Norms In To Kill A Mockingbird

“Anyone who is different or slightly out of the norm, is considered crazy.” (Eric Cantona) This quotation, by Eric Cantona signifies that by going out of the norm, it encourages others to believe that one who is different, is crazy. This effectively applies to real life, as well as the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. In To Kill A Mockingbird, the author, Harper Lee portrays many characters that go out of the norm, and by doing so they receive negative reactions. By going out of the norm and being different from others in the Maycomb community, it encourages many negative reactions, despite that being out of the norm is a good thing, the right thing. There are many characters in the book that receive negativity by being different and defying society’s norms, such as Mr. Dolphus Raymond, Mr. Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley and Mr. Atticus Finch.

To Kill A Mockingbird demonstrates that even if you are criticized for being different, to persevere through it, as Mr. Dolphus Raymond, Boo and Atticus do. “In the end, people will judge you anyway. Don’t live your life impressing others. Live your life impressing yourself.” (Eunice Camacho Infante) This quotation perfectly sums up the message Harper Lee, author of the book is trying to send, that because you are different you will be judged no matter what, by whoever, but to not stop for them and continue because you know it is right. Dolphus, Boo and Atticus continue their lifestyle because they like it, and they are happy with it. They ignore the judgement they get for doing so, and by continuing with their lifestyle they are a better person and other people have no right to criticize them. The three of them go outside of the norms because it improves society and because it is the right thing to do. As Eunice Camacho Infante states, people will judge you anyway, so be different, do it, no matter the reactions you