and experiences.
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the themes of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: Siblings often share profound bonds, yet their experiences can be remarkably distinct. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast Scout and Jem Finch, the young siblings in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird , exploring the unique paths they navigate and the growth they experience throughout the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of Scout and Jem Finch offer insights into the complexity of individual growth and sibling dynamics in To Kill a Mockingbird . As we consider their journeys, we are reminded of the transformative power of empathy and understanding in family relationships.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the novel. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the atmospheric details of Maycomb, the fictional town in To Kill a Mockingbird , and its impact on the story.
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Boo Radley, focusing on his mysterious nature and significance in the narrative.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: Maycomb, the setting of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird , is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right. This essay embarks on a descriptive journey to capture the atmospheric details of Maycomb, immersing the reader in the town's unique ambiance and its profound influence on the story.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird not only sets the stage but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the power of place in shaping our narratives and perceptions.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the novel. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that Atticus Finch's defense of Tom Robinson is an act of moral courage.
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that To Kill a Mockingbird should be a mandatory part of high school curricula.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: Atticus Finch's unwavering defense of Tom Robinson in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird resonates as a symbol of moral courage. This persuasive essay asserts that Atticus's actions embody the essence of moral heroism, inviting readers to reflect on the qualities that define true bravery.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument regarding Atticus Finch's moral courage underscores the enduring significance of his character in To Kill a Mockingbird . As we contemplate his actions, we are compelled to consider the qualities that inspire us to stand up for justice and equality.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of the novel. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you encountered prejudice and discrimination similar to the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird .
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in Maycomb and recount your interactions with the Finch family and Boo Radley.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: Prejudice and discrimination are unfortunately common experiences in our world. This narrative essay delves into a personal encounter with these themes, drawing parallels to the themes explored in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird .

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal encounter with prejudice and discrimination underscores the enduring relevance of the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird . As we reflect on the challenges of our own lives, we are encouraged to confront injustice and champion the values of empathy and equality.

Character Analysis of Mayella Ewell in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

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A Closer Look at Boo Radley's Eccentric Personality

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The Prejudice of Race, Gender and Social Class in The Novel "To Kill a Mockingbird"

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To Kill a Mockingbird: is Mayella Powerful

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July 11, 1960, Harper Lee

Novel; Thriller, Southern Gothic, Domestic Fiction, Legal Story, Bildungsroman

Atticus Finch, Scout Finch, Jem Finch, Dill Harris, Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandria, John Finch, Arthur Radley

It is partially based on Lee Harper's childhood, which is why the story is told by the child protagonist.

The loss of innocence, prejudice, racial challenges, honor, childhood, friendship, loss of innocence. The most powerful aspect is the very meaning behind "to kill a mockingbird", which means to destroy the innocence. It is made clear by Scout when he asks to "remember [that] it's a sin to kill a mockingbird". The flowers also symbolize patience and understanding, which are reflected by the white camellia flower.

To Kill a Mockingbird is not an easy book to read, yet it quickly became a symbol for the Civil Rights Movement all over the world. It teaches us about being brave, about injustice that must not be ignored, inequality around us, poverty, racism, corruption, anger control, innocence, oppression, hatred, and judging others. Reading this book reminds us of hope, patience, being equal to each other, and fighting for being brave and true.

The story starts when Tom Robinson, an African American male is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman, the local lawyer called Atticus agrees to defend Tom even though he receives threats from the community. Even when things are quickly getting dangerous, Atticus refuses to leave his client. His young son Scout unwittingly helps to settle down the challenge.

The book has almost been called "Atticus" instead of the famous title that we know so well. Harper Lee was writing only one manuscript page per day even though she worked for about 12 hours a day. The character of Atticus Finch has been inspired by Lee's father who also worked as the lawyer and defended African American clients. The book has helped to create a cottage industry in the author's hometown, which has started with a museum. Lee Harper decided to choose her middle name instead of "Nelle", which she was afraid could be mispronounced. To Kill a Mockingbird became one of the most beloved books in the American literary history. The character of Dill has been based on author's childhood friend Truman Capote who has also used her personality's character in his "Other Voices, Other Rooms" novel that has been published in 1948.

"The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." "Mockingbirds don't do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corn cribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." "It's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you." "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 know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."

The main factor in To Kill a Mockingbird is teaching one's children and reminding each other about the dangers of prejudice and judging others. Providing an example of defending a black male in the American South shows that one must always keep the faith and seek the truth regardless of the conditions.

It is one of the most influential civil rights movement works in English literature and a symbolism of social challenge, culture, courage, defense of truth, and justice. It is also an essay topic where a person learns about prejudice and understanding that one has to be in another person's shoes to see and understand what it is like. Choosing this book as an essay topic, middle school, high school, and college students learn about justice, honor, and courage.

1. Macaluso, M. (2017). Teaching To kill a mockingbird today: Coming to terms with race, racism, and America's novel. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 61(3), 279-287. (https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jaal.678) 2. Tanış, A., & Cengizhan, L. (2010). Analyzing the novel “to kill a Mockingbird” in literature class. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 4387-4391. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187704281000738X) 3. Al-Mamoory, S., & Witwit, M. A. (2021). Critical Discourse Analysis of Opression in''To Kill a Mockingbird''. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, 9(02), 11-24. (http://journals.researchub.org/index.php/jsshr/article/view/1243) 4. Stiltner, M. A. (2002). Don't put your shoes on the bed: A moral analysis of “To Kill a Mockingbird”. East Tennessee State University.(https://www.proquest.com/openview/fa19ac9b0047942ce79bc14a55116582/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y) 5. Khokhar, M. I., & Mashori, G. M. (2018). Marxist Analysis of to Kill A Mockingbird According To Peter Barry. Journal of Grassroot, 52(2). (https://www.prdb.pk/article/marxist-analysis-of-to-kill-a-mockingbird-according-to-peter-2526) 6. Shackelford, D. (1996). The Female Voice in" To Kill a Mockingbird": Narrative Strategies in Film and Novel. The Mississippi Quarterly, 50(1), 101-113. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/26475781) 7. Sastrawijaya, M. D. (2021). The Character and Moral Values in “to Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. INFERENCE: Journal of English Language Teaching, 3(1), 81-87. (https://journal.lppmunindra.ac.id/index.php/inference/article/view/6070) 8. Winarni, B., Nugroho, A., & Fatimah, S. (2013). Affection And Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird Novel By Harper Lee (1960): A Psychoanalytic Approach (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta). (http://eprints.ums.ac.id/26577/)

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To Kill A Mockingbird (film)

By robert mulligan, to kill a mockingbird (film) essay questions.

