Examples Of Realism In To Kill A Mockingbird

Books have certain criteria that make it a timeless classic. One criterion is realistic characters that have flaws or traits that readers can relate to. Realistic characters allow for the book’s plot to continue and allow readers to connect with the characters and their experiences. Another important criterion that makes a book a timeless classic is that it teaches readers a thoughtful message. An important message leaves readers with something to think about and something new to learn. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee should be considered a timeless classic because it has realistic and relatable characters and because it sends very important and relevant messages. To Kill a Mockingbird should be considered a timeless classic because

After Scout gets into a fight with Walter, she invited him over for dinner. During dinner, Walter pours a large amount of syrup on his food, and Scout reacts poorly to that. Calpurnia calls her over to scold her. “Hush your mouth! Don’t matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house’s yo‘ comp’ny, and don’t you let me catch you remarkin’ on their ways like you was so high and mighty!”(24). She says “Don’t matter who they are” with the phrase “you was so high and mighty,” she tells Scout that all people should be treated the same as anyone else, no matter what their social status may be. She relays an important message that is still an issue in today’s society. Modern day culture discriminates against certain cultural groups, and this quote shows what we should do to help out. Later in the chapter, Atticus is telling scout how to understand others’ conflicts. “First of all,” he said, “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. 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”(30). Atticus tries to help Scout not get into other fights. He tells her

Admittedly, Atticus Finch is an unrealistic character, because he is an adult who is believing in completely false statements. “Way back about nineteen-twenty there was a Klan, but it was a political organization more than anything” (147). However, Atticus is shown as a realistic character, because he has both positive and negative traits. He tries to see the best in people, and teaches his children to “climb into his skin and walk around in it”. Additionally, he also has negative traits, shown when he allows his children to be put in danger. Unknowingly, his children slip away to the jail and finds the mob that confronts Atticus. If he was a stricter parent, the children would not be able to leave. As a result, To Kill a Mockingbird should still be considered a timeless classic. In conclusion, To Kill a Mockingbird should be considered a timeless classic, because it has three-dimensional characters, and sends thoughtful themes. To Kill a Mockingbird should be taught in high school, because it teaches students to do the right thing at all times, and gives them a positive role model in Atticus. Although To Kill a Mockingbird is not a very widely read book outside of high school, it is still considered a timeless classic. To Kill a Mockingbird, making it impossible to be a