Introduction

To Kill A Mockingbird is a favorite to many, or "something for everybody" you might say. However, if you were to ask twenty people why this novel was their favorite, you may get twenty different answers. Every individual walks away with a unique experience. Some have a very emotional attachment to the characters, the events, and the little town of Maycomb. Some people see it as a work of historical fiction about the Scottsboro Trials, when blacks suffered relentless injustice. Some see a story of childhood, the mis-adventures of a girl, her brother and their childhood friend. Some see a steadfast father who is both a role model and a symbol of character and justice to an entire town. Some see the growth of a sweet young girl as she witnesses the great and small injustices of life. Some see the valuable lessons about people and how they should be treated, regardless of the money they make or the color of their skin. Some see a young girl who blossoms in a man's world and does not allow herself be dominated by men, any men around her. Some see the autobiography of Harper Lee and her childhood friend, Truman Capote, two distinguished and famous writers. If nothing else, everyone takes away a little piece of Maycomb that help to shape the way we look at the world.

As a student, this novel had a much different meaning to me than it does even now. Young and old can have a much different take on the situations Scout Finch experiences. However, the underlying lesson is always the same: Be good, even when no one is watching. From Miss Maudie, Miss Caroline, Aunt Alexandra and especially Atticus we learn that being a role model to children is a difficult feat at any age.

As a teacher, I now have a love and appreciation for this novel that can be very cumbersome to articulate to a ninth grade student. It excites me that years after its first publication, Scout Finch can still be teaching teenage children what it means to be true to yourself, sympathetic and honorable. Lessons like these we don't learn from teachers standing up in the front of the classroom, but from the adventures of children in a different time and place.

This novel has so many layers, I cannot hope to delve into each one and discover in its entirety with you. I can, however, hope that even without my prompts, my activities, my discussions and my questions that you can make it your own. That is what literature is, a microscope under which you can view your own strengths, weaknesses and actions. Along with Scout, Jem, Dill and Boo, we have a lot to learn.

English 9 Class : B. Holmes
Instructional Technology/Web Design: J. Terry
Send questions or comments to J. Terry.
Site created Summer 2004
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