The relationship between Arthur “Boo” Radley and the Finch children is one of the most fascinating components of To Kill a Mockingbird . How does their relationship change over the course of the film, and what catalyzes these developments?

At the beginning of the film, Jem and Scout view Boo as a terrifying childhood phantom down the street. Since the children have never seen Boo in person but have heard multiple gossipy stories about him, Boo is the subject of their fantasies; they spend much of their summer trying to get into the elusive Radley property and get a glimpse of Boo. This sort of behavior is well-meaning but ultimately cruel, yet Boo admires the naive purity of children. He begins to communicate with them via the knothole trinkets, but Boo's father abruptly puts an end to this. The relationship between Boo and the children evolves to one of mutual respect at the end of the film. The protective and loving Boo saves the children, and Scout begins to consider his point of view and acknowledges both his goodness and the trials he has faced, comparing the subjecting of Boo to the killing of a mockingbird. Scout’s newfound maturity catalyzes the changes in her and Boo's relationship.

Analyze the setting of Maycomb, Alabama in the film. Is the small town idyllic, corrupt, or both? How do the defining features of Maycomb evoke some of the film’s themes?

Maycomb plays a complex role in the film. In the first few scenes of the movie, Maycomb embodies idyllic Southern small-town lif. The older Scout describes a slow-paced, languid town, where “the day was 24 hours long, but it seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go and nothin' to buy...and no money to buy it with.” Jem, Scout, and Dill spend their carefree summers looking for trouble, hanging out in a tree-house, and playing tire games. However, the film juxtaposes the seemingly perfect town with Southern Gothic details, which reveals the spine-crawling darkness—drunks, racial tensions, abuse, poverty—lying beneath the town’s facade. With this contrast between the ideal and the morbid, Mulligan renders the complicated, inscrutable features of small-town life.

Justice and the law are two major themes of To Kill a Mockingbird . Do you believe that justice is achieved by the end of the film? Back up your argument with supporting evidence from the film.

The failure of the legal system to provide a fair, non-discriminatory trial for Tom is, in many ways, a major injustice present in the film. Tom never gets justice, and his wrongful conviction and death are tragic. One could argue that some forms of penance and justice surface in the film. Ewell’s death provides some closure and justice in the film, due to his attack on the children and the crucial role he played in convicting Tom. Atticus’s defense speech forces many members of the community to reconsider their prejudices. Thus, whether justice is attained in the film is largely up to viewer interpretation.

Analyze the character of Jem. In what ways does he change throughout the film? What is his moral development?

Jem begins the film as a typical pre-adolescent, with an interest in playing football with his father and accepting rebellious dares. Like many children, Jem has not yet had to deal will many of the evils in the world, of which there are plenty in his town (racism, prejudice, abuse, the failure of the criminal justice system) so he believes in the essential goodness of humanity by default. However, once he observes Ewell calling Atticus a “n—er lover,” Jem becomes disillusioned and struggles to reconcile these encounters with the immorality he begins to see around him, a sense that only deepens after he witnesses Tom’s trial and verdict. Jem’s loss of innocence renders him jaded and cynical about his fellow man, and because Scout’s moral development becomes the emphasis of the final act, we don’t see him thoroughly restore his faith in humanity. However, because Jem has Atticus as a father, we can assume that he will be just fine.

Discuss Atticus’s parenting style. How is he a role model for Jem and Scout?

Atticus applies his virtuous principles of supreme morality and fairness to his children. He permits Jem and Scout to call him by his first name, as he considers them equals. Atticus teaches valuable moral lessons to Scout and Jem: he introduces Scout to the importance of empathy and other people’s point of views, and he notifies Jem of how he (Atticus) cannot protect him (Jem) from the evils of the world.

To Kill A Mockingbird (film) Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for To Kill A Mockingbird (film) is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Which did you enjoy more- the book or the movie? Why?

This question calls for your opinion, there is no right or wrong answer. I love both the movie and the book.... the movie is spectacular.

Why did more people choose watching movies?

First of all, one of the main reasons why poeple chose films is that their faster and easier to "consume". In oder words, some people would rather spend 2 hours watching a film than 4 hours reading the book,

Secondly, the film industry has become...

What does Jem ask Walter Cunningham about at lunch? Why does Atticus say it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird?

Jem asked, “Your daddy Mr. Walter Cunningham from Old Sarum?” , and Walter nodded and Jem grinned at him and invited him to have dinner with them, assuring him that they would be glad to have him over, and he said: Jem said, “Our daddy’s a friend...

Study Guide for To Kill A Mockingbird (film)

To Kill A Mockingbird (film) study guide contains a biography of Robert Mulligan, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About To Kill A Mockingbird (film)
• To Kill A Mockingbird (film) Summary
• Character List
• Director's Influence

Essays for To Kill A Mockingbird (film)

To Kill A Mockingbird (film) essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of To Kill A Mockingbird (film) by Robert Mulligan.

