to kill a mockingbird thesis statement about innocence

101 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Titles & Examples

If you struggle to find “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay topics on prejudice, race, the characters’ courage, or any other issue, look no further. Our team has prepared a list of titles and essay writing tips for this book.

🏆 Best To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics & Examples

📌 most interesting to kill a mockingbird essay titles, 👍 good to kill a mockingbird research topics, ❓ to kill a mockingbird essay questions.

Before we will talk about the do’s and don’ts in essay writing, let’s clarify the types of essay.

When working on “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay thesis, you can focus on the facts of the book or concentrate on your attitude towards its key issues and characters. According to your approach, we can divide essays into two main areas:

• Objective essay: you set out your personal thoughts on a chosen issue and provide supporting arguments and evidence;
• Subjective essay: you express your point of view on a specific topic without claiming the truth and strengthening it with facts.

For example, when you choose a “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay topics on goodness, you will state that Atticus is a kind and fearless. No doubt that this character has a positive role.

On the other hand, when you describe Mayella, you will have to choose: will you condemn her or express pity.

As for the essay content, it can be divided into many subcategories:

• Philosophical essay
• Critical essay
• Literary analysis
• Historical essay, etc.

There are also a few key literary types:

• Feature article, etc.

Do’s & Don’ts When Writing To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

Now, it’s time to talk about what you should write and what to avoid in your paper. First of all, you have to remember that all “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay titles should reveal the essence of the issue.

Recommendations for essay writing:

• Do mark your essay subject at the beginning of the text. “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay hooks will help you to catch the reader’s attention. Don’t forget to emphasize the central issue in the conclusion.
• Do support the style of presentation by your emotions, vision, and opinion. Use the “question-answer” in paragraphs. Make the transitions between paragraphs harmonious and smooth.
• Do use quotes, historical facts, and observations to argue the thesis statement, solve the main issue, and describe the key subject of the paper.
• Do stick to the central thesis of your essay. Avoid deepen into philosophical reflections — tell about concrete facts and examples. Here’s an example: don’t include the facts from the author’s biography if you focus on the events of the book and factors that affect discrimination.
• Do proofread the paper. Read carefully your essay several times and think if your readers will understand your expressions.
• Do not use specific terminology in “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay. For example, when you write about discrimination, you don’t necessarily have to provide its dictionary definition or use complex law, historical and psychological literature, and samples. Just your own language. However, it doesn’t mean that your opinion should seem ungrounded.
• Do add your emotions to the paper. Let your readers feel that you believe in your ideas when defending the essay thesis.
• Don’t choose the header before you write an essay. First, you should write an essay, and only then compile the title of your paper.

Well, now you know about the essay types, what to do, and what to avoid in your essay. Of course, you may ask: “What to write in my own essay?”

The key to success is to start. Check “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay examples on our website to get inspiration. Even the topic seems to you too complicated, start your research, and then you will be able to express new and original thoughts.

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• “To Kill a Mockingbird”: The Novel by Harper Lee Scout does not realize the severity of many of the events of the book as they are taking place, and as such she is an innocent.
• American History in “To Kill a Mockingbird” Book & Film Racial attitudes and the dominance of white men over the black ones in the USA are the central ideas of the movie and the novel.
• Racist Trial in the Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee For the purpose, evaluation would be made in the context of utilization of events, time and culture of the book and compare it to today’s society, culture and racial attitudes.
• Racial Prejudice in Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” Paul Lawrence Dunbar in his poem, “Sympathy” has vividly portrayed the pangs of a caged bird and likens it to the collective pain that colored people have felt like victims of racial prejudices.”And a pain […]
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” Novel by Harper Lee It is one of the main characteristics of the mockingbird includes its innocence and imitation of the songs of other birds in a loud voice.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee In consequence, the book became a model source of reading that inspired people to further take on the issues of race in the USA and throughout the world.
• American Novel: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee It is also worth to mention that the novel is indeed relevant to its readership because it mirrors the nature of society affected by racism and inequality. Through the act of inclusiveness, I am in […]
• What It Takes to Kill a Mockingbird: In Search for the Differences Between the Novel and a Movie The characters both in the novel and in the movie were often pushed to the breaking point; however, one of such moments described in the book was left out of the movie.
• Social Issues in the “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee The phrase ‘to kill a mocking bird’ stands out as a metaphor in the book To kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
• To Kill a Mockingbird: Movie Analysis Speaking of the movements which convey the essence of the film without any speech “intrusion”, it would be a good idea to drive the example of Boo Radley standing in the darker corner of the […]
• To Kill a Mockingbird The author, in the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird presents a deeper understanding in relation to events occurring in her novel. To enhance understanding of the novel, the author has widely embraced symbolism in […]
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"To Kill A Mockingbird": Innocence

In 'To Kill a Mockingbird', innocence is portrayed through the character of Scout. Her childish innocence shown throughout the book projects enormous effect on people and the outcome to various situations. The innocence shown also develops as the book goes on. First, it was the conflict at school where she did not quite understand what was going on. Second, there was the gang encounter where she showed them that there is much more to life. Scout's curiosity portrays her innocence, as she seeks to grasp many aspects of life that she has yet to understand.

