To Kill A Mockingbird

"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy... but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." - Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird (Atticus)

This is a real novel. Its a classic that everyone should read. The basic story is set in the South where racism and discrimination is at a high. The story revolves around the view of Scout, the daughter of the prominent white lawyer, Atticus. The novel starts out with news around town about an incident with a white lady and a black man charged for rape.

The story:

Tom Robinson is a handy man that worked for the Ewell's (Bob and Mayella). Bob's the kind of guy that believes women are inferior to men, and therefore continuously abuses his daughter.

Like every other day, Bob leaves for work and Mayella, is left alone. On the day of the incident, Tom comes around for his daily work. But the twist is, Mayella seduces him. And guess who walks in? Yep, good ol' Bob. Bob is of course mad as hell and although the circumstances were explained, he charges Tom for rape.

As the story continues, so does life. Scout and her brother, play naively in their world. (their current mystery: Boo Radly) I won't really get into it because i believe the story lies within the case. Anyways, Atticus takes up the case. Now my fellow readers, go back to the top of the blog and reread the paragraph about the location. Okay, what sets up a red flag? Yep, you got it. A white man is defending a black man in a racist Southern setting.

Therefore, the Finch's endure a lot of angry racist comments. One day at school, Scout got in a fight with another student because they accused her father of being a "nigger-lover"(please excuse the language). Atticus is also a victim of this hate. At work he is constantly ridiculed for defending a black man. Nonetheless, Atticus stands firm and strong with his position to help Tom. Atticus even attempts to help support Tom's family while he is away in prison. He visits the family constantly with food and word of hope.

The day of the court case, the jury is all white and therefore the verdict finds Tom guilty of rape. Not so long after there is news that Tom is killed in prison. The officials said that he made a run for it and was shot. Now, look at this critically. A jail's "backyard" is the size of a football field. Why would he take such a chance if he knew he'd never make it. The officials lied.

The thing that makes this novel one-of-a-kind is that it happens through a little girl's eyes. Jem starts to open her eyes and break away from her childhood mentality. She starts to notice that the world is not unicorns and teddy bears, she learns that the world is full of corruption and chaos. She grows up.

Too broad? Here's a website:
http://www.bookrags.com/notes/tkm/SUM.html