• Peculiarities of Human Behaviour and Motivations in The Merchant of Venice and To Kill a Mockingbird

Wikipedia Entries for To Kill A Mockingbird (film)

• Introduction

Everything You Need to Know About Analysing ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ for English | Summary, Context, Themes & Characters

One of the classics of American literature, ‘ To Kill a Mockingbird’ has been assigned to you for your English class and you need to conduct an essay analysis. Whether you’re looking for a summary of the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird or a quick refresher of the key characters or context, we’ve got you! 

You’ll also be able to download a copy of our analysed textual examples, as well as a sample paragraph so you can ace your tasks.

Let’s take a look together! 

To Kill a Mockingbird Summary Key Characters in To Kill a Mockingbird Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird Context Themes Explored in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird

Summary of To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel that centres around the Finch family and is told through the perspective of Jean (nicknamed Scout), within the town of Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus, Jean’s father, is a prominent lawyer and the family lives relatively comfortably despite the impacts of the Great Depression. 

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Scout, her brother Jem and their friend Dill spend the summer together where Dill eventually becomes fascinated by the Radley’s house where Boo Radley, a mysterious and ghostly figure that is the topic of much speculation and stories for the children of Maycomb .

Scout and Jem find gifts in the knothole of a tree on the Radley property, but Nathan Radley chases the children off the property and eventually seals up the knothole. When a fire breaks out, Jem tells Atticus that Boo is caused it. 

Access the To Kill a Mockingbird Downloadable Sample Paragraph and Examples of Analysis

The climax of the novel arrives when Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man who has been accused of raping a white woman. As a result, Scout and Jem get bullied by other children in their conservative, racist town.

At a pivotal moment, Mrs Dubose, the neighbour of the Finch family, harasses the children and Jem lashes out by destroying her garden.

As punishment, Atticus tells Jem to read to Mrs Dubose every day, explaining to the children that she is addicted to morphine and trying to overcome her addiction. Thus, despite the children’s initial indignation, Atticus teaches them an important lesson in empathy and perspective. 

When Tom Robinson’s trial begins, he is held in the local courthouse where a group of people gather planning to lynch him. Atticus confronts the group the night before the trial, where Jem and Scout sneak out of the house to join him.

Recognising one of the men, Scout gently asks him how his son is doing, unknowingly shaming him and causing the group the disperse. 

At the trial, the siblings choose to sit with the town’s Black citizens as Atticus presents clear evidence that Mayella and Bob Ewell are lying about the rape.

Atticus demonstrates that the injuries on Mayella’s face are wounds from Bob when he found her with Tom. However, despite the convincing evidence indicating Tom’s innocence, the all-white jury convicts him. 

Tom is killed later on when he tries to escape prison. Additionally, despite his success at the trial, Bob Ewell feels that he has been made a fool and takes revenge.

First, he harasses Tom’s widow before finally attacking Jem and Scout as they walk home from a party. However, the children are saved by Boo Radley who fatally stabs Ewell during the struggle.

Boo carries an injured Jem home and Atticus insists that Ewell tripped over a tree root and fell on his knife to protect Boo.  The novel ends with Scout walking Boo home and reflecting on the events of the novel and the complexities of humanity. 

Key Characters in To Kill a Mockingbird

Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch is the main character and we first met her when she is 6 years old, although it is narrated by an older Scout who is reflecting and looking back on her life. Through her, we learn about the town, her family and what it was like to live in the early 1930s during the Great Depression and the racial tensions that existed during that time.  

Atticus Finch Atticus Finch is a single father in To Kill a Mockingbird who is appointed as the defence lawyer for a Black man who is accused of raping a White woman. Throughout the novel, Atticus teaches the children about empathy and how to view situations from different people’s perspectives instead of judging them harshly. 

Jem Finch Jem Finch is Scout’s older brother who looks up to their father a lot. As an older brother, Jem accompanies Scout for a lot of her adventures and it is evident that the two are close. Being older, we watch Jem mature and often understand issues that Scout still does not. 

Tom Robinson Tom Robinson is the Black man who Atticus defends during the rape trial. During the trial, there is compelling evidence that Tom is innocent and that the Ewells falsely accused him of rape. Despite this, Tom Robinson is found guilty due to the jury’s racial prejudice. 

Boo Radley Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley is the Finch’s mysterious neighbour which the children in the town often speculate and make up scary stories about him. While he was a teenager, Boo was part of a gang of boys who caused trouble in Maycomb by drinking and gambling. As a result of this, he was locked in his home for many years and not allowed out. However, he has a soft spot for the children, leaving them gifts in the knothole of a tree and saving Jem when he is attacked by Bob Ewell. 

Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird

Mockingbird In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the symbolic significance of the mockingbird resonates deeply. It represents innocence and goodness . Atticus Finch’s advice to his children, Scout and Jem, to never harm a mockingbird metaphorically extends beyond the bird itself. The innocent characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are likened to mockingbirds, as they bring no harm but are subjected to cruelty and injustice due to societal prejudices .

The Radley Place The ominous Radley house and its reclusive occupants, particularly Boo Radley, symbolise the fear of the unknown . The town’s gossip and myths surrounding the Radleys serve as a reflection of the community’s prejudiced attitudes. Boo Radley, initially feared and misunderstood, eventually becomes a symbol of compassion and kindness, challenging the town’s preconceived notions.

These symbols intricately weave into the narrative, adding layers of depth to the novel’s themes of innocence, prejudice, empathy, and the complexities of morality and human behavior.

To Kill a Mockingbird is set in Alabama during the 1930s, allowing Harper Lee to explore the impact of racism and the Great Depression on people. While slavery had been abolished in 1890, most White Americans continued to hold racial prejudices against them.

Segregation laws meant that Black people were separated from White people. This is reflected in Maycomb where they live in a separate part of town and even sit in a separate area during Tom Robinson’s trial. 