Author: Erica Morris

Mr. Sheehy's English

To kill a mockingbird essay topics.

Freshman English I – To Kill a Mockingbird Essay –

Directions: Write a 4-6 page ( 1000-1500+ word) essay, typed and double-spaced, on one of the following topics dealing with Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960). Compose your essay in such a way as to edify and inform readers who are unfamiliar with this book. Follow the format outlined below. Your essay will be graded on the basis of the following categories: content (How informative is your essay?), organization (Does it follow my format with a definite underlying structure?), narrative voice (Does the narrative sound credible and coherent?) and clarity (Are the examples that are given in support of the thesis clearly presented and explained in depth?

Topic A –  Innocence and Experience – What are the major life-lessons that the younger characters in the novel ( Scout, Jem and Dill ) absorb as part of their coming-of-age in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s? You may pick one or more of these young people to write about and you may want to mention other kids in the story as well such as Walter Cunningham, Little Chuck Little, Burris Ewell, Cecil Jacobs and Francis Hancock.

Topic B –  Sources of Enmity – What are the significant sources of tension (i.e. suspicion, mistrust, class prejudice, racial prejudice,  snobbery, enmity, animosity, hatred) between various characters in the novel and what price is paid by certain characters for these antagonisms? For this topic, in addition to the younger characters mentioned above, you may want to concentrate on any of the following adult characters: Old Mr. Radley, Nathan Radley, Boo Radley, Miss Stephanie Crawford, Miss Maudie Atkinson, Atticus, Calpurnia, Lula, Zeebo,  Reverend Sykes, Aunt Alexandra,  Tom Robinson, Bob Ewell, Mayella Ewell, Sheriff Heck Tate, Mr. Gilmer, Judge Taylor, Mr. Link Deas, Dolphus Raymond, Miss Merriweather, Mrs. Farrow, Mr. Underwood .

Topic C – Dimensions of Social Inequality – What does this novel have to teach us about the problem of human inequality and the divisions within human society ? Write about specific dimensions of inequality in Maycomb, Alabama – i.e. the advantages and disadvantages that certain characters experience. Try to identify an underlying common lesson that unites each of these characters. Your paper may choose to focus on characters such as Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, Bob Ewell, Mayella Ewell, Burris Ewell, Mr. Cunningham, Walter Cunningham,  Dill Harris, Dolphus Raymond or any of the other characters mentioned above.

Introduction

Topic Sentence – Begin with a topic sentence that identifies the novel’s title and author

and makes some general comment about the overall significance of the novel.

General Exposition – Next provide a general overview of the novel’s plot and subject matter and the principal characters.

Narrow the Focus – Be sure to narrow the focus so as to establish the range and scope of your essay.

Thesis Statement – At the end of your first paragraph, include a thesis statement or statements that specifically outline and clarify the life-lessons or sources of tension  or dimensions of inequality that your paper will be analyzing.

Body of Paper

Be sure to include at least three (3) developmental paragraphs each one of which provides   evidence – examples   – illustrations   (taken from various scenes in the novel) of the life-lessons or sources of tension or dimensions of inequality you have outlined in your thesis.  Each developmental paragraph must include at least one or two relevant quotations followed by commentary and analysis.

Remember to begin each developmental paragraph with A.) a topic sentence that identifies the example or evidence that is relevant to your thesis. Next, B.) set the scene sufficiently – i.e. explain  what is happening in the story and which characters are involved –  before introducing a particular quotation. Next, C.) quote in a concise manner any description and/or dialogue that you find especially important or illuminating.  For each quotation or paraphrase of a scene, D.) provide relevant  commentary and analysis – i.e. explain to your readers why each example or bit of evidence is significant.

Use your conclusion to make editorial comments (for or again)  the novel’s overall merits  and its depiction of the problems and issues mentioned in your essay. You may also use the conclusion to comment on how the lessons of the novel relate to your own personal experience of related subjects.

 Freshman English I – To Kill a Mockingbird Essay – Sample Thesis Statements

Topic A –  Innocence and Experience – Difficult Lessons of Youth

The three main children characters react in different ways to the trial of Tom Robinson – and take from it different lessons about the world; Dill who identifies strongly with Tom responds with panic and paranoia; Jem becomes cynical and disillusioned with the justice system, while Scout (perhaps like Harper Lee herself) remains accepting and hopeful about the possibilities of social change.

The children in the novel – Scout, Jem and Dill in particular – learn harsh lessons about the ways in which small towns and other close-knit communities can sometimes marginalize and de-value individuals who do not fit the mold.  These three see what the older folks in the story are oblivious to: the loneliness and isolation that certain social pariahs (Boo, Mayella, Dolphus and Tom) are forced to endure.

