35 To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics

Harper Lee’s classic American novel To Kill a Mockingbird is among the most taught books in American literature. The story of young Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus–as told through the eyes of Scout–is one that has captivated readers for generations.

With the reading of the novel also comes an assortment of assignments that require students to analyze and interpret the text. One such assignment is the To Kill a Mockingbird essay.

While understanding the book’s content can be a challenge in and of itself, crafting a well-written essay on the subject can be even more so. However, we’ve created a handy guide detailing everything you need to know about writing a To Kill a Mockingbird essay, including tips on structure and 35 essay topic ideas.

How to Write the Essay

To Kill A Mockingbird essays can be written in many different writing styles depending on the essay prompt and the teacher’s individual preferences. However, there are a few key things that every To Kill A Mockingbird essay should have. Let’s take a look at what those are.

A Strong Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is the most crucial element of a good To Kill A Mockingbird essay. This statement is what your entire essay will be based around and should be narrow in focus. Depending on whether your essay is an argumentative, persuasive, comparative statement, or literary analysis essay, your thesis will take on a different form.

An Argumentative Thesis Statement

If you’re writing an argumentative essay, your thesis statement should take a clear position on the issue at hand. For example, if you’re writing about whether or not Atticus Finch is a good father, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“Atticus Finch is a good father because he is patient, teaches his children to be moral people, and is always there for them when they need him.”

A Persuasive Thesis Statement

If you’re writing a persuasive essay, your thesis statement will take on a slightly different form. Instead of simply stating your position, you’ll also need to provide evidence from the text to support your claim. So, for example, if you’re writing about whether or not Atticus Finch is a good father, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“Atticus Finch is a good father because he is patient, teaches his children to be moral people, and is always there for them when they need him. This is evident in how he deals with Scout’s defiance, helps Jem come to terms with Boo Radley, and stands up for Tom Robinson in court.”

A Comparative Thesis Statement

If you’re writing a comparative essay, your thesis statement will need to compare and contrast two or more characters, themes, or elements from the text. For example, if you’re comparing and contrasting the characters of Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“Though both Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell are fathers, they couldn’t be more different in the way they raise their children. Atticus Finch is a patient and level-headed father who instils morality in his children, while Bob Ewell is an abusive and alcoholic father who does nothing but harm his daughter.”

A Literary Analysis Thesis Statement

In this type of essay, you’ll be asked to analyze the themes, symbols, or other literary devices used in the text. So, for example, if you’re writing about the theme of racism in To Kill A Mockingbird, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“The theme of racism is evident in To Kill A Mockingbird through the characters of Tom Robinson, Calpurnia, and Atticus Finch.”

In each of these examples, you’ll notice that the thesis statement is clear, concise, and takes a position on the issue at hand. This is exactly what your thesis statement should do as well.

The Body Paragraphs

Once you have a thesis statement, you can begin to write the body paragraphs of your essay. In each body paragraph, you’ll need to include a topic sentence, supporting evidence from the text, and your own analysis.

The topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph and introduces the main idea that will be discussed in the paragraph. The supporting evidence can be quotes, events, or other information from the text that backs up your main idea. And finally, your analysis is your interpretation of the evidence and how it supports your main idea.

For example, if you’re writing about Atticus Finch as a good father, your first body paragraph might look something like this:

Paragraph 1:

  • Topic sentence: Atticus is a good father because he is patient.
  • Supporting evidence: “Atticus was making a feeble attempt to comfort her, but his hands were shaking as badly as hers.” (Lee 94)
  • Analysis: This quote shows that even when Scout is misbehaving, Atticus remains calm and patient with her.

With each new paragraph, you’ll need to include a new topic sentence and supporting evidence.

The Conclusion

The conclusion of your essay is where you’ll need to tie everything together and leave your reader with a clear understanding of your position. To do this, you’ll need to restate your thesis statement and main points from the body of your essay.

You’ll also want to leave the reader with something to think about. Maybe offer a new perspective on the text, or suggest how the themes of the text apply to real life.

For example, your conclusion might look something like this:

“Though Atticus Finch is a fictional character, he serves as an excellent role model for fathers everywhere. His patience, morality, and courage are qualities that all fathers should strive to possess.”

35 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics

Sometimes the most challenging part of essay writing is coming up with a topic. That is where this list of To Kill A Mockingbird essay topics will come in handy.

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Racism

  • The racist attitudes of the people in Maycomb County
  • The impact of racism on the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • The trial of Tom Robinson and its role in exploring the issue of racism
  • Atticus Finch’s views on race and how they change throughout the novel
  • How racism affects the relationships between the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Family

  • The different types of families represented in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • The role of family in shaping the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • Atticus Finch as a father figure
  • The impact of Scout’s family on her development
  • How the absence of a mother figure affects the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Courage

  • The definition of courage and how it applies to the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • Atticus Finch as a model of courage
  • Mrs Dubose as an example of courage
  • How the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird define and demonstrate courage
  • The impact of cowardice on the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Morality

  • The moral development of the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • Atticus Finch as a moral compass for his children
  • The importance of morality in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • How the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird deal with moral dilemmas
  • The impact of immorality on the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Prejudice

  • The different types of prejudice represented in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • The role of prejudice in shaping the events of the novel
  • How the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird deal with prejudice
  • The impact of prejudice on the relationships between the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • Atticus Finch’s views on prejudice and how they change throughout the novel

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Injustice

  • The injustice of the trial of Tom Robinson
  • The role of injustice in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • How do the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird deal with injustice
  • The impact of injustice on the relationships between the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • Atticus Finch’s views on justice and how they change throughout the novel

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics About Gender

  • The role of gender in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • How characters in To Kill A Mockingbird are impaired or helped by gender roles
  • The impact of gender roles on the relationships between the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird
  • Atticus Finch’s views on gender and how they change throughout the novel
  • The significance of Scout’s development as a tomboy

With any of these 35 To Kill A Mockingbird essay topics, you will have a pretty easy time coming up with an excellent essay. Remember to create a strong thesis and use the guide above when writing your To Kill A Mockingbird essay body and conclusion.

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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.