Image sourced from Britannica

Additionally, Lee demonstrates the racism in America during this time through the town’s response to Atticus agreeing to defend Tom and his subsequent trial. From the children being harassed, the attempted lynching of Tom and finally being found guilty by the jury despite overwhelming proof of his innocence, the novel demonstrates how racism affected Black people in all aspects of their lives during this time. 

While the novel was set in the 1930s, Lee wrote it during the 1960s when the Civil Rights Movement was happening . The legal system continued to be discriminatory towards Black people, thus many of the racial themes that Lee explores in the novel would easily be recognisable to the public when the book was published.

The continued relevance of To Kill a Mockingbird during the 21st century can still be seen in the Black Lives Matter movement in America and ongoing racial injustices. 

Image sourced from Minnesota Historical Society

Themes Explored in To Kill a Mockingbird

As you read through To Kill a Mockingbird, you will encounter themes such as:

• Empathy and courage
• Loss of innocence 

The Complexities of Humanity

To Kill a Mockingbird explores the complexities of humanity and how both good and evil can exist at the same time within people. Told through the perspective of Scout between the ages of 6-9, readers are offered an opportunity to watch Scout mature while also learning alongside her. 

Social Prejudice

Themes of social prejudice are also strong within the novel, featuring various social outcasts from Mrs Dubose who is a morphine addict, Boo Radley and the Black citizens of Maycomb.

Through these characters, Lee is able to explore the different prejudices society often holds and encourages us to be empathetic to people we may think of as unpleasant or weird due to their differences or behaviours. Instead, we are encouraged to see a different point of view and “climb into his skin and walk around in it”. 

The Enduring Relevance of the Text

While To Kill a Mockingbird was set in the 1930s and written in the 1960s, many of the themes continue to remain relevant more than 50 years later. It is likely that your English classes will ask you to consider why we continue to study this book and what it teaches us about social prejudices.

While segregation may be a thing of the past, themes like racism’s impact on the justice system can still be seen in movements like Black Lives Matter. Additionally, while the book deals with racism specifically, social prejudices like how we interact with people from different backgrounds, those with a disability or LGBTQ+ people can also be examined through this book. 

Events to Keep in Mind

While Tom Robinson’s case is the climax of the novel, there are various characters and events that you should keep a lookout for as well!

From the children going to the Black church, their interactions with Mrs Dubose and Boo Radley — there are various events where the children build empathy and challenge their own opinions of other citizens in the town , providing an opportunity for the readers to learn alongside them too. 

How to Analyse To Kill a Mockingbird in 3 Steps

Usually, when students try to write their essay for To Kill a Mockingbird, or any other text, they’ll try to work on their thesis first when responding to an essay question — however, we recommend starting with your analysis!

Doing this will allow you to expand your knowledge of the text before thoroughly answering anything about it. Once you’ve analysed your text, then you can draw ideas from it and properly build your thesis.

We’re going to walk you through writing up an essay analysis for To Kill a Mockingbird in three simple steps!

Step 1: Choose your example

When picking an example ensure that you are able to identify a technique in the text.

Here, we have chosen to look at Atticus’s statement to the Court and jury at Tom Robinson’s trial:

“We know all men are not created equal in the sense some people would have us believe – some people are smarter than others, some people have more opportunity because they’re born with it, some men make more money than others, some ladies make better cakes than others… But there is one way in this country in which all men have been created equal… That institution, gentlemen, is a court.”

This is quite a long quote from To Kill a Mockingbird, so remember when you’re actually writing up your analysis for your essay, you don’t actually need to include the complete quote — just excerpts.

We’ve got a list of 50 quotes that you should check out from To Kill a Mockingbird!

Step 2: Identify your technique(s)

Ensure that the technique you choose for your quote supports your analysis or helps you to build your argument.  

To enhance your response, you want to discuss techniques that have a lot more depth — you should keep an eye out for any literary techniques such as metaphors, similes and motifs!

For the above quote, there is repetition, cumulative listing, inclusive language and allusion. 

Step 3: Write the analysis

When writing the analysis, focus on the effect of the technique and how it supports your argument. In this case, we are going to analyse how the quote addresses the theme of racial prejudices. 

The opening of “we know all men are not created equal” subverts the American declaration of independence , as Atticus utilises cumulative listing to demonstrate all the ways in which men and women are not equal.

However, he also reminds the jury during this trial that the law is a “way in this country in which all men have been created equal”, alluding to the American Declaration of Independence and the core values of the nation . Analysis for this quote may look like: 

Atticus, aware that the jury is likely to find Tom Robinson guilty despite strong evidence of his innocence due to the racial prejudices the White jury is likely to hold tries to challenge this t hrough the inclusive language of in “we know all men are not created equal”, Atticus presents the jury and the defence as being on the same side. Furthermore, the allusion to the core American values when he states “in this country there is one way all men have been created equal”, creates an appeal to both the jury’s sense of justice and core American values. 

Need to write a Feature Article on ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’? Look no further than this incredible in-depth guide to help you ace your writing!

Need some help analysing other texts?

Check out other texts we’ve created guides for below:

• All the Light We Cannot See
• Lord of the Flies
• The Meursault Investigation
• In Cold Blood
• Pride and Prejudice
• Jasper Jones
• Romeo and Juliet

Read also: how to write a feature article for English ! 

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We can help you master your essay analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by taking you through the summary, key characters and themes. We’ll also help you ace your upcoming English assessments with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or online!

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Tiffany Fong is currently completing a double degree in Media and Communications with Law at Macquarie University. She currently contributes to the university zine, Grapeshot where she enjoys writing feature articles, commentary on current affairs or whatever weird interest that has taken over her mind during that month. During her spare time, Tiffany enjoys reading, writing, taking care of her plants or cuddling with her two dogs. 

• Topics: ✍️ Learn , ✏️ English

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To Kill a Mockingbird

Literary Analysis

Character analysis, character development.