One of the big lessons that Scout learns in the story is how some children are branded from an early age as “acceptable” or “unacceptable” based on conditions and circumstances beyond their control. Aunt Alexandra’s judgments  – about the Radleys, the Cunninghams, the Ewells, Calpurnia, etc. –  serve as the perfect foil to Scout’s more mature insights.

Harper Lee identifies with the children in the novel more than the adults – with the possible exception of Atticus.  Like Scout , her sympathies lie with  good-natured kids such as Dill Harris , and Walter Cunningham , as well as the more problematic Cecil Jacobs and Mayella Ewell . From each of them, though in different respects, we learn about the need for maintaining “dignity in the midst of squalor” or as Hemingway would say “grace under pressure.”

Topic B –  Sources of Enmity (Ill-Will, Mistrust, Prejudice, Hatred, Animosity)

The novel deals most obviously with racial prejudice , but the greater lesson has to do with class differences and how a person’s inherited social status   – or what Aunt Alexandra calls “heredity” – unfairly determines how individuals are treated by others.

Perhaps the major underlying sources of friction within the community are the  economic hardships and uncertainties wrought by the Great Depression ; the novel can be seen as a parable about how certain people react in extreme circumstances, some with fear, mistrust and suspicion, others with fair-play, generosity and good-will.

The real source of tension in Maycomb is the ongoing rift between the country folk – poor white farmers who have been “hit the hardest” by the economic catastrophe and the city folk – merchants and professionals who are desperate to avoid slipping into absolute poverty. Caught in the middle of all this are the innocent characters – Boo Radley, Tom Robinson and Dolphus Raymond – who are just trying to mind their own business.

Topic C – Dimensions of Social Inequality

Like other social protest novels, this novel makes a special case for the ideal of social equality – as a basic dignity that the law affords to all citizens, local or otherwise; the array of misfit characters including Tom Robinson, Boo Radley, Dolphus Raymond,  Dill and even Mayella Ewell – each in their own way, show us the price that must be paid when the true meaning of democracy (“equal rights for all, special privileges for none”) is forgotten.

Maycomb, Alabama – although fictional – is a microcosm for all the petty snobberies and prejudgments that exist in small towns all over America; while Harper Lee goes to great lengths to show the “logic” behind the existing social order, she is also brutally honest in exposing its shortcomings. [We see this most specifically in the struggles of Mayella Ewell, Walter Cunningham and Dolphus Raymond.]

More than anything else, To Kill a Mockingbird is a book about the need for education , for literacy, and the advantages of literacy as the guarantor of equality and social mobility. The characters who value education (Scout, Atticus and Miss Maudie) are also the most generous and  magnanimous in their treatment of others; the characters who disparage learning (Bob Ewell, Mayella Ewell and Aunt Alexandra) are more fearful and suspicious of others.

Innocence in to Kill a Mockingbird

This essay about Harper Lee’s “To Vanquish a Mockingjay” explores the theme of innocence within the setting of Maycomb, Alabama. Focused on Scout Finch and her brother Jem, it discusses how their childhood innocence is tested by racial prejudices during the trial of Tom Robinson. Additionally, the character Boo Radley represents lost innocence, while their father, Atticus Finch, embodies moral integrity. The narrative illustrates innocence as an active, hopeful force against injustice, highlighting the importance of empathy and moral courage.

How it works

In Harper Lee’s timeless classic, “To Vanquish a Mockingjay,” the essence of innocence isn’t merely a fleeting notion but a foundational element intricately interwoven into the tapestry of its characters and themes. Journeying through the quaint streets of Maycomb, Alabama, readers are whisked away alongside Scout Finch, a spirited young girl whose innocence serves as both a shield against the harsh realities enveloping her world and a mirror reflecting the intricate complexities of human nature.

Right from the start, Scout and her brother Jem emerge as quintessential embodiments of childhood innocence, their days brimming with the simple delights of games and escapades.

However, as the ominous cloud of racial prejudice looms larger over Maycomb, their innocence becomes a fragile construct, imperiled by the pervasive bigotry that tarnishes the very essence of their community.

The trial of Tom Robinson emerges as a crucible wherein not only Scout and Jem but the entire town undergoes a test of innocence. As they bear witness to the glaring injustices inflicted upon Tom, their illusions of a fair and just society are mercilessly shattered, leaving them to grapple with the stark realities of racism and inequity. Yet, in the face of such adversity, their innocence evolves into a beacon of hope, a steadfast reminder of the innate goodness residing within each individual despite the shadows encroaching upon them.

Yet, it’s not solely the innocence of children that takes center stage in “To Vanquish a Mockingjay.” The enigmatic presence of Boo Radley serves as a poignant emblem of lost innocence, a recluse whose existence has been marred by the callous whispers and speculations of the townsfolk. Through Scout’s perceptive gaze, Boo undergoes a metamorphosis from a mysterious specter into a figure of quiet dignity and compassion, underscoring the notion that innocence can often be found in the most unexpected of corners.

