To Kill A Mockingbird
By Josh Heims
Bravery
In the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" there are many examples of bravery. One that really stands out to me is how Atticus Finch decides to try to help an innocent black man to his freedom. He knew it was the right thing to do even though it could bring danger to him and his family. He puts time and effort into Tom Robinson's case, so much that he doesn't have much time for his kids Jem and Scout. Another brave part in the book was when Boo Radley saved the kids life. Bob Ewull easily could have killed him if he made a mistake too. Then after Bob was dead he took Jem to Atticus and he was seen for the first time. He knew he would probably get in trouble for being out by his brother. This was extremely brave of him.
Characters from To Kill A Mockingbird
Atticus and Tom Robinson
This is a picture of Atticus defending Tom Robinson in the court.
Jem and Scout
This is a picture of Jem and Scout. They are always trying to investigate and get to see Boo Radley.
Boo Radley
This is a picture of Boo Radley. His skin is very pasty white because he isn't allowed outside the house.
The Mockingbird
The Mockingbird was mentioned several times throughout the story. The first was when Jem and Scout received air-soft guns for Christmas. Atticus told them that they could shoot at cans, and if they do shoot at living things, to never shoot at a Mockingbird. He said not to because they are not a pest and they do not annoy anyone. All they do is sit there and make pretty music. He said it would be a sin to kill them. Another example is when Tom Robinson is accused of raping. He is an innocent man and has done no wrong. The town finds him guilty and sentences him to death. When they did this they basically killed a mockingbird because he never did anything wrong and then they planned on killing him for nothing that he did. Another example is when Boo Radley saves the kids life and then when the sheriff investigated he picks up the extra knife and says that it was an accident. This way Boo wouldn't have to be tried and get all kinds of attention both good and bad. When Atticus explains to Scout what they are doing and why, she says she understands because giving him attention would be like killing a mockingbird.
Growing up
Throughout the book we watch Jem, Scout, and from time to time, Dill growing up. we see many things change both physical and mental. One major physical change is of corse their size, and Jem getting hair on his chest. Another change showing them growing up is how at the beginning of the book they always ran past Boo Radley's house. But in the end she (Scout) walks him home and holds his hand in the middle of the night. Also when the book started Scout couldn't understand why people were so racist, and like all kids would, she asked tons of questions. Towards the end of Tom's case she still doesn't understand why people are racist here but feel so bad for the jews in world war II. in the end though she has a much better grip on the idea.
Small Town
One final theme that is often overlooked is how the book took place in a small town in the south. You can easily tell this even from the young Scout. She knows her neighbors well and calls them all by the first name. The only problem is that everyone knows everyone else's business. Besides that fact though they all come together and help each other out, like when Miss Maudie's house burns down. You can easily tell that it takes place in the southern part of America because of all the racism. It isn't just little things like jokes, it is big things like when Tom Robinson is clearly proven innocent but still is convicted of rapping Mayella Euell.