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• DC W.9-10.1,
• DC W.9-10.2,
• DC W.9-10.4,
• DC W.9-10.9,
• DE RL.9-10.1,
• DE RL.9-10.3,
• DE W.9-10.1,
• DE W.9-10.2,
• DE W.9-10.4,
• DE W.9-10.9,
• FL ELA.8.C.1.3,
• FL ELA.8.C.1.4,
• FL ELA.8.C.1.5,
• FL ELA.8.R.1.1,
• FL ELA.8.R.1.3,
• FL ELA.K12.EE.1.1,
• FL ELA.K12.EE.3.1,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL1,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL3,
• GA ELAGSE9-10W1,
• GA ELAGSE9-10W2,
• GA ELAGSE9-10W4,
• GA ELAGSE9-10W9,
• HI 9-10.RL.1,
• HI 9-10.RL.3,
• HI 9-10.W.1,
• HI 9-10.W.2,
• HI 9-10.W.4,
• HI 9-10.W.9,
• IA RL.9-10.1,
• IA RL.9-10.3,
• IA W.9-10.1,
• IA W.9-10.2,
• IA W.9-10.4,
• IA W.9-10.9,
• ID 9/10.RC.L.5,
• ID 9/10.RC.L.5.b,
• ID 9/10.RC.TE.3,
• ID 9/10.W.RW.1,
• IL RL.9-10.1,
• IL RL.9-10.3,
• IL W.9-10.1,
• IL W.9-10.2,
• IL W.9-10.4,
• IL W.9-10.9,
• IN 9-10.RC.1,
• IN 9-10.RC.3,
• IN 9-10.W.2,
• KS RL.9-10.1,
• KS RL.9-10.3,
• KS W.9-10.1,
• KS W.9-10.2,
• KS W.9-10.4,
• KS W.9-10.9,
• KY C.9-10.1,
• KY C.9-10.1.a,
• KY C.9-10.2,
• KY C.9-10.2.a,
• KY C.9-10.3.a,
• KY C.9-10.6,
• KY RL.9-10.1,
• KY RL.9-10.3,
• LA RL.9-10.1,
• LA RL.9-10.3,
• LA W.9-10.1,
• LA W.9-10.2,
• LA W.9-10.4,
• LA W.9-10.9,
• MA RL.9-10.1,
• MA RL.9-10.3,
• MA W.9-10.1,
• MA W.9-10.2,
• MA W.9-10.4,
• MA W.9-10.9,
• MD RL.9-10.1,
• MD RL.9-10.3,
• MD W.9-10.1,
• MD W.9-10.2,
• MD W.9-10.4,
• MD W.9-10.9,
• ME R.4.9-D,
• ME R.6.9-D,
• ME R.6.9-D.a,
• ME W.1.9-D,
• ME W.3.9-D,
• MI RL.9-10.1,
• MI RL.9-10.3,
• MI W.9-10.1,
• MI W.9-10.2,
• MI W.9-10.4,
• MI W.9-10.9,
• MN 9.4.1.1,
• MN 9.4.3.3,
• MN 9.7.1.1,
• MN 9.7.2.2,
• MN 9.7.4.4,
• MN 9.7.9.9,
• MO 9-10.RL.1.A,
• MO 9-10.RL.2.B,
• MO 9-10.RL.2.D,
• MO 9-10.W.2.A,
• MO 9-10.W.3.A.a,
• MO 9-10.W.3.A.b,
• MO 9-10.W.3.A.d,
• MS RL.10.1,
• MS RL.10.3,
• MT RL.9-10.1,
• MT RL.9-10.3,
• MT W.9-10.1,
• MT W.9-10.2,
• MT W.9-10.4,
• MT W.9-10.9,
• NC RL.9-10.1,
• NC RL.9-10.3,
• NC W.9-10.1,
• NC W.9-10.1.g,
• NC W.9-10.2,
• NC W.9-10.2.h,
• NC W.9-10.3.g,
• NC W.9-10.6,
• ND 9-10.R.2,
• ND 9-10.R.8.a,
• ND 9-10.W.1,
• ND 9-10.W.3,
• ND 9-10.W.4.a,
• NE LA.10.RP.2,
• NE LA.10.W.2,
• NE LA.10.W.4,
• NE LA.10.W.5,
• NH RL.9-10.1,
• NH RL.9-10.3,
• NH W.9-10.1,
• NH W.9-10.2,
• NH W.9-10.4,
• NH W.9-10.9,
• NJ RL.9-10.1,
• NJ RL.9-10.3,
• NJ W.9-10.1,
• NJ W.9-10.2,
• NJ W.9-10.4,
• NJ W.9-10.9,
• NM RL.9-10.1,
• NM RL.9-10.3,
• NM W.9-10.1,
• NM W.9-10.2,
• NM W.9-10.4,
• NM W.9-10.9,
• NV RL.9-10.1,
• NV RL.9-10.3,
• NV W.9-10.1,
• NV W.9-10.2,
• NV W.9-10.4,
• NV W.9-10.9,
• NY 9-10 R.1,
• NY 9-10 R.3,
• NY 9-10 W.1,
• NY 9-10 W.2,
• NY 9-10 W.5,
• OH RL.9-10.1,
• OH RL.9-10.3,
• OH W.9-10.1,
• OH W.9-10.2,
• OH W.9-10.4,
• OH W.9-10.9,
• OK 10.3.R.3,
• OK 10.3.W.2,
• OK 10.3.W.3,
• OK 9.3.R.3,
• OK 9.3.W.2,
• OK 9.3.W.3,
• OR RL.9-10.1,
• OR RL.9-10.3,
• OR W.9-10.1,
• OR W.9-10.2,
• OR W.9-10.4,
• OR W.9-10.9,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.B,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.C,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.A,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.B,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.G,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.H,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.S,
• Pre-AP EK 1.1A1,
• Pre-AP EK 1.1A3,
• Pre-AP EK 1.3A1,
• Pre-AP EK 1.3A2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.1A1,
• Pre-AP EK 2.1A2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.1A3,
• Pre-AP EK 2.1C2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2A1,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2A2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2A3,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2B1,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2B2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2B3,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2C1,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2C2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2D1,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2D2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.2E2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3A1,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3A3,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3B2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3C1,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3C2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3C3,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3C4,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3D1,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3D2,
• Pre-AP EK 2.3D3,
• Pre-AP LO 1.1A,
• Pre-AP LO 1.3A,
• Pre-AP LO 2.1A,
• Pre-AP LO 2.1C,
• Pre-AP LO 2.2A,
• Pre-AP LO 2.2B,
• Pre-AP LO 2.2C,
• Pre-AP LO 2.2D,
• Pre-AP LO 2.2E,
• Pre-AP LO 2.3A,
• Pre-AP LO 2.3B,
• Pre-AP LO 2.3C,
• Pre-AP LO 2.3D,
• Pre-AP LO 4.2C,
• RI RL.9-10.1,
• RI RL.9-10.3,
• RI W.9-10.1,
• RI W.9-10.2,
• RI W.9-10.4,
• RI W.9-10.9,
• SC E1.RL.11,
• SC E1.RL.11.1,
• SC E1.RL.5.1,
• SC E1.RL.8,
• SC E1.RL.8.1,
• SC E2.RL.11,
• SC E2.RL.5.1,
• SC E2.RL.8,
• SC E2.RL.8.1,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.1.1,
• SC ELA.E1.C.1.1,
• SC ELA.E1.C.2.1,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.1.1,
• SC ELA.E2.C.1.1,
• SC ELA.E2.C.2.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.3,
• SD 9-10.W.1,
• SD 9-10.W.2,
• SD 9-10.W.4,
• SD 9-10.W.9,
• TN 9-10.RL.KID.1,
• TN 9-10.RL.KID.3,
• TN 9-10.W.PDW.4,
• TN 9-10.W.RBPK.9,
• TN 9-10.W.TTP.1,
• TN 9-10.W.TTP.2,
• TX TEKS E1.10,
• TX TEKS E1.10.B,
• TX TEKS E1.10.C,
• TX TEKS E1.4,
• TX TEKS E1.4.F,
• TX TEKS E1.5.B,
• TX TEKS E1.5.C,
• TX TEKS E1.6,
• TX TEKS E1.6.A,
• TX TEKS E1.6.B,
• TX TEKS E1.7,
• TX TEKS E1.7.A,
• TX TEKS E1.8.F,
• TX TEKS E1.9.B,
• TX TEKS E1.9.B.i,
• TX TEKS E2.10,
• TX TEKS E2.10B,
• TX TEKS E2.4,
• TX TEKS E2.4.F,
• TX TEKS E2.5.B,
• TX TEKS E2.5.C,
• TX TEKS E2.6,
• TX TEKS E2.6.A,
• TX TEKS E2.6.B,
• TX TEKS E2.7,
• TX TEKS E2.8.F,
• TX TEKS E2.9.B,
• TX TEKS E2.9.B.i,
• UT 9-10.R.5,
• UT 9-10.R.8,
• UT 9-10.W.1,
• UT 9-10.W.1.d,
• UT 9-10.W.2,
• UT 9-10.W.2.e,
• UT 9-10.W.3.e,
• VT RL.9-10.1,
• VT RL.9-10.3,
• VT W.9-10.1,
• VT W.9-10.2,
• VT W.9-10.4,
• VT W.9-10.9,
• WA RL.9-10.1,
• WA RL.9-10.3,
• WA W.9-10.1,
• WA W.9-10.2,
• WA W.9-10.4,
• WA W.9-10.9,
• WI R.9-10.1,
• WI R.9-10.3,
• WI W.9-10.2,
• WI W.9-10.2.a,
• WI W.9-10.2.b,
• WI W.9-10.3,
• WI W.9-10.3.a,
• WI W.9-10.3.b,
• WI W.9-10.3.c,
• WI W.9-10.4,
• WI W.9-10.9,
• WV ELA.10.1,
• WV ELA.10.20,
• WV ELA.10.21,
• WV ELA.10.23,
• WV ELA.10.28,
• WV ELA.10.3,
• WV ELA.9.1,
• WV ELA.9.20,
• WV ELA.9.21,
• WV ELA.9.23,
• WV ELA.9.28,
• WV ELA.9.3,
• WY RL.9-10.1,
• WY RL.9-10.3,
• WY W.9-10.1,
• WY W.9-10.2,
• WY W.9-10.4,
• WY W.9-10.9

