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Morality And Corruption In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

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In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee presents the opposing themes of morality and corruption to convey a message about the coexistence of good and evil, the universal idea of humanity and human nature, and how the adult world is rife with uncomfortable truths. By highlighting the divisions between Atticus Finch, 'Boo' Radley, and the Ewell family, Lee allows us to clearly see the themes of corruption and morality, and the complexity and depth residing in both.
One of the most significant characters in the novel, Atticus Finch, embodies the moral voice and demonstrates the ethic of sympathy. He exhibits a strong intelligence and quiet thoughtfulness, and these traits shape his perception on various events and truths in the novel, …show more content…

When Scout is struggling to deal with the rumours about Atticus defending Tom Robinson, Atticus says, "You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down." His non-violent ideology when it comes to conflict, and the way he preaches it to his children, illustrates his superior morals, and deep understanding of right and wrong. Furthermore, us readers are again exposed to his strong morals when Jem is caught tearing up Mrs Dubose's camellias, and is in distress upon hearing her scorn Atticus for his choices, he replies by saying to Jem, "It's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you. So don't let Mrs Dubose get you down. She had enough troubles of her own." Here, Atticus demonstrates a complex understanding of Mrs Dubose's struggles, and how her own troubles result in her acting and speaking in a cruel manner. His ability to situate himself in others' shoes, and see through their own eyes is a strong representation of his strong morals and values, and his good nature. Harper Lee portrays Atticus as a likeable character, who is a contrast to the majority of the other characters, to provide the readers with a basis for the moral

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In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper E. Lee, the story of protagonist Scout and her older brother Jem unfolds in the small but talkative town of Maycomb, Alabama, where they are raised by their insightful, loving father Atticus. Over the span of a short three years with their sidekick Dill, they spend their childhood days tormenting and daydreaming about town legend Boo Radley, causing shenanigans all over town and not wasting a moment of their care-free, young lives. However, the friends’ summer fun ceases when Scout and Jem especially are faced with traumatic and influential experiences like the renowned Tom Robinson case that send them quickly down the path into young adulthood. The corruption and people of Maycomb send Jem blindly spiraling

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At the end of the day, a person’s character defines them. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch possesses the characteristics of a good father and citizen of Maycomb. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, the reader can clearly see that Atticus loves his children and wants to look out for their best interests. Atticus shows his character by the way he responds to his children, neighbors, and Tom Robinson’s court case. As the father of Jem and Scout, Atticus continuously displays humility, courtesy, and selflessness.

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Wisdom In The Flock of Mockingbirds In Harper Lee’s book To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee presents the idea that wisdom is demonstrated by going against the majority’s thoughts, and having one’s own sense of right and wrong. Social justice requires wisdom to have respect for people of all backgrounds. Harper Lee created the character of Atticus to present this idea of social justice in her book, and show the world what his thoughts were on issues. Atticus Finch represents social justice by the way he deals with racism, drug addiction, and violence.

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You can’t hold her responsible for what she says and does,” Atticus states. This further lends to the fact that Atticus is kind and forgiving. By being civil towards Mrs. Dubose, even after she insulted him, he demonstrates the respectful and accepting part of his personality. “Of course, I’d rather she’d have said it to me than to either of you, but we can’t always have our ‘druthers,” Atticus says. Atticus portrayed his responsibility and protectiveness by saying that he would rather Mrs. Dubose had said the insults to him than to his

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Pride, bravery, honor, strength, and compassion are all important themes that are reflected throughout Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Each character in the book, at one time or another, act in way that show one of these five important themes. Having said that, the one character, in particular, that is the greatest example for showing those five themes is, Atticus Finch. Atticus took on the Tom Robinson trial with little support from the county of Maycomb, but in the end, proved not only to himself, the people of Maycomb, and most importantly his kids, that he did the right thing with pride, bravery, honor, strength, and compassion.

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