"To Kill a Mockingbird"

Paper Summary:

The writer explains that this race-related novel became a success due to being published at the height of the civil rights movement and because behind its apparent simplicity and down-to-earth style it touched the heart of people from all walks of life. The paper summarizes the story and explains that its main theme is a coming of age. The paper describes Lee's education and her decision to become an author. It states that "To Kill a Mockingbird" which won a Pulitzer prize for fiction, and two other awards, was Lee's only novel. In conclusion, the writer posits that the novel's style and simplicity, seen through the eyes of a six year old child, carry thought-provoking moments as the events unfold.

From the Paper:

"The years of 1960 and 1961, when To Kill A Mockingbird was published, signaled a time of great change. The civil rights movement was in full swing and the country was experiencing social and economic structuring. Traditional thinking was being transformed into ideas and thoughts that had never been considered before, and old traditions were pitted against new ones. Looking into the Deep South, in a little town named Maycomb, tradition for most people meant prejudice, separation, and racism. Atticus Finch chooses to fight against this "old tradition" with traditions of his own. Because of his highly ethical character, Atticus is able to admirably defend Tom Robinson and promote a "new tradition" for himself and his children. Respect, dignity, and equality form the backbone of Atticus' belief system, a belief system containing qualities that are often overlooked in the traditional South. In the absence of outside support, Atticus fights his battle the only way he knows how -- with patience, perseverance, and honesty."

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