  • “To Kill a Mockingbird”: Book and Movie Differences It is important to note that the film, To Kill a Mockingbird entails most of the aspects depicted in the novel.
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  • To Kill a Mockingbird Main Themes The main themes of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird cover both adult and children’s concerns, including the dignity of human life, the importance of truth, the rights of people to be different, the need […]
  • Novel Appreciation: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee The contemporary discussion of this novel is often tied to the question of racism; nevertheless, I am convinced that this book can be of great interest to modern readers, and I would like to discuss […]
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  • Empathy and Racism in Stockett’s The Help and Li’s To Kill a Mockingbird To start with, the first approach to racism and promoting empathy is to confront prevalent discrimination and racism, which was often shown in The Help. Another solution to racism and the possibility of promoting empathy […]
  • Systemic Racism in Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” & Whitehead’s “The Nickel Boys” Racism in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird is pronounced and presented as the natural habitat of the town of Maycomb.
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  • Nelle Harper Lee and Her Reflection in “To Kill a Mockingbird” The author perfectly reflects her life in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird as her father played an essential role in creating the story.
  • “To Kill a Mockingbird” Drama Film The plot proves to be logical and consistent throughout the movie, motivating the audience to watch till the end of the film.
  • Understanding Other Perspective: To Kill a Mockingbird The literature portrays the actual happenings in the society in an educative and corrective manner that is acceptable to both sides of the victim and perpetrator of injustices.
  • “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.
  • The Problem of Racism and Injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee In the novel, Harper Lee demonstrates her vision of the question of the social inequality with references to the problem of racism in the society based on prejudice and absence of actual principles of tolerance […]
  • 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” and the Techniques Used: Characterisation, Structure, Point of View, and Language
  • The Different Types of Families Represented in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • Atticus Finch’s Views on Race and How They Change Throughout “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Racist Attitudes of the People in Maycomb County in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • “To Kill a Mockingbird”: How Symbolism Reinforces Important Ideas
  • The Supproting Character of Boo Radley as a Hero in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • Unjust Persecution as a Major Theme in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Significance of the Title of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • Use of Symbols in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • The Trial of Tom Robinson and Its Role in Exploring the Issue of Racism in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • Violence and Alienation in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • “To Kill a Mockingbird”: The Importance of Understanding Individual Differences
  • True Courage in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • The Two Types of Underprivileged People in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Influences Parents Have on Their Children in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The References That Suggest to Boo Radley and Tom Robinson in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • Tom Robinson and Boo Radley as Mockingbirds in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Southern Gothic Elements in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • The Resemblance Between Tom Robinson and Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Themes of Childhoods in “Jane Eyre” and “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Role of Family in Shaping the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Affects of One’s Surrounding Environment on Their Personality and Morals in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The True Heroic Qualities of Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Theme of the Loss of Childhood Innocence in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • Town of Maycomb’s Role in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • The Different Types of Prejudice Represented in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • Atticus Finch as a Moral Compass for His Children in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Moral Development of the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Impact of Cowardice on the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • Mrs Dubose as an Example of Courage in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Impact of Scout’s Family on Her Development in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Victims of Stereotyping in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • Atticus Finch as a Father Figure in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • Tragic Hero in “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Crucible”
  • The Themes of Racism and Fear of the Unknown in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • Hidden Symbols in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • The Value of Informal Education in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • Tom Robinson’s Trial as a Central Part of “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • Unarmed Bravery in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • Use of Piaget’s Theories of Child Development in Analyzing “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • The Tolerance Level of the Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
  • The Use of Symbolism and Irony in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • Tom Robinson’s Conviction in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
  • How Old Is Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
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  • How Does Scout Describe Dill in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
  • How Is the Theme of Femininity and the Power of Women From “To Kill a Mockingbird” Still Relevant Today?
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  • Why Does Scout Have That Nickname in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
  • How Are Fathers Presented in the Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
  • What Is the Main Meaning of “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
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  • What Is the Most Important Lesson in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
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  • What “To Kill a Mockingbird” Teaches Us?
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109 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic novel that has been studied in classrooms for decades. The story of Scout Finch and her father, Atticus, as he defends a black man accused of raping a white woman in the segregated South, has sparked countless discussions and debates about race, justice, and morality. If you're tasked with writing an essay on this timeless piece of literature, you may be wondering where to start. To help you get the creative juices flowing, here are 109 To Kill a Mockingbird essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing:

  • Analyze the theme of morality and ethics in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Discuss the role of empathy and compassion in the novel.
  • Explore the theme of racial inequality and injustice in the South.
  • Examine the character of Atticus Finch and his moral integrity.
  • Compare and contrast Atticus' parenting style with that of other characters in the novel.
  • Discuss the significance of the mockingbird as a symbol in the story.
  • Analyze the social hierarchy in Maycomb and its impact on the characters.
  • Explore the theme of education and ignorance in the novel.
  • Discuss the importance of community and belonging in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Examine the character of Boo Radley and his role in the story.
  • Compare and contrast the experiences of Scout and Jem as they mature throughout the novel.
  • Analyze the symbolism of the Radley house in the story.
  • Discuss the theme of courage and bravery in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Explore the role of women in the novel and how they challenge traditional gender roles.
  • Examine the relationship between Scout and Calpurnia and its significance in the story.
  • Discuss the impact of social norms and expectations on the characters in the novel.
  • Analyze the character of Tom Robinson and his representation of innocence and injustice.
  • Discuss the theme of prejudice and discrimination in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Compare and contrast the attitudes of different characters towards race and class.
  • Examine the symbolism of the trial of Tom Robinson in the novel.
  • Discuss the significance of the title To Kill a Mockingbird and its relation to the story.
  • Explore the theme of childhood innocence and loss of innocence in the novel.
  • Analyze the role of gossip and rumors in shaping the characters' perceptions of each other.
  • Discuss the importance of perspective and point of view in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Compare and contrast the different forms of courage exhibited by the characters in the novel.
  • Examine the theme of social justice and the legal system in the South.
  • Discuss the impact of poverty and class on the characters' lives in Maycomb.
  • Analyze the relationship between Scout and her brother Jem and how it evolves throughout the story.
  • Explore the symbolism of the mockingbird and its relation to innocence and purity.
  • Discuss the theme of redemption and forgiveness in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Compare and contrast the experiences of different characters as they confront prejudice and discrimination.
  • Analyze the character of Bob Ewell and his representation of evil and ignorance.
  • Discuss the theme of heroism and sacrifice in the novel.
  • Examine the symbolism of the courthouse in the story.
  • Explore the theme of social change and progress in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Discuss the impact of historical events, such as the Great Depression, on the characters in the novel.
  • Analyze the role of religion and spirituality in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Compare and contrast the different forms of discrimination experienced by the characters in the story.
  • Discuss the significance of the trial of Tom Robinson in challenging the status quo.
  • Examine the symbolism of the mad dog incident in the novel.
  • Discuss the theme of justice and fairness in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Analyze the character of Mayella Ewell and her representation of victimhood and oppression.
  • Explore the theme of social isolation and alienation in the story.
  • Discuss the impact of fear and prejudice on the characters' actions and beliefs.
  • Compare and contrast the different forms of courage exhibited by Scout and Jem.
  • Analyze the symbolism of the Finch family name in the novel.
  • Discuss the theme of family and loyalty in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Examine the relationship between Atticus and his sister Alexandra and how it reflects the values of the Finch family.
  • Explore the role of tradition and heritage in shaping the characters' identities.
  • Discuss the significance of the fire at Miss Maudie's house in the story.
  • Analyze the character of Miss Maudie and her role as a moral compass for the children.
  • Compare and contrast the experiences of different characters as they confront change and progress.
  • Discuss the impact of community values and norms on the characters' actions and beliefs.
  • Examine the symbolism of the treehouse and its relation to innocence and childhood.
  • Explore the theme of empathy and understanding in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Discuss the significance of the mockingbird as a symbol of innocence and purity.
  • Analyze the character of Calpurnia and her role as a surrogate mother for Scout and Jem.
  • Compare and contrast the experiences of different characters as they navigate the complexities of race and class.
  • Discuss the impact of social expectations and norms on the characters' identities.
  • Examine the symbolism of the courthouse and its relation to justice and fairness.
  • Explore the theme of social responsibility and civic duty in the novel.
  • Analyze the character of Boo Radley and his representation of isolation and alienation.
  • Explore the theme of justice and fairness in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Discuss the role of empathy and compassion in the story.
  • Analyze the character of Atticus Finch and his moral integrity.
  • Explore the theme of education and ignorance in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Discuss the importance of community and belonging in the novel.
  • Discuss the impact of fear and prejudice on the characters' actions and