Literary Devices

• AK RL.9-10.4,
• AL 10.CL.R.5,
• AL 9.CL.R.5,
• AZ 9-10.RL.4,
• CA 9-10.RL.4,
• CCSS RL.9-10.4,
• CO RL.9-10.4,
• CT RL.9-10.4,
• DC RL.9-10.4,
• DE RL.9-10.4,
• FL ELA.8.R.3.1,
• FL ELA.8.V.1.3,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL4,
• HI 9-10.RL.4,
• IA RL.9-10.4,
• ID 9/10.VD.WB.1,
• ID 9/10.VD.WB.2.d,
• IL RL.9-10.4,
• IN 9-10.RC.12,
• IN 9-10.RC.9,
• KS RL.9-10.4,
• KY RL.9-10.4,
• LA RL.9-10.4,
• MA RL.9-10.4,
• MD RL.9-10.4,
• ME R.7.9-D.a,
• MI RL.9-10.4,
• MN 9.4.4.4,
• MO 9-10.RL.1.B,
• MO 9-10.RL.2.C,
• MS RL.10.4,
• MT RL.9-10.4,
• NC RL.9-10.4,
• ND 9-10.R.5,
• NE LA.10.V.2,
• NH RL.9-10.4,
• NJ RL.9-10.4,
• NM RL.9-10.4,
• NV RL.9-10.4,
• NY 9-10 R.4,
• OH RL.9-10.4,
• OK 10.3.R.4,
• OK 10.4.R.2,
• OK 9.3.R.4,
• OK 9.4.R.2,
• OR RL.9-10.4,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.F,
• Pre-AP EK 1.3B1,
• Pre-AP EK 3.1A1,
• Pre-AP EK 3.1A2,
• Pre-AP EK 3.1A3,
• Pre-AP LO 1.3B,
• Pre-AP LO 3.1A,
• RI RL.9-10.4,
• SC E1.RL.10,
• SC E1.RL.10.1,
• SC E1.RL.9,
• SC E1.RL.9.1,
• SC E2.RL.10,
• SC E2.RL.10.1,
• SC E2.RL.9,
• SC E2.RL.9.1,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.1.2,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.7.1,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.1.2,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.7.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.4,
• TN 9-10.RL.CS.4,
• TX TEKS E1.8.E,
• TX TEKS E2.8.E,
• VT RL.9-10.4,
• WA RL.9-10.4,
• WI R.9-10.4,
• WV ELA.10.7,
• WV ELA.9.7,
• WY RL.9-10.4,

