Themes

There are many mockingbirds in this story. One would definitely be Dill. All he does is nice things for Jem and Scout, and his family. In return, he is neglected and forced to runaway to Maycomb. It is a sin to be mean to him, when all he does is nice things for people and make people happy.

Another mockingbird is, without a doubt, Tom Robinson. He does nothing but is a hardworking gentleman who would never even think to hurt a fly. He has never layed an unwanted hand on a female, and yet is convicted for rape. He was killed, which is a sin to Mayella, Bob, and all of the racist people of Maycomb. "Mockingbirds don't do oen thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That'swhy it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." (Pg. 90) Says Cal to Jem and Scout when they ask why it's such a sin to kill a mockingbird.

Life Lessons

For Jem and Scout, racism from there peers, neighbors, and friends are something that they have to learn to deal with. Like after Tom Robinson's trial when Atticus says to Jem, "I don't know but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it--it seems that only children weep. Goodnight." (Pg. 213) Jem is deeply troubled by the court ruling, he was so sure that they would aquitt him that he couldn't believe the sentencing. He simply doesn't understand why they would convict this man when he was so clearly innocent.

Another lesson Jem and Scout learn, or Atticus tries to teach them, is that they are from a higher class. That the Finches are among higher social standards. They are all well educated, you can recall far back in their family tree, and they don't have cross-breeding. "...son, you know you're a Finch don't you?" (Pg. 133) As Atticus says to Jem trying to tell him that the Finches are.. different then the regular people of Maycomb.

Atticus as a father

Atticus is an older parent, so he is wise, knows his limitations, and does the best with setting examples for his children as he can. He tells them the answers to the uneasy questions they ask such as what rape was, "He sighed, and said rape was carnal knowledge of a female by force and without concent." (pg. 135). He tries to teach his children to be good to all people, no matter their family, race, or religion. He is trying to instill in his children that all people are equals. Everyone is a person with feelings.

Atticus is like my mom where she doesn't always give me the answer. She let's me figure things out for myself. But unlike Atticus she is more affectionate towards me than he is to his children. Honestly I would love to have a father like Atticus because he fights for what is right, and is a compassionate person. I admire him and think he would be an amazing role model.