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To Kill a Mockingbird

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105 pages • 3 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Before You Read

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-8

Chapters 9-12

Chapters 13-16

Chapters 17-20

Chapters 21-24

Chapters 25-28

Chapters 29-31

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Further Reading & Resources

Discussion Questions

To Kill A Mockingbird is often categorized as a “bildungsroman,” or “coming of age” novel, following the childhood evolution, learning, and growth of young Scout and Jem. Over the course of the book, both characters develop increasingly-mature consciousnesses about the world; however, their individual growth processes are also specifically gendered as feminine and masculine. What are some of the ways Scout and Jem develop according to traditional southern standards for women and men? What are some of the ways both Scout and Jem resist that development?

Since the 1960 publication of To Kill A Mockingbird , Atticus Finch has been widely upheld as a role model for real world lawyers, even inspiring many people to pursue the practice of law. Recently, however, critics have argued that Atticus Finch didn’t do as much as he could have to disrupt the climate of racism, sexism, and classism he practiced within. Do you feel Atticus Finch continues to endure as a strong role model, or do you think his practices are outdated?

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Evergreen To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics

  • Essay Writing Guides

Evergreen To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics for High-Flying Essays

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most taught and popular books in American literature. It contains the story of a young Scout Fitch, her brother Jem, and their dad Atticus. Reading this novel also exposes you to different academic assignments that require thorough analysis and interpretation. 

Producing excellent To Kill a Mockingbird essays requires a good foundation, which includes finding the most suitable To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics . This post shares the best sample topics for your writing. It also offers tips for selecting suitable TKAM essay topics . Keep reading to learn more.

Tips for Selecting Suitable To Kill a Mocking Bird essay topics

Choosing the right To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics is necessary for drafting papers that fetch good marks. Accurate selection also captures readers’ interest from the start. Below are tips for selecting titles for To Kill a Mockingbird essays .

  • Brainstorm your To Kill a Mockingbird essay ideas to determine their suitability. 
  • Choose topics that you can easily research without facing unnecessary difficulties defending your ideas.
  • Your potential titles must interest readers.
  • Select TKAM essay topics you are genuinely passionate about so you can easily research and write about them.
  • If possible, let your trusted friends or classmates give their feedback on the prospective topics before choosing them.

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics About Racism

Racism is one of the leading themes in this novel. Here are sample To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics for future consideration. 

  • Describe the racist attitudes expressed by people in Maycomb County.
  • Describe how racism impacts this novel’s characters.
  • Discuss the trial of Tom Robinson and how it exposes racism.
  • Explore Atticus Finch’s views on racism and how they change in the novel.
  • Describe how racism impacts the relationships between the novel’s characters.
  • What does the trial of Tom Robinson say about racism in the so-called “land of the free?”
  • How does this novel expose the prejudices African Americans face across the United States today?

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Titles About the Family

Family is a central theme in this novel. Here are great To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics for jumpstarting you.

  • Discuss the various types of families represented in this novel.
  • Explore how the family shaped the characters in this novel.
  • Dissect Atticus Finch as a father figure in the novel.
  • Discuss how Scout’s family affected her development.
  • Explain how the absence of mother figures affects the characters in this thriller. 
  • Explore how parents influence their children.
  • Discuss the family and how Lee presents the American family model. 

Good Research Topics for To Kill A Mockingbird About Injustice

Injustice dots this novel’s landscape. Here are inspiring To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics on this theme.

  • Discuss how injustice manifests through Tom Robinson’s trial. 
  • Explore how injustice flows through the novel .
  • Discuss how the characters in the book handle injustice.
  • How does injustice affect human relationships in the novel?
  • Discuss Atticus Finch’s perspectives on justice.
  • Explore unjust persecution as a central theme in this novel.
  • Explore the plight of stereotyped victims in the novel.

Top To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Questions

Asking and answering the right questions is critical to understanding this thrilling novel . It also helps generate suitable To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics . Below are the top questions to ask.

  • How old is Atticus Finch?
  • What does Mrs. Maudie’s Nut Grass epitomize in the thrilling novel? 
  • Are femininity and the power of women still relevant in modern American society?
  • How does this book represent fathers?
  • What is the main theme in the novel?  
  • How does this novel present racism in the 1930s?
  • What are the most vital lessons people can learn from this book?
  • Are the novel’s themes still relevant?
  • Why is Atticus Finch a hero in this novel?
  • What does this novel teach modern society about family life, values, and bonds?
  • What would you describe as this novel’s climax?
  • How does this book expose prejudice and hypocrisy?
  • How does this American masterpiece benefit students?
  • How can readers connect to the social setting in the thriller? 
  • Who is the novel’s protagonist?

Closing Remarks

Succeeding in To Kill a Mockingbird theme essays requires a careful selection of suitable To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics . Therefore, we provided you with the best sample topic ideas to help you succeed in your future assignments. We also give tips to help you choose the right titles.

Do you still need further assistance with To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics or any other academic task? Go ahead and contact us for timely help.