Social-Historical Context

• AK RL.9-10.5,
• AR 10.RC.6.RL,
• AR 9.RC.6.RL,
• AZ 9-10.RL.5,
• CA 9-10.RL.5,
• CCSS RL.9-10.5,
• CO RL.9-10.5,
• CT RL.9-10.5,
• DC RL.9-10.5,
• DE RL.9-10.5,
• FL ELA.8.R.2.1,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL5,
• HI 9-10.RL.5,
• IA RL.9-10.5,
• ID 9/10.RC.L.5.c,
• IL RL.9-10.5,
• KS RL.9-10.5,
• KY RL.9-10.5,
• LA RL.9-10.5,
• MA RL.9-10.5,
• MD RL.9-10.5,
• ME R.8.9-D,
• MI RL.9-10.5,
• MN 9.4.5.5,
• MO 9-10.RL.2.A,
• MS RL.10.5,
• MT RL.9-10.5,
• NC RL.9-10.5,
• ND 9-10.R.6,
• NE LA.10.RP.4,
• NH RL.9-10.5,
• NJ RL.9-10.5,
• NM RL.9-10.5,
• NV RL.9-10.5,
• NY 9-10 R.5,
• OH RL.9-10.5,
• OR RL.9-10.5,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.E,
• Pre-AP EK 1.1B1,
• Pre-AP EK 1.3B3,
• Pre-AP LO 1.1B,
• RI RL.9-10.5,
• SC E1.RL.12.1,
• SC E1.RL.12.2,
• SC E2.RL.12,
• SC E2.RL.12.1,
• SC E2.RL.12.2,
• SC E4.RL.12.2,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.5.1,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.5.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.5,
• TN 9-10.RL.CS.5,
• TX TEKS E1.4.C,
• TX TEKS E1.6.C,
• TX TEKS E2.4.C,
• TX TEKS E2.6.C,
• UT 9-10.R.10,
• VT RL.9-10.5,
• WA RL.9-10.5,
• WI R.9-10.5,
• WV ELA.10.8,
• WV ELA.9.8,
• WY RL.9-10.5,

Themes and Motifs

Central theme.

• AK RL.9-10.2,
• AR 10.RC.1.RF,
• AR 10.RC.2.RF,
• AR 9.RC.1.RF,
• AR 9.RC.2.RF,
• AZ 9-10.RL.2,
• CA 9-10.RL.2,
• CCSS RL.9-10.2,
• CO RL.9-10.2,
• CT RL.9-10.2,
• DC RL.9-10.2,
• DE RL.9-10.2,
• FL ELA.8.R.1.2,
• FL ELA.8.R.2.2,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL2,
• HI 9-10.RL.2,
• IA RL.9-10.2,
• ID 9/10.RC.L.5.a,
• IL RL.9-10.2,
• IN 9-10.RC.2,
• IN 9-10.RC.4,
• KS RL.9-10.2,
• KY RL.9-10.2,
• LA RL.9-10.2,
• MA RL.9-10.2,
• MD RL.9-10.2,
• ME R.5.9-D,
• ME R.5.9-D.a,
• ME R.5.9-D.b,
• MI RL.9-10.2,
• MN 9.4.2.2,
• MO 9-10.RL.1.D,
• MS RL.10.2,
• MT RL.9-10.2,
• NC RL.9-10.2,
• ND 11-12.R.3.b,
• ND 9-10.R.4,
• NE LA.10.RP.1,
• NE LA.10.RP.6,
• NH RL.9-10.2,
• NJ RL.9-10.2,
• NM RL.9-10.2,
• NV RL.9-10.2,
• NY 9-10 R.2,
• OH RL.9-10.2,
• OH RL.9-10.2.a,
• OH RL.9-10.2.b,
• OK 10.2.R.1,
• OK 9.2.R.1,
• OR RL.9-10.2,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.A,
• RI RL.9-10.2,
• SC E1.RL.6,
• SC E1.RL.6.1,
• SC E2.RL.6,
• SC E2.RL.6.1,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.2.1,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.2.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.2,
• TN 9-10.RL.KID.2,
• TX TEKS E1.4.G,
• TX TEKS E1.6.D,
• TX TEKS E2.4.G,
• TX TEKS E2.6.D,
• UT 9-10.R.6,
• VT RL.9-10.2,
• WA RL.9-10.2,
• WI R.9-10.2,
• WV ELA.10.2,
• WV ELA.9.2,
• WY RL.9-10.2,

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Plot summary

• Analysis, adaptations, and Go Set a Watchman

What is To Kill a Mockingbird about?

What inspired harper lee to write to kill a mockingbird , how did people respond to to kill a mockingbird , why is to kill a mockingbird a significant text, is there a sequel to to kill a mockingbird .