At the heart of the narrative beats the unwavering moral compass of Atticus Finch, whose unwavering dedication to justice and empathy serves as a guiding beacon for Scout and Jem. His unwavering resolve to defend Tom Robinson, notwithstanding the personal and professional risks at stake, stands as a testament to his belief in the inherent innocence and dignity of every individual, irrespective of race or societal status.

In “To Vanquish a Mockingjay,” innocence emerges not as a passive state but as an active force, a radiant beacon of hope that illuminates even the darkest of hours. Through the trials and tribulations faced by Scout, Jem, and Atticus, Harper Lee imparts a poignant reminder of the enduring potency of empathy, compassion, and moral fortitude in the face of prejudice and injustice. In a world where innocence is often mistaken for naivety, “To Vanquish a Mockingjay” stands tall as a powerful testament to the indomitable resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potency of empathy and understanding.

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Thesis For To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird Racism goes on anywhere whether it’s through the media, the real world, or it even comes out from your mouth on accident. In the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee racism is a major conflict among the people in Maycomb. Their biggest disease was the racism among each other, and all the injustice. Throughout the story, colored people are treated and considered less than a white person. This novel continues as where two siblings, Scout and Jem grow and learn from the real world. In the novel, the author emphasizes that we must learn how to embrace those around us even though they are different due to race , gender, or religion. Thesis: The author emphasizes that we must learn how to embrace those around us

To Kill A Mockingbird Ethos Pathos Logos

The main characters Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Bob Ewell face moments that deal with racism all told from the perspective of a six year old girl, Scout. The intended purpose of expressing racial relations in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,”

What Is Scout's Innocence In To Kill A Mockingbird

Think back to when you were little kid around 7 or so and you had no worries about life or anything. All you would think about is candy and toys and nothing about the world of adults. No worries of the weather or what the grown ups would talk about. Scout’s childhood innocence takes a turn from her care free days to the real world of racism and bad people. In To Kill a Mockingbird Scout witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson and how racism is taught to her unknowingly from it.

Literary Analysis On To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Literary Analysis Throughout To Kill A MockingBird, by Harper Lee there are many acts of courage. This is shown in Atticus Finch, Jem Finch, and Boo Radley. Atticus shows the most courage in the book but all three of these characters show true courage in some way, shape, or form. Boo Radley showed a lot of courage, but he was not in the storyline as much as Atticus. Throughout To Kill A Mockingbird, courage is defined as standing up for people and doing what’s right.

Outline For To Kill A Mockingbird Research Paper

Hook: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." - Atticus Finch Thesis: Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird explores the complexities of prejudice and racism through the perspectives of Scout and Jem Finch, two young children growing up in the deep South during the 1930s. Body Paragraph 1: Topic Sentence: Scout's innocence and naivety initially blind her to the racism present in her community. Quote: "I was starting to learn that a quick temper could get you into trouble faster than anything else."

Examples Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel that show the life of a southern state od Alabama during the “black racism” time period, where majority of the people had the mentality that (quote) with the exception of a few. To chosen to portray it from the eyes of Scout Finch, from a child’s point of view. Living in Maycomb, in the midst of a conservative society of the 1930’s and 20’s Southern America Scout Finch is an extra ordinary child.

The novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” was written in 1960 by Harper Lee in the point of view of a young innocent girl named Scout. One of the main messages that Lee has (need a new word than – indicated or set out) is racism, it plays an important role which strongly impacts many character’s lives unfairly and changes the relationship between two. Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” shows that it is wrong to hurt someone who does no harm to you, for example, black people are innocent but no way did they have as many rights as white people did. Black people lived hard lives because society was judgemental, irrational and most importantly, racist. As Scout and Jem grow older they learn to cope, take responsibility and are introduced to new aspects of life, one of which is racism.

Thesis Statement For To Kill A Mockingbird Essay

Final Essay Outline: Thesis Statement/opening paragraph: In the story To Kill A Mockingbird, discrimination and the act of being prejudice is common among the main characters, on both the receiving and serving end. Certain characters, like Scout and Jeremy Finch, Bob Ewell, and the town folk truly create the main problem and set the theme of the story. For example, when Bob Ewell accuses Atticus Finch of being an african-american lover, because he is defending Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson was accused of raping Mayella Ewell, according to Bob. Boo Radley is accused of being dead by Scout, Jem and Dill.

Theme Of Isolation In To Kill A Mockingbird

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee teaches us about the town of Maycomb County during the late 1930s, where the characters live in isolation and victimization. Through the perspective of a young Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, readers will witness the prejudice that Maycomb produces during times where people face judgement through age, gender, skin colour, and class, their whole lives. Different types of prejudice are present throughout the story and each contribute to how events play out in the small town of Maycomb. Consequently, socially disabling the people who fall victim from living their life comfortably in peace. Boo Radley and his isolation from Maycomb County, the racial aspects of Tom Robinson, and the decision Atticus Finch makes as a lawyer, to defend a black man has all made them fall in the hands of Maycomb’s prejudice ways.