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Narrative Essay Topics

To Kill A Mockingbird - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee that deals with racial injustice and moral growth in the American South. Essays could explore its themes, character analyses, literary significance, and the societal reactions it provoked upon its release. Discussions might also delve into its relevance in contemporary conversations about race, justice, and morality. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about To Kill A Mockingbird you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird: Themes of Courage and Heroism

In the Novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are several themes that are shown; however, one of the most exceedingly valued is courage. Courage is shown by assuredly every character in this book, but just a few examples are Boo Radley, Scout Finch, and Atticus Finch. In the novel, Boo Radley showed a plethora of courage and heroism. In one situation Boo saved Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell, who assailed them while they were on their […]

Prejudice in to Kill a Mockingbird

As a very powerful attitude that is either negative or hostile, prejudice refers to a very unfavorable feeling about a person or group simply because the person or group has membership with a particular group; prejudice is formed without any thought, reason, or knowledge to support the belief (Aronson, Wilson, Akert, & Sommers, 2016). When people are prejudiced against a particular group, they will engage in unenthusiastic and adverse behaviors toward anyone who is a member of the group against […]

What Happens to Jem and Scout’s Mother and how do they Fell about her Absence?

The New York Times states, that Scores of motherless children are overlooked in America every day. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, the two children, Scout and Jem Finch, have been motherless since Scout was 2, and Jem was 6. Although they do not have a mother, they have three mother figures. One is Calpurnia, their maid, another is Miss Maudie their neighbor, and the third is their Aunt Alexandra. Even though these children are […]

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Tolerance in to Kill a Mockingbird

Do you think that tolerance is an important part of life? In To Kill a Mockingbird, By Harper Lee, many characters show tolerance towards others, and others show a lack of tolerance. I will be discussing why I think Atticus and Scout both show tolerance, and why Lula shows intolerance. Atticus showed tolerance towards Mrs. Dubose even when she insults him and negatively comments on him. But He [Atticus] treats her politely and helps her throughout the novel. ""Good evening, […]

Symbolism in to Kill a Mockingbird

What is symbolism? What is the importance of symbolism? Why do we use symbolism in literature? Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal meaning. In literature, symbols can be items, characters, ideas, or even colors used to represent larger concepts. Authors often use symbolism to communicate in-depth ideas or themes without stating them. Symbols are often used to represent something important. Symbolism is used […]

What is the Symbolic Meaning of Mockingbirds?

The book To Kill a Mockingbird was written by Harper Lee in the year 1960. When people have no laws to follow, mass corruption and chaos run wild. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, the law is a major theme in the book. It shows how lawlessness can determine the life and future of the felons. Muddle and distress are what is created when you have no laws. Therefore, laws are established to keep peace and structure. Laws are […]

Character Development in to Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a story of a girl named Scout Finch and her friends who live in a town called Maycomb County, in the racially charged atmosphere of the early 1960s. Her mother is deceased, and her and her brother are cared for by Calpurnia, an African American housekeeper and Her father, Atticus, is a lawyer who takes on a case defending a black man accused of rape, and he confronts the racist justice system […]

Victim Blaming and to Kill a Mockingbird

People are held accountable for their own actions, until their actions are someone else's. In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, there are many examples of a so called innocent victim. For instance, Tom Robinson is an innocent victim. Although he is the alleged suspect, the trial was biased and half-true. Tom Robinson, being a black male in the 1930s, is going to get the unfair end of the deal because of the color of his skin. Tom Robinson's alleged […]

Great Depression – Economic Impact

In the modern world, the Great Depression began one of the worst economic crises in history. It began October 29, 1929 and reached its lowest point by 1933, but did not officially ended until 1939. In addition, millions of Americans began to get unemployed, nearly half the country's banks began to fail, and stock markets started to crash. In 1929, 3% of the population was unemployed. In 1933, the unemployed took a toll and 25%, 1 out of every 4 […]

Atticus Finch Character Analysis in to Kill a Mockingbird

Whether he is a father, lawyer, friend or foe, Atticus Finch exudes prominent traits admired by his children and the community. He stands as a honest and morally upright character in To Kill a Mockingbird. Written by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in Maycomb, a small town in Alabama and is primarily told from the eyes of nine-year-old Jean Louise Finch (Scout). Her father, Atticus Finch, takes a controversial case to defend Tom Robinson, a black man […]

To Kill a Mockingbird Racism

Justice and racial prejudice To Kill a Mockingbird and A Time to Kill illustrates the deep-rooted racism and discriminatory society in the timeline that was difficult to change the equal rights of blacks at that time. These prejudices make innocent people ineligible to justify anything they do, and most of them are black. In To Killing a Mockingbird, Harper Lee describes a story of Tom Robinson, who was accused of rape, just because he was a black man. Atticus Finch […]

Coming of Age: the Hard Truths Untold

Children who first learn to ride a bicycle are always prone to accidents on the first try and end up falling and scraping their knees or elbows. They cry at first but shake themselves off and climb back on their bicycles to try again and hopefully get it right. No matter what experiences people go through, in some form or another, those experiences help to develop deeper comprehension. Coming of age is a life-long journey, but it is mostly experienced […]

How is Bravery Shown in to Kill a Mockingbird?

In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, the author uses word choice to convey that bravery is the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous and that allows us to find the the mental or moral strength to face our fears and make unthinkable choices. Throughout part one of the book, Atticus strives to teach his children the real meaning of bravery and courage. One way the author demonstrates bravery through word choice is when Atticus […]

Examples of Stereotyping in to Kill a Mockingbird

While racism is the most common form of discrimination in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, there are many more forms of injustices in the book. From the beginning of the book, we read sly remarks about Scout's blatant tomboyish nature, from her brother Jem. Later, however, we hear the white citizens of Maycomb county use very offensive racial slurs towards the African American citizens; but racial slurs aside, the other forms of disrespect that most of the whites show […]

Life Lessons in to Kill a Mockingbird

Is it okay if someone does everything they're told to do, they're completely innocent, yet the majority of people they know still treat them unfairly? Is it okay to kill someone that was just fighting for his freedom? He wanted to know what freedom felt like, but he had it taken away from him with just one swift movement. One pull of a trigger. Picture having only one chance at escaping the dark world that some people live in, and […]

To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus Finch

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee demonstrates a very detailed image of Atticus Finch as he deals with his quarrels and dissensions. As he goes about his normal life in Maycomb county, he is faced with troubles including hate, racism, and disappointing his acquaintances by sticking up for an African American man. Despite being talked down on and being disrespected by everyone around him, he puts on a smile and demonstrates a character that inspires not only his children […]

Powers Granted by Exclusion

“No matter the situation, humans have always found a way to categorize themselves and others based on factors such as their looks, how much money they make, where they come from, and even the kind of music they listen to” (John Henrik Clarke). Although this kind of behavior may at first present itself as unharmful and nothing but a means of arrangement for individuals, the power one group has over another can easily turn things into the direction of hostility. […]

Depiction of Discrimination in to Kill a Mockingbird

"Our generation has had no Great war, no Great Depression. Out war is spiritual. Our depression is our lives" (Chuck Palahniuk). Discrimination was most common in the 1930's and was performed by prejudice people against others. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, discrimination is one of the main conflicts in the story. Till this day, people still face discrimination and injustice. Throughout the novel, sexism, classism, and racism are prominent in the lives of the characters. […]

