The book was an instant classic when Lee published it at age But for more than 50 years, Lee, now 88, never published again despite pleas from readers and the literary establishment. Her reclusive life made it difficult for people to write about her, and it was only in that Charles J. Mockingbird explores themes of racial prejudice and injustice as well as love and the coming-of-age of Scout and Jem, Finch's children.
It was published just as the United States civil rights movement was gaining momentum and has resonated with readers across cultural lines. Biographer Shields said the novel found success in part because "it poses the fundamental question of how do I get along with people who are different from me? They learn to view the residents of their town with compassion and understanding, rather than bitterness and anger.
Mockingbird gave the late movie star Gregory Peck his most memorable role as Finch in the film adaptation of the book. At times it seems this story of the town could stand on its own as a Southern Gothic-lite tale seen through the eyes of a precocious child. The eccentric local characters, their benevolent alliances and their petty rivalries It wouldn't be nearly as impactful, but it could be an interesting enough, slightly spooky, read.
This conjecture may seem to imply a criticism of To Kill a Mockingbird, a complaint that Lee is distracting us from the very important theme of racial injustice in the United States, engaging us in a sort of Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town in the Deep South. Far from it. This is actually pointing out Lee's genius in To Kill a Mockingbird. There are both generous and nasty people in every community, regardless of heavy social issues. There are open-minded and close-minded people.
There are empathetic and self-centered people. And there are folks—probably a majority—who have both sides warring within them. Moreover, we continue to have the rites of growing up and the struggle to fit into functional and dysfunctional families. Lee's brilliance in this novel is to show all this with the scourge of racism rampant in the same society, an unspoken part and parcel of daily life among the good and bad people of Maycomb County.
Speaking of conflicted characters, let's consider Atticus Finch for a minute. Yes, I'm saying you should watch the movie too. No one really knows why this woman from Monroeville, Alabama did not go on to finish a second novel after this critically-acclaimed work. She did try to work on one but set it aside because she was unsatisfied. At some point, the book was banned in schools and was labelled "immoral. Read the book. One of the book's main characters was lawyer Atticus Finch, who did not only show the good qualities of a lawyer, but presented by example the traits of a good father.
This is a book that teaches one to be a good parent in the person of Atticus Finch. A black man accused of allegedly raping a white woman. How did you find it? Like Liked by 1 person. I absolutely loved this book! I am trying to do that since last year — catch up on reading some amazing books which I missed for some reasons rather than reading random books, life is too short and there are so many books!
I read just to pass time because I was at a place where I had no other option. Atticus Finch was the first example of true maturity for me. I agree with you on the book being slow in the start, but that lasted just the first 30 pages for me.
I agree with your thoughts. Now that you mentioned I remember buying this book in kindle.. I am going to read this one now. Thanks for reminding!! I am not very far in,but am enjoying the read very much. Such a wonderful way to capture a book. I am planning on seeing the movie too, after I finish reading it.
I am glad you liked my review of this classic, would love to hear from you how did you find the book. Happy Reading!! Skip to content. I had to read it. Pragmatic conversations: The beauty of the book lies in the easy flow, matter-of-fact conversations that at no point leave the realms of truthfulness and never come across as a pretence. Quintessential characters: Be it the wise father in Atticus Finch or the scary neighbour in Radley s or the moral values indoctrinating aunt Alexandra or the motherly caretaker Calpurnia or the evil Ewell, every character is archetypal.
It portrays phases of child growth wonderfully: The book has three child characters ranging in ages between 8 years to 12 years. Atticus practices what he preaches: Atticus Finch a lawyer by profession is a single parent who knows how to lead his children by example.
Relevance to current times: Its heart wrenching that racism, cruelty, prejudices and discrimination talked about in the book, still exist and shockingly in the same ugly magnitude or perhaps in a more severe form.
Sensitivity: The plot deals with the incident of rape of a white woman by a dark man. Lucid Narration and rich vocabulary: Written fifty years ago and set in a period almost eighty years ago, the writing style is arguably old-fashioned yet unambiguous. A classic that stands the test of time: Why the book is a classic can be best understood only after having read it.
0コメント