Thesis Statement For To Kill A Mockingbird

In our society, innocent people, known as mockingbirds, experience prejudice in their lives. A/T: In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Background: Tom Robinson is a black person who’s was accused of raping a white girl named Mayella Ewell which he has never done. For this reason, Atticus Finch was appointed to be his lawyer. As a result, Atticus takes a stand for him by approving his case and standing up for him, but Tom was still found guilty.

To Kill A Mockingbird Point Of View Essay

In society, there are very few people who have the unwavering dedication to stand up for what they believe. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, a black man was convicted and accused of a crime he didn 't commit, raping a white women, which is not in anyway tolerable in society. In Harper Lee 's To Kill A Mockingbird, the author used point of view and symbolism to acknowledge how the the several social divisions which make up much of the adult world are shown to be both irrational and extremely destructive. To begin with, the short story To Kill A Mockingbird, used point of view to show how the many social divisions in the world are irrational and destructive. Scout; a first grade student at the time, was telling the story from her point of view and what had occurred from her childhood perspective.

Theme Of Racial Inequality In To Kill A Mockingbird

Race has always been a part of history, from slavery to MLK, to Barack Obama. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee defines race in the south during the 1930’s. Jean “Scout” Finch, is the narrator of the story. Her brother Jeremy “Jem” and her dad, Atticus, are both main characters. Calpurnia is their house cook and helper, she is also black.

Argumentative Essay On To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is set sometime in the 1930s in Maycomb County Alabama. The story is told through the point of view of Scout Finch who lives with her father, Atticus, and brother, Jem. The kids like to play pretend with their friend Dill about the man who lives in a scary house down the road, Boo Radley. The kids come in a few close counters along the way during these games in which Atticus does not approve. Scouts’ father, a lawyer, is appointed by Judge Taylor to defend Mr. Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a young girl.

Outline For To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Plan Thesis: The three main protagonists of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird (Scout, Jem, and Dill) both learn and demonstrate empathy through the story. Directional Statement: The characters demonstrate empathy to Boo Radley both after the trial and after Scout walks him back home, and they learn about empathy during Tom Robinson's testimony. Body Paragraph 1: Point: Jem demonstrates empathy towards Boo Radley after Tom Robinson is convicted of raping a white woman. Proof: Right after the trial, and Tom Robinson has been convicted of raping Mayella Ewell, Jem starts to understand why Boo Radley doesn't come out of his house: "I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all the time...

To Kill A Mockingbird Theme Essay

To Kill a Mockingbird is a book mainly about the coexistence of good and evil. The book stresses and emphasizes on the exploration of moral nature in humans. There are many themes in this novel including courage, innocence, racism, femininity, etc. However the most prevalent theme in the book is innocence. Not just innocence in itself but the danger and harm evil poses to the innocent.

What Are The Effects Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird

Effects of Racism “Racism is taught in our society, it is not automatic. It is learned behavior toward persons with dissimilar physical characteristics. ”-Alex Haley To Kill A Mockingbird is a novel that is greatly affected by the way others see the world. Scout, a young girl, growing up in Maycomb a place where racism is accepted.

More about Thesis For To Kill A Mockingbird

Related topics.

• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Black people
• White people
• African American

To Kill A Mockingbird Thesis Statement

Have you ever heard off the book called To Kill A Mockingbird and if you have there are alot of racist comments in that book. They use those because Harper Lee the author of the book used these because she wants to express how back in 1930’s the lives of the people in story were the right way. They use certain things in this story like putting a black man on trial and framing him and making him seem guilty but he really isn't it is just because he is a black Man. So my thesis statement is that in to kill a mockingbird that Harper Lee expresses the theme evil within racism. Because she describes people from different perspectives There are lot of examples throughout this whole book but there was one example where at the end of the book when they find Tom Robinson guilty. Then he tries to escape but one important thing throughout this whole book is that Tom Robinson couldn't have done this because he hurt his arm earlier in life. So when Tom was running away he tried to jump a fence instead of running after him and catching him they shot him. Not only did they shoot him only one time but seventeen times. The textual evidence is “Seventeen bullet holes in him”. This is important because they would of at least ran after a white person or only shoot him once but no they didn't run after him and they shoot him seventeen times that's more than enough. …show more content…

This whole case revolves around a color man who supposly rapes a white girl. But one thing about this whole book is there is no evidence on him they never got a rape kit tested so she could of not been raped. They could of got her checked out and it would have been

To Kill A Mockingbird Perspectives Essay

Perspectives can change beliefs in many ways. In Harper Lee’s novel ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, Bob Ewell hears and sees Atticus defending Tom Robinson who is black, therefore, he believes Atticus ‘loves niggers’. Jem, Scout, and Dill have never seen Boo Radley come out at day and they hear rumors that Boo only comes out at night. People believe rumors and their perspectives until they get the truth and change their beliefs.