Power in to Kill a Mockingbird

Claim: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Miss Maudie and Atticus teach Scout and Jem lessons of power and true courage, ultimately to help them overcome the social norm of what courage is, and to understand the power divided by race. Scout is spending the summer with Dill and Jem, but Dill and Jem become closer and they begin to leave her out of their plans. Hurt, Scout decides to spend her summer with Miss. Maudie, one of her friendly neighbors. […]

To Kill a Mockingbird Theme of Morality and Ethics

“To Kill A Mockingbird” is a book that takes many turns which makes it not easy to put down. It is set in Maycomb, Alabama around the time where slavery still existed. The story is focused around a trial where Atticus Finch has chosen to defend a black man named Tom Robinson. When read at the present time it is not felt as a big deal but at the time it was more than a big deal. It was something […]

Scouts Moral Growth in to Kill a Mockingbird

The novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” is a book that takes many turns which makes it not easy to put down. The story is told by Scout Finch who is the daughter of the main character, Atticus Finch. The story is focused around a trial where Atticus Finch has to defend Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson is a man being accused of raping women. In Maycomb, Alabama at the time, racism was a problem. The color of Tom’s skin is what […]

Society and Traditions in Literary Works

Literary works often reflect on society and its traditions, hoping that the readers realize the lessons and messages that are trying to be portrayed. Critical theories are reflective assessments and critiques of society and culture by applying knowledge, and the messages presented into our lives. Reader Response theory, Deconstruction theory, and Ethical theory are forms to uncover the meanings of a text, each in its own unique way which aids the reader to have an improved understanding of the messages. […]

To Kill a Mockingbird Book Vs Movie

I have watched the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”, there are a few fallacies that I managed to find in the movie, which are attacking the motive and two wrongs make a right and inappropriate appeal to authority. First and foremost, the first fallacy is attacking the motive that appeared in the movie, where all the people insist that Tom Robinson had raped Mayella Ewell. While Mayella was suing Tom by rapping her, Mr Ewell stopped Atticus outside the court and […]

Protagonist in Books “To Kill a Mockingbird”

The protagonist is Jean Louise (a.k.a Scout.) She is the narrator of the story. Scout is 6 to 9 years old in this story. She is a white girl in the middle of racist times during the Great Depression. Because of this, her family is poor but is still more valued than others. Scout's appearance is not directly mentioned, but it can be inferred she wears breeches and has bangs. Scout is very intelligent, for her father has taught her […]

Gender Equality in to Kill a Mockingbird

For centuries, there was always the mindset that men are superior to women. They were known to know more, do more and be the primary figure in all circumstances. Gender equality was not a widely known and controversial topic until the early 2000’s. Even with movements popping up, gender inequality still persisted. Females were expected to do ‘lady like things’; these things include: staying at home to clean, wear dresses and stay out of trouble. In the book To Kill […]

Plot Analysis of to Kill a Mockingbird

Is shielding children from various things to protect their innocence beneficial? In To Kill a Mockingbird the author, Harper Lee develops the main character Scout Finch in an old boring town called Maycomb. Through the use of characterization of Scout, Lee reveals that innocence along with the capacity to comprehend situations leads to the ability to perceive the world more ethically because they can grow and mature. One of Scout's most prominent characteristic is innocence. Her innocence limits her perspective […]

Is Mayella Ewell Powerful

Mayella Violet Ewell, a 19 ½-year-old girl, made one of the most widely known accusations in Maycomb. She accused a black man, Tom Robinson, of raping her. Mayella first appears in chapter 17 of Harper Lee’s book, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” when Tom Robinson’s trial occurs. She pours out a sob story to the court about Tom following her into the house, jumping on her, and raping her innocent self. Throughout her questioning in chapter 18, Mayella is depicted as […]

How the Jury Changed in Harper Lee’s to Kill a Mockingbird

An innocent black man named Tom Robinson is voted guilty of raping a white woman by an all-white jury in 1935. Fifty years later, in John Grisham’s A Time to Kill, a black man kills two white men who raped his daughter and is voted innocent by an all-white jury. Both cases occurred in the south where there was much racial prejudice towards African Americans at the time. From 1935 to 1985, there were 10 events that influenced the minds […]

Equality: Past, Present, and Future in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

Most Americans would agree that our country needs to work on achieving true equality, but the process of getting there has been challenging. America is divided because people have their own views and experiences and are not always willing to change, or agree. Inequality dates back to when our country was founded, and the way things were then affects how they are now. Most people think they know what equality means but they don't. Equality is the state in which […]

Scout Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Sometimes when people discriminate against one thing, they’re still open to another. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, this issue is expressed all throughout the story. For the time and place “To Kill a Mockingbird” takes place in, there was some way people would find a difference of another person and compare it to themselves. Examples of discrimination were racism and sexism; consequently, Scout learned multiple lessons from discrimination. Discrimination will alter someone’s life in ways of humiliation and […]

Originally published :July 11, 1960
Author :Harper Lee
Pages :281
Genre :Southern Gothic; Bildungsroman
Characters :Atticus Finch, Boo Radley, Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch

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How To Write an Essay About To Kill A Mockingbird

Introduction to harper lee's to kill a mockingbird.

"To Kill A Mockingbird," a novel by Harper Lee, is a profound work that explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence in the Deep South during the 1930s. Begin your essay by introducing the setting of Maycomb, Alabama, and the central characters: Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus Finch. Outline the novel’s primary themes and the significance of its title. This introduction should provide a brief yet comprehensive overview, setting the stage for a deeper analysis of the novel's complex themes and character dynamics.

Analyzing Central Themes and Characters

The body of your essay should delve into the critical themes of "To Kill A Mockingbird." Explore the theme of racial injustice, as seen in the trial of Tom Robinson, and discuss how this reflects the broader societal prejudices of the time. Another key theme is the moral development of Scout and Jem as they navigate a world of complex ethical choices and learn from their father's example of integrity. Discuss the character of Atticus Finch as a moral compass of the novel and a symbol of decency and justice. Use specific examples from the text to illustrate how these themes are developed through the narrative and character interactions. Each paragraph should focus on a specific theme or character analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of Lee's narrative.

The Novel's Social and Historical Context

In this part of the essay, place "To Kill A Mockingbird" within its broader social and historical context. Discuss the significance of the novel being set in the Great Depression and its reflection of the racial tensions in the American South during that period. Additionally, consider the impact of this novel when it was published in 1960, at the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement, and its continued relevance in contemporary discussions about race and justice. This contextual analysis will enrich your essay, demonstrating the novel's enduring significance as both a product of its time and a timeless commentary on human behavior and societal issues.

