To Kill a Mockinngbird Essay

Innocence is a Virtue

" 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." These are the words of Atticus Finch in Harper Lee's racist drama "To Kill a Mockingbird". "To Kill a Mockingbird" takes place in the small town in the Deep South called Maycomb. Maycomb is thought to be the perfect town until a rape accusation rock's it. Racism and courage are the two most important qualities in "To Kill a Mockingbird".

One of the main qualities in the book is racism. Early in the book Ms. Maudie expresses her words of wisdom "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy.... That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (90).The kids may not realize it but Ms. Maudie is making a reference to the extreme racism in the south. If other people in Maycomb were able to see past skin color they would see just how ignorant racism is. During the trial Mr. Gilmer says "You felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for her" (197). Mr. Gilmer is so focused on race that he laughs at the fact a black man feels sorry for a white woman. Mr. Gilmer being the smart man he is uses the fact that the jury is racist against Tom. As a result of the unquestionable racism an innocent person, Tom Robinson is killed.

Courage is a key factor in any town especially Maycomb. In defense of his Teacher Little Chuck Little exclaims "I'd kill you as soon as I'd look at you. Now go home" (28). Little Chuck Little is the smallest kid in school but has the biggest heart. What I mean by having the biggest heart is that he is the most courage's. Early in "To Kill a Mockingbird" Atticus is explaining his defense of Tom Robinson when he says "I'm simply defending a negro-his names Tom Robinson." (75) By defending a black man, Atticus is showing that he has the courage to stand up for what he believes in. Even though the whole town opposes the thought of defending a negro Atticus is brave enough to speak his mind. Maycomb has a strong core thanks to courage's people like Atticus and Little Chuck Little.

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