The majority of American students at some time or another will be made to read the classic American tale "To Kill A Mockingbird." Whether the students enjoy it and learn from it is another story! I remember first reading the book and seeing the movie in the 9th grade, and I recently saw the movie for the second time as an adult so I thought I'd give a quick review. Much to my surprise, I understood the movie just about the same as I had when I had first seen it.
The movie is set during the depression in a small Southern town called Maycomb, Alabama. During this time the South was deeply divided. There was very deep social and racial prejudice. The story follows three years in the life of one family, consisting of 8 year old Scout Finch, her brother Jem and their father Atticus, a lawyer. The main focus of the story is the accusation, arrest and trial of a black man after he is condemned by a white woman. Author Harper Lee tells much of the story through a child's point of view and cleverly intertwines and explores the toughest issues of the time, class, race and justice.
The story takes its time and progressively builds its substance. The story begins in the summer, just before Scout is off to her first year of school. Her and her brother Jem play and fantasize about going to sneak a peak at the infamous town boogey man, Boo Radley. One day Jem decides enough is enough and tells Scout he's going to go take a look for himself. As this is happening, the town has already put the accused rapist Tom Robinson in jail and is ready to put him on trial. Atticus Finch is appointed as his lawyer. The kids are oblivious to the situation until they find themselves wrapped up in a series of events beyond their comprehension.
The trial begins and the circumstances reveal the towns dark and ugly side. Atticus Finch, a rare honest man and lawyer, stands up for the truth and what is right. Despite the difficult odds and hostile townspeople, Atticus stands strong to defend an innocent man. Through the most difficult trial of his life, Atticus persists until the very end.
The understanding acquired by Scout is also heart-warming when she says, "most people are essentially kind when you really see them." Through many twists and turns, the story can make you laugh, cry, and learn a lesson all at the same time. A true classic, the To Kill A Mockingbird book still remains socially relevant as much today as it was in 1960 when the book first came out.
Looking to get a copy of the To Kill A Mockingbird Book? Stop by Sherry Rissman's site where you can get the To Kill A Mockingbird Study Guide.