Concluding Reflections

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points and reiterating the novel's significance in American literature. Reflect on the lessons that "To Kill A Mockingbird" imparts about empathy, understanding, and moral courage. Consider the novel's impact on readers and its contribution to ongoing conversations about racial injustice and moral integrity. A strong conclusion will not only encapsulate your analysis but also underscore the novel's relevance to modern readers, encouraging them to reflect on its themes in the context of today's world.

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To Kill a Mockingbird

What is To Kill a Mockingbird about?

What inspired harper lee to write to kill a mockingbird , how did people respond to to kill a mockingbird , why is to kill a mockingbird a significant text, is there a sequel to to kill a mockingbird .

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To Kill a Mockingbird

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To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression (1929–39). The story centres on Jean Louise (“Scout”) Finch, an unusually intelligent girl who ages from six to nine years old during the novel. She and her brother, Jeremy Atticus (“Jem”), are raised by their widowed father, Atticus Finch. Atticus is a well-known and respected lawyer. He teaches his children to be empathetic and just, always leading by example.

When Tom Robinson, one of the town’s Black residents, is falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a young white woman, Atticus agrees to defend him despite threats from the community. Although Atticus presents a defense that gives a more plausible interpretation of the evidence—that Mayella was attacked by her father, Bob Ewell—Tom is convicted. He is later killed while trying to escape custody. The children, meanwhile, play out their own miniaturized drama. Scout and Jem become especially interested in the town recluse, Arthur (“Boo”) Radley, who interacts with them by leaving them small gifts in a tree. On Halloween, when Bob Ewell tries to attack Scout and Jem, Boo intervenes and saves them. Boo ultimately kills Ewell. The sheriff, however, decides to tell the community that Ewell’s death was an accident.

It is widely believed that Harper Lee based the character of Atticus Finch on her father, Amasa Coleman Lee, a compassionate and dedicated lawyer. The plot of To Kill a Mockingbird was reportedly inspired in part by his unsuccessful defense of two African American men—a father and a son—accused of murdering a white storekeeper. The fictional character of Charles Baker (“Dill”) Harris also has a real-life counterpart. Dill is based on the author Truman Capote , Lee’s childhood friend and next-door neighbour in Monroeville, Alabama. (After the spectacular success of To Kill a Mockingbird , some speculated that Capote was the actual author of Lee’s work. This rumour was not put to rest until 2006.) There is some anecdotal evidence that the town recluse, Arthur (“Boo”) Radley, was based on Lee and Capote’s childhood neighbour, Son Boulware. According to Capote, Boo “was a real man, and he lived just down the road from us.…Everything [Lee] wrote about it is absolutely true.”

Harper Lee began writing To Kill a Mockingbird in the mid-1950s. It was published in 1960, just before the peak of the American civil rights movement . Initial critical responses to the novel were mixed. Many critics praised Lee for her sensitive treatment of a child’s awakening to racism and prejudice. Others, however, criticized the novel’s tendency to sermonize. Some reviewers argued that the narrative voice was unconvincing. The novel was nonetheless enormously popular with contemporary audiences. To Kill a Mockingbird flourished in the racially charged environment of the United States in the early 1960s. In its first year it sold about 500,000 copies. A year after the publication of the novel, Lee was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best-known and most widely read books in the United States. Since its publication in 1960, the novel has been translated into some 40 languages and has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. A staple on American high- school reading lists, the novel has inspired numerous stage and film adaptations, the most notable of which was the 1962 film starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. Lee’s novel continues to resonate with audiences today; in 2018 a stage adaptation of the novel debuted to rave reviews on Broadway.

In 2015 Harper Lee published a second novel titled Go Set a Watchman . Although it was technically written before To Kill a Mockingbird , the novel is essentially a sequel. Go Set a Watchman is set 20 years after the events of To Kill a Mockingbird . In the novel, Jean Louise (”Scout”) Finch—now a grown woman living in New York City—returns to her childhood home in Alabama to visit her aging father, who has embraced racist views. Despite the controversy surrounding its publication (some believe the novel is actually an early draft of To Kill a Mockingbird ), the novel reportedly sold 1.1 million copies in its first week.

To Kill a Mockingbird , novel by American author Harper Lee , published in 1960. Enormously popular, it was translated into some 40 languages, sold more than 40 million copies worldwide , and is one of the most-assigned novels in American schools. In 1961 it won a Pulitzer Prize . The novel was praised for its sensitive treatment of a child’s awakening to racism and prejudice in the American South .

essay topic for to kill a mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression . The protagonist is Jean Louise (“Scout”) Finch, an intelligent though unconventional girl who ages from six to nine years old during the course of the novel. She is raised with her brother, Jeremy Atticus (“Jem”), by their widowed father, Atticus Finch . He is a prominent lawyer who encourages his children to be empathetic and just. He notably tells them that it is “a sin to kill a mockingbird ,” alluding to the fact that the birds are innocent and harmless.

When Tom Robinson, one of the town’s Black residents, is falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman, Atticus agrees to defend him despite threats from the community . At one point he faces a mob intent on lynching his client but refuses to abandon him. Scout unwittingly diffuses the situation. Although Atticus presents a defense that gives a more plausible interpretation of the evidence—that Mayella was attacked by her father, Bob Ewell—Tom is convicted, and he is later killed while trying to escape custody. A character compares his death to “the senseless slaughter of songbirds,” paralleling Atticus’s saying about the mockingbird.

The children, meanwhile, play out their own miniaturized drama of prejudice and superstition as they become interested in Arthur (“Boo”) Radley , a reclusive neighbour who is a local legend . They have their own ideas about him and cannot resist the allure of trespassing on the Radley property. Their speculations thrive on the dehumanization perpetuated by their elders. Atticus, however, reprimands them and tries to encourage a more sensitive attitude. Boo makes his presence felt indirectly through a series of benevolent acts, finally intervening when Bob Ewell attacks Jem and Scout. Boo kills Ewell, but Heck Tate, the sheriff, believes it is better to say that Ewell’s death occurred when he fell on his own knife, sparing the shy Boo from unwanted attention. Scout agrees, noting that to do otherwise would be “sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird.”

Portrait of young thinking bearded man student with stack of books on the table before bookshelves in the library

To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

To kill a mockingbird essay questions.

Analyze the relationship between Boo Radley and the children. How does this relationship change throughout the book? What are the causes of the developments in this relationship?

Discuss the concept of fear as presented in the novel. Compare the children's early fear of Boo Radley to their fear or lack thereof when Bob Ewell attacks them. Is Scout correct in stating that real fear can only be found in books?

Discuss the concept of family and Lee's presentation of the American family. What does it consist of?

Although critized openly, Atticus is respected throughout the town of Maycomb. Why is this true?

Discuss the concept of education. Does Lee argue for a dominance of education in the home or institutionalized education? What evidence does she provide?