To Kill a Mockingbird

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• National Endowment for the Arts - To Kill a Mockingbird
• Encyclopedia of Alabama - To Kill A Mockingbird
• Internet Archive - "To Kill a Mockingbird"
• Academia - To Kill a Mockingbird: Race, Class and Innocence in the Contemporary Society INTRODUCTION
• To Kill a Mockingbird - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression (1929–39). The story centres on Jean Louise (“Scout”) Finch, an unusually intelligent girl who ages from six to nine years old during the novel. She and her brother, Jeremy Atticus (“Jem”), are raised by their widowed father, Atticus Finch. Atticus is a well-known and respected lawyer. He teaches his children to be empathetic and just, always leading by example.

When Tom Robinson, one of the town’s Black residents, is falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a young white woman, Atticus agrees to defend him despite threats from the community. Although Atticus presents a defense that gives a more plausible interpretation of the evidence—that Mayella was attacked by her father, Bob Ewell—Tom is convicted. He is later killed while trying to escape custody. The children, meanwhile, play out their own miniaturized drama. Scout and Jem become especially interested in the town recluse, Arthur (“Boo”) Radley, who interacts with them by leaving them small gifts in a tree. On Halloween, when Bob Ewell tries to attack Scout and Jem, Boo intervenes and saves them. Boo ultimately kills Ewell. The sheriff, however, decides to tell the community that Ewell’s death was an accident.

It is widely believed that Harper Lee based the character of Atticus Finch on her father, Amasa Coleman Lee, a compassionate and dedicated lawyer. The plot of To Kill a Mockingbird was reportedly inspired in part by his unsuccessful defense of two African American men—a father and a son—accused of murdering a white storekeeper. The fictional character of Charles Baker (“Dill”) Harris also has a real-life counterpart. Dill is based on the author Truman Capote , Lee’s childhood friend and next-door neighbour in Monroeville, Alabama. (After the spectacular success of To Kill a Mockingbird , some speculated that Capote was the actual author of Lee’s work. This rumour was not put to rest until 2006.) There is some anecdotal evidence that the town recluse, Arthur (“Boo”) Radley, was based on Lee and Capote’s childhood neighbour, Son Boulware. According to Capote, Boo “was a real man, and he lived just down the road from us.…Everything [Lee] wrote about it is absolutely true.”

Harper Lee began writing To Kill a Mockingbird in the mid-1950s. It was published in 1960, just before the peak of the American civil rights movement . Initial critical responses to the novel were mixed. Many critics praised Lee for her sensitive treatment of a child’s awakening to racism and prejudice. Others, however, criticized the novel’s tendency to sermonize. Some reviewers argued that the narrative voice was unconvincing. The novel was nonetheless enormously popular with contemporary audiences. To Kill a Mockingbird flourished in the racially charged environment of the United States in the early 1960s. In its first year it sold about 500,000 copies. A year after the publication of the novel, Lee was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best-known and most widely read books in the United States. Since its publication in 1960, the novel has been translated into some 40 languages and has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. A staple on American high- school reading lists, the novel has inspired numerous stage and film adaptations, the most notable of which was the 1962 film starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. Lee’s novel continues to resonate with audiences today; in 2018 a stage adaptation of the novel debuted to rave reviews on Broadway.

In 2015 Harper Lee published a second novel titled Go Set a Watchman . Although it was technically written before To Kill a Mockingbird , the novel is essentially a sequel. Go Set a Watchman is set 20 years after the events of To Kill a Mockingbird . In the novel, Jean Louise (”Scout”) Finch—now a grown woman living in New York City—returns to her childhood home in Alabama to visit her aging father, who has embraced racist views. Despite the controversy surrounding its publication (some believe the novel is actually an early draft of To Kill a Mockingbird ), the novel reportedly sold 1.1 million copies in its first week.

To Kill a Mockingbird , novel by American author Harper Lee , published in 1960. Enormously popular, it was translated into some 40 languages, sold more than 40 million copies worldwide , and is one of the most-assigned novels in American schools. In 1961 it won a Pulitzer Prize . The novel was praised for its sensitive treatment of a child’s awakening to racism and prejudice in the American South .

To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression . The protagonist is Jean Louise (“Scout”) Finch, an intelligent though unconventional girl who ages from six to nine years old during the course of the novel. She is raised with her brother, Jeremy Atticus (“Jem”), by their widowed father, Atticus Finch . He is a prominent lawyer who encourages his children to be empathetic and just. He notably tells them that it is “a sin to kill a mockingbird ,” alluding to the fact that the birds are innocent and harmless.

When Tom Robinson, one of the town’s Black residents, is falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman, Atticus agrees to defend him despite threats from the community . At one point he faces a mob intent on lynching his client but refuses to abandon him. Scout unwittingly diffuses the situation. Although Atticus presents a defense that gives a more plausible interpretation of the evidence—that Mayella was attacked by her father, Bob Ewell—Tom is convicted, and he is later killed while trying to escape custody. A character compares his death to “the senseless slaughter of songbirds,” paralleling Atticus’s saying about the mockingbird.

The children, meanwhile, play out their own miniaturized drama of prejudice and superstition as they become interested in Arthur (“Boo”) Radley , a reclusive neighbour who is a local legend . They have their own ideas about him and cannot resist the allure of trespassing on the Radley property. Their speculations thrive on the dehumanization perpetuated by their elders. Atticus, however, reprimands them and tries to encourage a more sensitive attitude. Boo makes his presence felt indirectly through a series of benevolent acts, finally intervening when Bob Ewell attacks Jem and Scout. Boo kills Ewell, but Heck Tate, the sheriff, believes it is better to say that Ewell’s death occurred when he fell on his own knife, sparing the shy Boo from unwanted attention. Scout agrees, noting that to do otherwise would be “sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird.”