Examples Of Classicism In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Noted literary critic Northrop Frye once stated “A classic piece of literature is one that creates a place in the reader’s memory.” Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is an excellent example of a classic. An area that makes To Kill a Mockingbird a classic is characterization. Boo Radley is one character that makes the book memorable. At the beginning of the book the narrator, and therefore the reader, only know of Boo through rumors. The main rumor is that Boo stabbed his father with a pair of scissors and has rarely left his house since. While spending time with Jem and Scout, Dill sparks a curiosity in seeing Boo and knowing more about him. The children even act out the rumors of the Radleys. Little hints of Boo throughout the book such as the …show more content…

Atticus, who seems to be associated with every conflict in the book in some way, is known for his good moral. He was honest with everyone. He treated Scout and Jem the same way he would treat any adult. He was criticized for this but stuck with it. Miss Maudie said “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets,” which is very true. Atticus also lacked prejudice to any race or type of person. He didn’t let anyone change his opinion. He stood up for what he believed in. This was shown when he said that the courtroom should be colorblind and everyone should have equal chances there. He tried his hardest to defend Tom even though he knew he wouldn’t win because Tom was innocent and deserved to be proven innocent. Atticus also did not let anyone bother him. When Bob Ewell spit on him he just ignored him. Atticus did also have some bad moments like when he realizes the mistake of letting his children end up being attacked by Bob Ewell. This shows that although he was an almost perfect person, he did have some moments where he messed up or even got shaken up. Atticus’ acceptance, fairness and good morals definitely make the book