To Kill A Mockingbird Dbq Essay

To Kill a Mockingbird was a very influential book in the eyes of a growing young woman in America in the 1930’s from the eyes of Jean Louise as a child and Jean reminiscing or reflecting as an adult about the past. Mayella Ewell was a white woman who was looked down upon by her own race and the African Americans were too scared to talk to her. Mayella was looked at to be powerless over her own life and others. If she is, then why does she win the case against Tom Robinson? In the town of Maycomb race, class, and gender played larger roles than some may think let's determine how.

Is Mayella Powerful? In the past, we lived in a large racial society where many White Americans did not accept African Americans as their equals. In Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, the novel focuses on the story of a rape trial located in a non-existent town of Maycomb, Alabama. It’s about a black man, Tom Robinson, who is accused of raping a poor white woman, Mayella Ewell.

Thesis Statement For To Kill A Mockingbird Research Paper

To Kill a Mockingbird- Thesis Statement In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, there is conflict between two characters; Bob Robinson, and Bob Uhl. Bob Robinson was a colored male, and Bob Uhl was a white male. Things in 1935 were much different than they are now in 2018.

To Kill A Mockingbird: A Brief Summary And Analysis

On August 9, 2014,a young man by the name of Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer. It is little known why the shooting occurred, but the boy was unarmed.This could be one of many cases of modern day racism and segregation. In 1930, “even after the abolishment of slavery in 1865, blacks were still almost powerless(BBC 2)”.Blacks were heavily segregated and had almost no rights.Many cases of segregation in the 1930s caused a lot of current day racial tension in the united states.

In Cold Blood Metaphors

Yet Perry’s childhood bliss was taken from him, somehow creating his current disposition, the true purpose is the falling of unity from inside the people of Holcomb, therefore; pinning every person against another. A dark curtain that falls over the children, parents, farmhands, hunting regulars, and police officials. A curtain that keeps them apart from one another because they are lost in the infinite blackness that surrounds them, an evil they let seep into their minds and imaginations.

my thesis statement is that the case Atticus has to battle with will lose and he will be very upset about it but he will teach scout an important lesson about equality. In the next few chapters’ scout and gem will probably be worried about Atticus because of the trial. Scout is too young to understand discrimination but over time she will learn how wrong is and she will form a new point of view with her possibly supporting the black community. She would probably be criticized and called a nigger lover and be out casted by the white community. For now, scout is clueless about discrimination against black people. Both scout and gem are becoming worried for Atticus’s well-being. He shows stress over the case because he knows

To Kill A Mockingbird Perspective Essay

Understanding perspective is essential to understanding people. Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird presents this idea in multiple passages of her writing. It can be seen in the rough, unknown troubles that people face despite their wrongful actions. As well as the rumours that are untrue and give complete false impressions of people. Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird uses these topics to illustrate the dangers of judging others before getting to know them.

To Kill A Mockingbird Coming Of Age Essay Examples

Coming-of-age does not just involve cakes, parties, and grandparents, it is something much more exciting than that. Coming-of-age is the time when children gain new perspectives that will forever change their life. These perspectives may come from a great teacher, a mission trip, or even a disease. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is an excellent example of gaining perspectives. To Kill a Mockingbird is not only an intense book about a young girl’s adventure, but it also has a deeply philosophical meaning. David Dobb’s “Beautiful Brains” is also a good example of how coming-of-age involves gaining new perspectives. “Beautiful Brains” explains the science behind why coming-of-age involves gaining new perspectives. To Kill a Mockingbird’s

To Kill A Mockingbird 5 Paragraph Essay

When Scout arrives home from school to explain to Atticus what her classmates have been calling him he stated that “I’m simply defending a negro...but there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn’t be defending this man.” (Lee. 75). Entirely based on the fact that Tom is black he is seen as less than therefore does not deserve the justice services offered to the white community. During Aunt Alexandra’s get together, Atticus pulls her and Calpurnia aside and tells them the bad news. “Tom’s dead...they shot him. He was running. It was during their exercise period. They said he just broke into a blind raving charge at the fence and started climbing over. Right in front of them.”

Theme Of Tom Robinson Trial

To Kill a Mockingbird has many different themes in it. One of the themes is when Tom Robinson is put on trial for being black. Which is also racism. In To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee says that racism is evil. Tom Robinson was put on trial because of racism.

How To Kill A Mockingbird Essay

I grew up in a home where my parents taught us to serve our country, community and those around us. They taught me through example, my father was a scout leader when I was a child. He often took me camping and to merit badge Pow Wow’s. As a boy I began to dream about becoming a boy scout. When I became old enough I joined the cub scouts. While in Cub scouts I learned about being part of the pack, about working together to accomplish large projects, to work together to accomplish a larger goal. Then when I was older I was able to join the boy scouts they taught me about being a citizen in the community, about being a good neighbor. They taught me about doing a good turn daily, and being prepared. When I was 13, I became a life scout. Being a life scout is not anything special, other than I was able to start working on my eagle project.

Thesis Statement For To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird Timed Writing “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Harper Lee writes To Kill a Mocking Bird during a troubled time in our countries past; a novel about the coming of age of a brother and sister in the south while they see the racism around them. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mocking Bird, the audience see’s that all men are not treated equally; and the courts do not treat all men of all colors the same.

