Another person who is represented by a mockingbird is Boo Radley Essay Example

evils in this society.

In the town of Maycomb, Tom Robinson, an African-American man, is accused of sexual molestation by Mayela, a white woman. Despite the efforts of Atticus, a prominent lawyer, to prove Tom's innocence, the all-white jury ultimately convicts Tom due to racial prejudice. Tom, described as a humble and respectable Negro, becomes a victim of this prejudice. Another character affected by societal ignorance is Arthur Radley, also known as Boo. Boo's father emotionally destroys him by confining him to their house. Boo is one of the mockingbirds in the story, symbolizing the innocent victims targeted by the evil aspects of society. Later in the story, Boo's deep affection for children is revealed when he saves Jim and Scout from Bob Ewells.

"Your father, Atticus, is one of those men in the world who are born to carry out unpleasant tasks for us," Maudie told Jim following his father's loss in Tom Robinson's case. Atticus not only taught his children life values but also demonstrated how to live by them, setting an example and practicing what he preached. He encouraged his children to address him by his first name instead of 'father', promoting freedom and exploration while also instilling the importance of boundaries. Jim, displaying bravery, intelligence, and compassion, learns about courage, dignity, and the value of life from his father as he undergoes the transition into adulthood.

Scout, a young child, is unaware of the presence of evil in society. However, she starts to learn about the existence of evil through witnessing the experiences of individuals like Tom and Boo. As the story progresses, Scout's perspective on life changes from that of an innocent child

to that of an almost grown-up. When Mr. Tate, the town Sheriff, indirectly tells Atticus that Boo should not be punished for his actions, Scout agrees and says to Atticus, "Mr. Tate was right." She compares punishing Boo to shooting a mockingbird, showing her advanced understanding at a young age. She comprehends the entire situation and forms judgments about what is morally correct.

The Music Director of the movie has done an outstanding job in utilizing music to enhance the overall experience. The role of music in setting the mood for scenes is crucial. To illustrate, the movie starts with a subtle and innocent musical note, reminiscent of a child's play. Additionally, gothic music is used during the scene where Jim and Scout encounter Bob Ewells while walking home after the Halloween Party, effectively creating a horrifying or thrilling environment. Throughout the film, melancholy music prevails, evoking thoughtful sadness. The skillful arrangement of musical notes contributes to an immersive atmosphere that prompts reflection on our own nostalgic memories and childhood. Ultimately, we can see the movie as a melodious tribute, resembling the song of a mockingbird.

One memorable moment in the film is when Atticus exits the courtroom after the trial concludes. In this scene, all the "colored" individuals seated in the balcony rise to pay tribute to Atticus, a white man, who had done his utmost to defend a "Negro." The Reverend addresses Scout, who is seated, saying, "Rise, Jean Louise. Your father is passing." This powerful scene encapsulates the essence of the situation; there is minimal dialogue, but the profound impact is visible on the faces of the black individuals. The melancholic background music further

intensifies the emotions present. At this point, words become unnecessary as everyone in the courtroom is aware of Tom Robinson's innocence, yet he was still unjustly convicted of rape due to racial prejudice.

Nelle Harper Lee was born on April 28, 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama. Located in southwest Alabama, Monroeville is approximately midway between Montgomery and Mobile. She is the youngest of four children of Amasa Coleman Lee and Frances Finch Lee. Harper Lee has two sisters, Alice and Louise, and one brother, Edwin.

From 1944 to 1945, she attended Huntingdon College, followed by studying law at the University of Alabama from 1945 to 1949. Additionally, she spent a year studying at Oxford University.

During the 1950s, she worked as a reservation clerk for Eastern Air Lines and BOAC in New York City. In order to prioritize her writing career, Harper Lee left her job with the airline and moved into a cold-water apartment furnished with makeshift furniture.

In 1957, due to her father's sudden illness, Harper Lee had to divide her time between New York and Monroeville. During this time, she submitted her novel manuscript to the J.B. Lippincott Company. They informed her that her novel was in fact a compilation of interconnected short stories and advised her to rewrite it. With the help of editor Tay Hohoff, she dedicated the next two and a half years to revising the manuscript. Finally, in 1960, it was published as To Kill a Mockingbird - her only published book to date. Later on, in June 1966, President Johnson appointed Harper Lee as one of the two individuals on the National Council of Arts.

The title of the book, To Kill a

Mockingbird, encompasses important themes found throughout the novel. In Chapter 10, Scout and Jem Finch are given air rifles as Christmas gifts. During this period, Atticus instructs his children that shooting a mockingbird is morally wrong. Miss Maudie later clarifies Atticus' message to the children by explaining that mockingbirds are innocent creatures who bring happiness through their songs. Therefore, it is highly unethical to inflict any harm upon them.

In this story, it is clear that the "mockingbird" represents Tom Robinson, a harmless man who becomes a target of racial prejudice. Much like the mockingbird, Tom has never harmed anyone. Even the jurors who condemn him to death have no personal animosity towards him. They find him guilty primarily because they believe that accepting the testimony of a black man over two white individuals would challenge the segregated system they abide by. Tom himself is responsible for nothing except being in the incorrect place at an unfortunate moment.

It is possible that the title's mockingbird has multiple meanings. Currently, mockingbirds can be found in numerous northern states. However, just a few decades ago, mockingbirds predominantly resided in the southeastern United States. Similar to the mint julep or the song "Dixie," the mockingbird represented the southern way of life, which emphasized qualities such as good manners, family background, and a leisurely pace of living. Regrettably, racial segregation was also a part of this way of life, which had been accepted by many southerners for years, despite knowing deep down that it was morally wrong.

At the time this novel was written, insightful individuals from the southern region acknowledged that the chance for them to lead and put an end

to segregation had already passed. The civil rights movement, which was led by African Americans and backed by white individuals from other regions, not only terminated segregation but also revolutionized the political and social hierarchy that southerners had accepted as the norm for many years.

To Kill a Mockingbird explores the criticism of prejudice and moral laziness within Southern society, which perpetuated a double standard of justice. The novel provides an uncommonly optimistic portrayal of white Southerners during its time. Additionally, it highlights the presence of individuals like Atticus Finch, who are morally upright despite living in a corrupt society. The story suggests that even those who commit wrongdoing often do so out of ignorance and weakness, rather than intentional malice.

There are some readers who believe that the novel presents an excessively positive and straightforward perspective on human nature. However, the optimistic tone may contribute to the book's immense popularity. The author acknowledges the presence of evil in society, but also implies that people are inherently inclined towards moral actions.

While To Kill a Mockingbird is often seen as a novel primarily focused on racial prejudice, it should be noted that the theme of the mockingbird extends beyond just the victims of this type of discrimination. Boo Radley, the peculiar recluse, is another individual who falls victim to cruelty, despite being a "harmless creature." In this instance, the author once again highlights the universal nature of human behavior. Although Tom Robinson's struggles are intertwined with the intricate social issue of racial prejudice, every neighborhood can have its own version of Boo Radley - someone who is mostly forgotten, except for being the subject of gossip and speculation.