It's A Sin To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Review

By Sithmi


'Shoot all the Bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a Mockingbird.'
A lawyer's advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic novel - a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with exuberant humour the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the thirties. The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina of one man's struggle for justice. But the weight of history will only tolerate so much.

The plot for this book wasn’t very clear to me. But then as I worked towards the ending I realised what it really shows. Scout, our narrator, guides us through her childhood in her small Southern town where the children try to make sense of the world. A series of events, one after the other, test their patience, integrity and dignity.

Atticus Finch, father of Jem and Scout Finch, is the lawyer assigned to defend Tom Robinson, the black man that supposedly raped a white girl of 19. For this defending, he receives judgement from majority of the white community and it passes well enough to the next generation, so his children to our called out about it.

The story continues through the child's narrative, under the love and guidance of Atticus and Aunt Alexandra, along with her older brother Scout and summer time friend Dill. They even have a several continuous attempts of making contact with their shut in neighbour, Boo Radley. The innocence of children is refreshing and the pure emotions they feel. The simple thoughts and things that bring them joy are amazing.

This book, a birthday gift from my cousin, really did open my eyes to reality. It's serious yet humorous too. My favourite scenes will always be in the court room with Atticus Finch and the ending with Boo Radley.

One of those thoughtful reads. It really gives us an insight of society’s thinking back in the days of inequality. 

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