Analyzing Themes of To Kill a Mockingbird essays

Analyzing Themes of To Kill a Mockingbird essays Analyzing Themes of To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee's first novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, displays the life of a small southern family struggling through the depression in Maycomb, Alabama. Similar to any other southern town, the prejudiced whites look down upon the Negroes. The family overcomes many obstacles thrown at them by the prejudiced town. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, the major themes of courage, innocence, and prejudice are instrumental in the portrayal of life in a small southern community. The prime challenge to anyone's courage is the Radley house. Jem is known for his courage, and it appears that even the Radley house doesnt scare him. Dill wants to test Jem's courage by betting that Jem will not touch the Radley house. Jem has to accept because he cannot allow Scout and Dill to think hes as a coward. "His courage was a source of pride" (****courage 1) Curiosity is one of courage's best allies. It helps breed courage, especially in children, but it finally gets the best of Jem and Dill, and they to sneak up to the Radley house to get a quick peak of Boo. They get caught and have to run away. As they are running away, Jem's pants are snagged on the fence, and he has to leave them. Eventually he has to go back to get them to avoid letting Atticus know he went to the Radleys place. Risking a visit to the Radleys was easier than facing Atticus. Rage helps Jem become more courageous. When Mrs. Dubose criticizes Atticus, Jems rage gives him the courage to destroy her Camellia bushes even though he knows she carries a confederate pistol with her. When Atticus finds out, he sends Jem to read for Mrs. Dubose who struggles to beat her morphine addiction. Jem learns courage from Mrs. Dubose's example. Scout shows the least amount of courage. She follows the boys around and wants to join in their fights. However, her respect for Atticus gives her the courage to refrain f...