This classic story has touched generations since it was written in the late 1950s. Set during the Great Depression in Maycomb, Alabama, the story centers around the Finch family. Atticus, the father and a prominent lawyer, takes a case defending an innocent black man. Although Atticus proves his client is innocent, the all-white jury still convicts the defendant.
EVIL: After Tom Robinson is arrested, the town mobs the jail. They assume he is guilty, and want to take action, demonstrating their racism.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Go sit! You shouldn't know how to read.
I am sorry for my crime Miss.
GOOD: When Miss. Maudie's house catches fire, the town rallies to help her, showing the good in people, and their willingness to help.
Atticus, why doesn't Boo Radley come out of his house?
GOOD/EVIL: Boo Radley is initially viewed by the children as a terrible person. They often taunted, and told stories about him. However, Boo proves to be good though his actions, helping Scout and Jem learn a lesson.
When Scout first enters school, her teacher belittles her for her advanced reading and writing skills. Her teacher says that Scout's father is not a teacher, and tells her to sit down.
One day, Atticus tells Scout, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view." Scout values her father's advice, and thinks about this deeply.
Perhaps the most important lesson learned was about not harming Mockingbirds; "They don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." The mockingbird is also symbolic of Tom Robinson.