To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee — A book About the Coexistence of Good and Evil
A book worth your time
I believe I got my hands on this popular book a little too late, but as they say, better late than never. Surely, I want to thank my husband’s bookshelf — I would not have bothered reading it had it not jumped right in front of me.
Honestly, I have heard of this book a lot of times. People almost always recommend To Kill a Mockingbird when asked for a classic that is relatable and educational.
Reading a really popular book comes with exceeding expectations that you have from it. Here is what I thought of the book and the lessons learned —
About the Book
The author Harper Lee published To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960, which is extremely popular among readers worldwide. The book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961.
It is a young girl’s coming-of-age narrative highlighting the consequences of prejudice and racism. Jean Louise (aka Scout) lives with her brother, Jeremy Finch (aka Jem), and her father, Atticus Finch, a prominent lawyer in Maycomb, Alabama. A town suffering from the great depression.
The story is from the protagonist, Scout’s viewpoint. She is a 6-year-old who is observing her surroundings and questioning when something happens that contradicts her father’s teachings.
Since Scout’s father, Atticus, always teaches them to be empathetic, just, and tolerant towards other people. He makes Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill stop from disturbing Arthur Radley (aka Boo Radley), a shy and social recluse neighbor.
Well, in their defense, the kids were only acting like kids after hearing awful stories about Boo Radley from the elders in the town. And so, the fascination makes them want Boo to come out.
However, Scout soon learns that Boo is not someone to fear after a few incidents where he leaves her and Jem gifts, gives Scout his blanket, and finally, when he saves them from an attack.
Lee has shown that Atticus also instills how it is a sin to kill a mockingbird — a bird that is innocent and harmless.
Atticus’s advice to Scout and Jem:
I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you’ll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ’em, but remember, it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.
Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Scout, in particular, experiences discrimination against people of color in Maycomb when her father takes up the case of Tom Robinson — a black neighbor, who is falsely accused of raping a white girl, Mayella Ewell.
In the book, a character also compares the killing of the mockingbird to the killing of Tom Robinson, who gets convicted and then murdered when he tries to escape.
Why you should read it
The author has beautifully discussed the coexistence of good and evil in society. Throughout her journey in the book, Scout finally learns that one should never judge a person or a situation and empathize.
The plot only got better with each chapter. Although, in the beginning, the pace was slow, and I had to put my focus rather forcefully, I’m glad I did because it has so much to offer.
Lee dived deep and crafted an unmatched and refined composition for us to sit, think, and reflect on. She showed us Scout’s three years journey from the innocence of a 6-year-old girl to the maturity of a 9-year-old through her emotions and reactions.
She has artistically sprinkled little lessons all over. Here are some of the important messages she imparts through this book.
Important Take-Home Messages from the Book
- Never judge, practice empathy — Atticus taught Scout to judge no one, try to see from their perspective before jumping to conclusions, and be empathetic.
- Two wrongs don’t make a right — Atticus advised Scout to never respond to violence with more violence because it does not end well, and you achieve nothing. The only appropriate and sensible response would be patience and self-control, as their only motive is to get a reaction; do not give them that.
- Never hurt an innocent — one of the most important messages of the book is to protect an innocent, and that it is the worst crime of all to hurt an innocent.
- Courage is standing with what is right — doing the right thing, even when you lose all hope but are determined to never give up.
Conclusion
To Kill a Mockingbird is a masterpiece, and there is a reason people around the world are still reading and appreciating it. Because books with a huge amount of thought, depth, and learning are destined to stay forever in the heart of readers.
You see, I’m sure most avid readers must have read this book by now, but if you are reading this and have not devoured this beauty, I would say you should grab your copy.
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Thanks!