Trace the theme of the mockingbird throughout the novel and analyze what the bird symbolizes or represents.

Trace Boo Radley's development from monster to savior. How does Scout's understanding of Boo develop? What lessons does Boo teach Scout?

Discuss Atticus's approach to parenting. What is his relationship with his children? Can his parenting style be criticized? If so, how?

Scout and Jem mature considerably through the course of the novel. What developmental changes do they go through, and what causes these changes?

Discuss the town of Maycomb as you might discuss a main character in the book. What is the identity or "character" of the town, and how (if at all) does it change and grow over the years? How does its diversity give it a pluralistic character?

Discuss law as it is represented in To Kill A Mockingbird . What power and limitations exist within the legal system according to Atticus, Jem, and Scout?

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To Kill a Mockingbird Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for To Kill a Mockingbird is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Where can I find the literary devices used in each chapter a book?

To find literary devices used in each chapter of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, you can refer to literary analysis guides, study aids, or academic resources that offer chapter-by-chapter breakdowns. Here are a few places where you might...

From the text:

We eased in beside Miss Maudie, who looked around. “Where were you all, didn’t you hear the commotion?” “What happened?” asked Jem. “Mr. Radley shot at a Negro in his collard patch.” “Oh. Did he hit him?

What was "round the back steps" when Calpurnia came in on Monday morning?

Gifts for Atticus and the family....... food given in appreciation for his help and fine counsel.

The kitchen table was loaded with enough food to bury the family: hunks of salt pork, tomatoes, beans, even scuppernongs. Atticus grinned when he...

Study Guide for To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a book written by Harper Lee. The To Kill a Mockingbird study guide contains a biography of Harper Lee, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About To Kill a Mockingbird
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Essays for To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

  • The Impact of Class Structure
  • Justice in To Kill a Mockingbird
  • The Journey Motif in Works of American Literature
  • Prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird and Goin' Someplace Special
  • Character Analysis in To Kill A Mockingbird

Lesson Plan for To Kill a Mockingbird

  • About the Author
  • Study Objectives
  • Introduction to To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Relationship to Other Books
  • Bringing in Technology
  • Notes to the Teacher

Wikipedia Entries for To Kill a Mockingbird

  • Introduction
  • Biographical background and publication
  • Plot summary
  • Autobiographical elements

essay topic for to kill a mockingbird

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A List Of Persuasive Essay Topics On To Kill A Mockingbird

When writing a persuasive essay, you need to think of a topic that you can write about in an argumentative style. Essentially, you may look at a particular point of view or opinion, so as to argue for or against something.

For example, if you are discussing To Kill a Mockingbird, then you may wish to look at one of the themes in the book, and discuss how important it was. Alternatively, you may wish to outline something about the book in comparison with other works, and why you think, for example, that To Kill a Mockingbird is more important.

Whilst you will often use a persuasive style of writing to talk about topics from the real world, it can be interesting and challenging to apply this technique when writing about a novel or piece of literature. However, it can sometimes be relatively difficult to think of a good topic to write about in the first place. Therefore, in order to make it easier for you to think of things to write about, the following outlines a range of different persuasive topic ideas relating to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, which you can then use or adapt for your own work.

  • The backdrop of the Great Depression is important To Kill a Mockingbird, but not critical, and the story would work if set in a variety of other eras
  • The themes of racism and discrimination are explored in fantastic detail in To Kill a Mockingbird, and it is the most important piece of literature of the early 20th century that examines this topic
  • The story would not be anywhere near as powerful without Harper Lee’s talent for writing in a narrative style
  • To Kill a Mockingbird is as powerful in its depiction of gender roles as it is in its exploration of racial discrimination
  • Every student should have read and written about To Kill a Mockingbird before they leave high school
  • To Kill a Mockingbird is the most important piece of literature to come out of America in the 20th century
  • Atticus Finch should have done more to help Tom Robinson
  • Atticus Finch should be a role model for all legal professionals
  • To Kill a Mockingbird is far superior to Go Set a Watchman
  • As good as movie annotations might be, they simply cannot compete in terms of storytelling when it comes to the original novel

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Segregation In To Kill A Mockingbird

1. introduction.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel of such profound power that it has affected the lives of its readers. Readers learn about others and themselves from Harper Lee's use of racism, the theme of status, and the symbols of the mockingbird and the camellia. It is set in a time when racism was high and discrimination was a great issue. There are many people in the novel; some of them are of higher status in terms of white blood, which was of high importance to the people at that time. It shares the importance of what is right and what is wrong. One symbol that is very helpful is the symbol of the mockingbird. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee uses three main aspects for discrimination: racism, stereotypes, and crime, which was the most important issue at the time. Lee uses only one event in the whole novel to illustrate the issue of racism. It is the court trial where the Negro Tom Robinson is mistakenly accused and convicted of raping Mayella Ewell. The novel is built all around this important court trial. If this event was not there, then there would be no novel. There would not be a need for a hero as well. Prominent people of lower society can be looked down upon depending on the color of their skin to higher society. In a multicultural society like today, people will naturally be put into categories by their skin color, their religion, and their ethnic backgrounds. It teaches that everyone is the same no matter what.

1.1. Background of the Novel

How does Harper Lee investigate the issue of human evil throughout the novel? During a heartbreaking and horrifying trial about the rape of Mayella Ewell, Tom Robinson's only possible outcome after being accused of Mayella Ewell's rape is no matter if he is guilty or not. In addition, this novel was recounted by a young lady, Scout Finch, who surpassed countless obstacles and as a consequence, dove deep into a society and discovered the destructiveness of racism. The novel was written to show how the south is filled with many negative and horrific attitudes. The phrase is exposed by various people who are preoccupied with interpreting others in the little town. This essay will discuss the segregation between black and white people. What do we think is more important – the law or being a decent human being? Maycomb is a place that separates those with unchanging skin color, which makes a huge difference in the quality of life between black and white citizens. This discrimination is expressed precisely based on some assumptions, such as embossed blacks can only talk in their own black community or expect all white people to pay due respect. However, if someone from the black community appeared rude or insolent, the other members of the black community will not help themselves. In conclusion, Maycomb is a small town surrounded by an abominable wall, but the people in the town play a major role in the preservation of this wall. Harper Lee describes with full enthusiasm and vigilance not to place these advantages and not to comment on equal rights.