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

With the racial tension so high during this time period, Tom's innocence was lost before he could even defend himself. This was shown through Atticus's reply to Scout's question of, "Will we win?" Atticus answered no because the case was lost before it began. Tom Robinson's response to his loss of innocence was to simply run away from the problem that had befallen him. For his attempted escape Tom suffered the highest consequence, "They shot him,' said Atticus. 'He was running. It was during their exercise period. They said he just broke into a blind raving charge at the fence and started climbing over" (235). Due to Tom's decision on how to respond, he was killed even though he was placed in his position no thanks to himself. Tom Robinson chose poorly when it came to his response towards his loss of innocence and it cost him his life.

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”. Discuss this quote from Atticus in relation to 3 characters from the novel.

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• To Kill a Mockingbird
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To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

Editor's Choice

What is a good thesis statement on racism in To Kill a Mockingbird ?

Quick answer:

In To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee highlights the racist treatment of Black people in the American South during the Jim Crow Era. The novel is set in the 1930s in Maycomb, Alabama. Most of the town's population is racist, and the people who are not racist are harassed and taunted. Atticus and his family are resented by the townsfolk for Atticus's decision to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man who is accused of raping a white woman.

themes: Racism

setting: Maycomb

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High school English and Literature teacher who has also taught at the college level.

I think it would be relatively easy to argue the following thesis: Harper Lee shows that those who are racist are ignorant, uneducated, and unkind through her depiction of Mrs. Dubose, Mr. Ewell, and Mrs. Merriweather .

It is not very difficult to find examples of bad behaviors exhibited by these characters which show that we, the readers, are not supposed to relate to them or like them. We might sympathize, perhaps, with Mrs. Dubose, but it is clear from her behavior toward Jem that we are supposed to learn compassion from Atticus's treatment of her rather than to emulate her ideas. Mr. Ewell is portrayed in an even worse way, as a child abuser and liar and would-be murderer. By discouraging readers from liking these characters, Lee encourages us to condemn their racist beliefs.

You could also argue the flip side of this idea, which is that Harper Lee encourages readers to like characters like Atticus Finch and Ms. Maudie in order to encourage our disavowal of racist ideas .

Cite this page as follows:

Guggenheim, Laura. "What is a good thesis statement on racism in To Kill a Mockingbird ?" edited by eNotes Editorial, 6 July 2019, https://www.enotes.com/topics/to-kill-a-mockingbird/questions/what-is-a-good-thesis-statement-about-the-theme-708510.

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A thesis is the main statement of an essay that controls the direction the writer will take while writing. It informs the reader about the specific theme and details to be discussed. One way to write a good thesis statement is to present the chosen theme by using direct language. Then, follow it up by adding three supporting details listed thereafter. For example, if the theme is racism as presented in  To Kill a Mockingbird , think of three events that demonstrate racism or three characters who either dish it out or have to take it. Then, list those events or characters right after the thesis statement. The examples listed with the thesis statement will then be discussed in further detail in the body of the essay. Below are a few examples:

1. The people of Maycomb who exhibit racist behaviors are Mrs. Dubose, Mrs. Merriweather, and Bob Ewell.

With this thesis statement, the writer establishes that racism does exist in Maycomb, which is the theme, and then lists three examples of characters who demonstrate it in the novel. The essay would then explain in detail what those characters say or do.

2.  People in the town of Maycomb, Alabama show their racist attitudes by not hiring Helen Robinson when her husband is in jail, attempting to lynch Tom Robinson before the trial, and convicting him for a crime they know he didn't commit.

An essay written from the example above accuses groups of people for demonstrating their racist attitudes because a black man is charged with allegedly raping a white woman. However, these groups create specific events that can be referred to in the book as evidence for the essay. 

Bishop, Tina. "What is a good thesis statement on racism in To Kill a Mockingbird ?" edited by eNotes Editorial, 25 May 2016, https://www.enotes.com/topics/to-kill-a-mockingbird/questions/what-is-a-good-thesis-statement-about-the-theme-708510.

It's easy to write a thesis statement if you understand what it is.

Your thesis is your main idea of your essay, and your thesis statement must state your main idea. It's a good idea to plan out the points you will use to prove your main idea, and you should include the points in your thesis statement.

I know what your theme is, racism, but I don't know your thesis. Your thesis should be a statement about your theme. So you might say "Racism is the main theme explored in To Kill a Mockingbird" or you might say "Harper Lee is against racism in To Kill a Mockingbird." There are several other ways you could state a thesis about this theme, too.

Let's go with the first thesis, "Racism is the main theme explored in To Kill a Mockingbird."

Now you need to plan out your essay and decide on some points you can make to prove your thesis. A good way to do this is through brainstorming . You should come up with lots of points, and then check through the book and figure out which points would be best to support your thesis. You should be able to find evidence to support each point. You can find more on themes in To Kill a Mockingbird in eNotes' study guide, here. You should choose at least three points to use in your essay.

