Hook: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." - Atticus Finch
Thesis: Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird explores the complexities of prejudice and racism through the perspectives of Scout and Jem Finch, two young children growing up in the deep South during the 1930s.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic Sentence: Scout's innocence and naivety initially blind her to the racism present in her community.
Quote: "I was starting to learn that a quick temper could get you into trouble faster than anything else." - Scout Finch
Quote Explanation: Scout Finch is expressing her realization that her initial reactions and judgments of people can be harmful and lead her into trouble.
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Quote: "I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all this time... it's because he wants to stay inside." - Jem Finch
Quote Explanation: Jem Finch is reflecting on how his understanding of the world has changed and how he can now see how racism and injustice affects people.
Wrap Up Sentence: Jem's disillusionment with the adult world ultimately leads to his loss of innocence and understanding of the harsh realities of racism and prejudice.
Body Paragraph 3:
Topic Sentence: Atticus Finch serves as a moral compass for Scout and Jem, teaching them the importance of empathy and understanding.
Quote: "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." - Atticus Finch
Quote Explanation: Atticus Finch is teaching Scout and Jem that courage is not just physical strength, but also the ability to stand up against injustice even when the odds are against