Atticus, an upright defense attorney represents a young black man accused of rape. Living in the Macomb, GA during the 30s gave the accused two strikes before he took the stand, and his fear made him seem even guiltier. I was so disappointed in the town and their rush to false justice. I felt like Dill, sick. And when Scout questioned Jem about the teacher’s opinion of Hitler’s injustice, I thought how smart she was to make the connection. If Jews in another country shouldn’t be persecuted, why are “niggers” treated so badly at home?
The use of the “n” word certainly played a part in causing some to ban this book. Others may have had offense to the subject of the trial. Still this book is chosen for high school study in many schools. The lessons of prejudice and democracy need to be taught. And we should listen to mockingbirds; their songs will remind us that there is still good in the world. Bad things may happen, evil continue to live, but like Atticus we should love all and seek to live in the light.
Show lessAtticus, an upright defense attorney represents a young black man accused of rape. Living in the Macomb, GA during the 30s gave the accused two strikes before he took the stand, and his fear made him seem even guiltier. I was so disappointed in the town and their rush to false justice. I felt like Dill, sick. And when Scout questioned Jem about the teacher’s opinion of Hitler’s injustice, I thought how smart she was to make the connection. If Jews in another country shouldn’t be persecuted, why are “niggers” treated so badly at home?
The use of the “n” word certainly played a part in causing some to ban this book. Others may have had offense to the subject of the trial. Still this book is chosen for high school study in many schools. The lessons of prejudice and democracy need to be taught. And we should listen to mockingbirds; their songs will remind us that there is still good in the world. Bad things may happen, evil continue to live, but like Atticus we should love all and seek to live in the light.
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I listened to this book on cd driving from PA to MI which was read by Sissy Spacek. The story is a true classic. The language is beautiful, the characters come to life, and the themes of racial injustice and morality are clearly conveyed. I watched the movie starring Gregory Peck afterwards and the movie is well done.
Show lessI listened to this book on cd driving from PA to MI which was read by Sissy Spacek. The story is a true classic. The language is beautiful, the characters come to life, and the themes of racial injustice and morality are clearly conveyed. I watched the movie starring Gregory Peck afterwards and the movie is well done.
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This is one of the great "must read in school" classics that I missed somewhere along the way. I admit that with all of the hype surrounding this book, I was initially disappointed. While the story is ostensibly retold as a reminiscence of a more adult Scout, you quickly forget that that's what you're reading and feel as if you're seeing the world through the eyes of young Scout, except that the language is far too florid to be believable from the mouth of such a young girl. The writing style seemed to be trying so hard to be literary that I found it very difficult to overlook it and to just enjoy the unfolding of the plot; I actually found myself thinking, "well, this is so contrived, I'm glad it's the only book Harper Lee ever wrote." The climax also wraps up rather quickly and with far less suspense than one might expect, though I appreciated that the result of Atticus' great trial was at least realistic. So what saves this book? Appropriately, one Boo Radley. While this novel is touted and remembered as a great work exposing racist prejudices and championing civil rights, you don't hear nearly as much mention of the role of this character in the story. Without him, the Finch family could easily be seen as another holier-than-thou set of white characters who preach the only gospel that can possibly be seen as morally right. With him, those same characters' prejudices towards and ignorance of the disabled and misunderstood of society is exposed, teaching the irony that when we think we are great people for our love towards somebody that others hate, we are very likely completely forgetting about some other people entirely. Our lives are in fact quite full of mockingbirds whose songs we never hear, whom we neglect every day. This book reminds us of the dignity of forgotten people--both the ones who cry aloud and the ones who hide in the tree.
Show lessThis is one of the great "must read in school" classics that I missed somewhere along the way. I admit that with all of the hype surrounding this book, I was initially disappointed. While the story is ostensibly retold as a reminiscence of a more adult Scout, you quickly forget that that's what you're reading and feel as if you're seeing the world through the eyes of young Scout, except that the language is far too florid to be believable from the mouth of such a young girl. The writing style seemed to be trying so hard to be literary that I found it very difficult to overlook it and to just enjoy the unfolding of the plot; I actually found myself thinking, "well, this is so contrived, I'm glad it's the only book Harper Lee ever wrote." The climax also wraps up rather quickly and with far less suspense than one might expect, though I appreciated that the result of Atticus' great trial was at least realistic. So what saves this book? Appropriately, one Boo Radley. While this novel is touted and remembered as a great work exposing racist prejudices and championing civil rights, you don't hear nearly as much mention of the role of this character in the story. Without him, the Finch family could easily be seen as another holier-than-thou set of white characters who preach the only gospel that can possibly be seen as morally right. With him, those same characters' prejudices towards and ignorance of the disabled and misunderstood of society is exposed, teaching the irony that when we think we are great people for our love towards somebody that others hate, we are very likely completely forgetting about some other people entirely. Our lives are in fact quite full of mockingbirds whose songs we never hear, whom we neglect every day. This book reminds us of the dignity of forgotten people--both the ones who cry aloud and the ones who hide in the tree.
Read more...