Here are my suggestions for points to support the thesis "Racism is the main theme explored":

• The majority of white people in Maycomb are racist.
• Maycomb is separated into white and black neighbourhoods.
• Tom does not get a 'fair' trial because of racism.
• The word "nigger" is used a lot in the text, and Scout and her father are called "nigger lovers."
• People in Maycomb have "...the evil assumption—that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women..." according to Atticus in his statements during the trial.
• The town of Maycomb has never "...seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man," according to Reverend Sykes.
• White people give coloured folks hell without stopping to think that they're people too, according to Mr. Raymond.

There are lots of other things you could say about racism in To Kill a Mockingbird, too. After brainstorming, you need to pick at least three main points and add them to your thesis statement. Your final thesis statement, which you can use in the introduction to an essay, might read: Racism is the main theme explored in To Kill a Mockingbird; most of the people in town are racists, Tom is guaranteed to lose because he is a black man accused by a white woman, and racist language is used throughout the book.

Borrowman Tolley, Kathleen. "What is a good thesis statement on racism in To Kill a Mockingbird ?" edited by eNotes Editorial, 6 Mar. 2016, https://www.enotes.com/topics/to-kill-a-mockingbird/questions/what-is-a-good-thesis-statement-about-the-theme-708510.

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Analyze the theme of racism in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the American South during the 1930s. This setting connects to the novel's overarching themes of prejudice and racism. The characters in the story live in Maycomb, Alabama, a town populated mostly by racist people.

The 1930s mark a period in American history known as the Jim Crow Era. This period occurred after the Civil War and abolishment of slavery; however, Black people were still subject to racist treatment and laws. The Jim Crow laws were designed to segregate Black people. Black people were not truly free. They were forced to use separate and unequal facilities and were not allowed to vote, pursue education, or apply to many jobs. The time and place in which the novel is set thus play a significant role in communicating the theme of racism.

Tom Robinson is a Black man who is accused of raping a white woman. The novel centers around Atticus Finch, a white attorney who defends Tom, and his two children. Atticus knows he does not stand a chance of winning the case, but he accepts the impossible task anyway because he knows it is the right thing to do.

Atticus and his children receive a great deal of backlash from the mostly racist community of Maycomb. The town's white population strongly resents Atticus's choice to defend a Black man. Scout gets into a fight at school with Cecil Jacobs, who voices his distaste for Atticus's choice to defend Tom. Even Atticus's own family disapproves of his defense of Tom. His sister, Alexandra, feels that Atticus is disgracing their family. Francis explains,

Grandma says it's bad enough he lets you all run wild, but now he's turned out a nigger-lover we'll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb again. He's ruinin' the family, that's what he's doin'.

Atticus and his children endure nasty looks and snide remarks from the people of Maycomb. In chapter 15 , Atticus is guarding Tom, who has just been transferred to a jail in Maycomb. An angry mob of Maycomb residents arrives and threatens Atticus and his children. Scout appeals to the familiar faces in the crowd and is able to successfully convince the people to go back to their homes and leave her father alone.

The woman who accuses Tom of rape is Mayella Ewell. She and her family are strongly disliked by the people of Maycomb. Despite their intense hatred for the Ewell family, most of the citizens of Maycomb side with the Ewells simply because they are white. Tom is a kind, hardworking man who is innocent of the accusations against him, but he is convicted anyway because of the racist culture of Maycomb. The people of Maycomb are convinced of Tom's guilt based solely on the color of his skin. Tom is ultimately shot and killed by prison guards while trying to escape from jail after being imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.

Through the novel's setting and characters, Lee calls attention to the horrendous, racist treatment of Black people in the American South during the 1930s.

Rodriguez, Jennifer. "What is a good thesis statement on racism in To Kill a Mockingbird ?" edited by eNotes Editorial, 23 Aug. 2021, https://www.enotes.com/topics/to-kill-a-mockingbird/questions/what-is-a-good-thesis-statement-about-the-theme-708510.

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Teacher, freelance writer, and short story author.

Can you give me two sentences about how racism relates to the theme in To Kill A Mockingbird?

The theme of a literary work is its main idea. In a complex work like To Kill a Mockingbird , there are several themes, so you have some choices as far as what you want to relate racism to.

For example, if you take the theme of growth, you might consider this sentence:

As Scout grows from innocence to maturity, she has to confront the painful reality of racism.

That would be an example of a thesis statement that includes both theme and racism.

If you want racism addressed via another theme, you could address the theme of courage, and try something like this:

In this classic novel, Atticus Finch demonstrates courage by he standing up to physical threats, social pressure, and racism.

Just about any of the novel's major themes can be related to racism.

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Further Reading

• https://www.dictionary.com/browse/theme

Beatty, Greg. "What is a good thesis statement on racism in To Kill a Mockingbird ?" edited by eNotes Editorial, 5 Oct. 2016, https://www.enotes.com/topics/to-kill-a-mockingbird/questions/what-is-a-good-thesis-statement-about-the-theme-708510.

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