2. Racial Segregation in Maycomb

Segregation is one of the most important themes of Harper Lee's bestseller, To Kill a Mockingbird. Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, the story's narrator and main character, tells a story of her town, Maycomb, and describes its attitude towards racism, prejudice, and a strict class system. However, despite all these major themes, racial segregation is the most severe. Since racial segregation became the theme of Harper Lee's magnificent book, I consider it quite necessary to give numerous examples of racial discrimination, suppression, and segregation of particularly African American people, not only by whites who raise no protest against this racial problem, but also by other African Americans, in order to provide a deep analysis of racial discrimination of African Americans. The described era of Maycomb sticks to stereotypes about people and supports a clear racial segregation. One part of racial discrimination is residential segregation. The white part of the city is open to white people only. White families live in good houses in the best district of Maycomb, while some people with various ethical standards and of various social status live on the outskirts. African American people live in another part of the city, with dilapidated hovels and narrow streets. There is no separate African American district or separate place for public assembly. It is quite unacceptable to gather in any places. It is fine to chat, but it is not fine to create a sense of community. That is a law in Maycomb. All codes and conventions of Maycomb's time had been created by white society and remained in force in Maycomb. The problem was much deeper if people of different colors were not allowed to communicate or be friendly with ease.

2.1. The Black Community

The black community in Maycomb is quite active. They are loyal to Atticus Finch, who is defending a Negro, Tom Robinson, accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. The black community of Maycomb elects Atticus without his consent, showing their deep respect for him. They tend to do such things as preserving their image and access to doubtful characters, and they present a united front to the Whites, such as when the black part of the court stands while Atticus is passing. Calpurnia plays an important role in Scout's life, teaching her to write, teaching her to stand up for what she believes, and fitting into the Finch family as an equal. Aunt Alexandra has a different attitude toward Calpurnia for she thinks it's wrong to let her eat with the family. The Negro who dares to fight for their rights is Mr. Montier, the owner of land beside Mrs. Dubose's garden. The black population respects and fears him so much that they never dared to cut the camellias which touch the black part's garden. Mr. Montier does not respect people because of their skin color, but because of the people they are. He treats Atticus Finch, the defending lawyer, with disdain while most of the white audiences are respectful to Atticus because of his color. Because Mr. Montier never makes them act like "niggers" when white people are around, he treats them differently from other whites, no matter when they did wrong (Lula). A different relationship between black and white people is the one between Tom Robinson and the Ewells. The Ewells live in the nigger's territory, and they are the ones who make them look like "dicks because of their lack of education. They are so despised by the white community that nobody holds it against the black community when they lie in court to defend Tom. The black community is characterized by their love and solidarity, and work together for the benefit of each other. Atticus allows his children to go to Calpurnia's church where Reverend Sykes collects with Tom's wife.

3. Social Class Segregation

Social class segregation (People's job and their belief towards each other) There are two main groups that are grossly apparent in To Kill a Mockingbird: the rich and the poor, with the poor being further relegated into two groups. Both the rich and the poor believe that people in the other group are of a lower class than themselves. There are exceptions, such as Miss Maudie and Atticus Finch. The professionals who are not wealthy are not considered members of the lower class like the poor, but are considered members of the middle class. Miss Steph Hancock is in between, trying to impress the children by showing them her wardrobe full of expensive clothes from New York. The person she belittles, Mr Radley, has more money than she does, but because he is poor and wears old and disheveled suits, he is to be totally spurned. The qualities of the people mean little in this world. It is a fact that people who belong to these social classes have the same characteristics in the book, except that it surfaces very seldom, especially if somebody of a higher caste is present; their attitude is similar, however, whether they are rich or poor. Social class is the structure in society which is based on inherited differences, and is composed of social relations. Class, therefore, represents a concept that refers to a structure and patterned nature of social relations, with every member being allocated a position within it. It contains orderly arrangements of ranks according to the different jobs and their particular income. When two people meet, they immediately classify the other according to intelligence, wealth, occupation, and education. These opinions will reveal facts about the person's performance level, moral worth, and acceptance level in society. The male opinion is the informing principle of society, and everything is considered, assessed, classified, and placed in a structured explanation and hosts of effects whose regulating action it appears to follow.

3.1. The Ewells vs. the Finches

Who are the Ewells? They are the other side of the proverbial coin in this story. They are anti-heroic, Gothic, and belong to the shadows. The only time the Ewell union claims a position in the sunlight involves the taking away of one of the Finch - something that society pretends never to see. Harper Lee uses all types of symbolism and characters, such as stereotypes, to convey the message in her novel. Tom Robinson, unlike those previously mentioned, is a black man. Tom, the mockingbird, ends up being falsely accused of the rape of a white woman and is ultimately destroyed. Bob Ewell, who is accused of being Tom's equivalent - this equivalence is based on goof-ups and coincidences - comes through the story with no physical scars. He is a free person. He kicks around the justice and law system and bloodies its bespectacled features, just as the Ku Klux Klan bloodies the faces of black children who innocently study and read in all-white schools. Despite the fact that Mr. Ewell contributes very little to society, the social order identifies with him. To the survivors of the war, the Ewells, especially not the Robinsons and Finches, are the true symbols of the Old South. Pretense, therefore, is the fabric of the gentleman's corporation, which even Atticus Finch refuses to leave, and which can only be ripped off by the threatening snout of a shotgun. Did the Ewells have any means of existence other than the $1-WPA-doled-out benefit and their collectible baby payments? Individual rebellion against social conformation, or support and aid elsewhere? Are the Finches the only charity this family can safely seek from other people? What is the use of being part of the merchant class if your neighbor does not accept you as apart from the social level of the post-civil-war nomad Gypsies who wander through the county? Aunt Alexandra talks about family and community pride. What did the Finches do for the care of the social rejects? Why did they wait until duty and a court-appointed attorney dragged them to the Maycomb edges? What else do they do? Aunt Alexandra tried to educate and save the young white girls from themselves by assuming mindlessness, wearing ropes of pearls, and denying self-identity? Did anyone attempt the impossible adventure of forming links with the ostracized community they write so many letters about? As they watch the 'old town, eerie and because of storm destruction, stand up to another civilization, did they ever think of sharing their light? A judge whose duty is to offer intelligent sentences is blind, wishes to shut his eyes three times, and pass on the torch to a brisk Faulkner image? Is this the social network of hidden mean existence that the lost generation fought and died - provided France and England with a historical victory and an illuminated Seurat victory - shoulder to the invisible shoulder with America during the First World War? A black man's death, the Ewells' life, all of these raise questions about the structure, pretended innocence, and true historical symbol of the story. As long as society ignores the wind metaphor symbol, the world evolves and moves forward.

4. Gender Segregation

Scout's resistance is not made of the violent opposition we find in male characters. On the contrary, it becomes a sort of covert subversion to traditional gender rules and functions. Girls like Verna play into the world at the Finch's Landing, displaying their newly acquired feminine traits. Verna will eventually accommodate herself to the narrow world of marriage and motherhood where her sister had been introduced and where her mother had spent her life. Her departure into her world is noticeable in the speed and ease with which she is taught to discard her old nonchalant and happy self, that is more similar to Scout's. Scout, however, instead of joining the established set of values and standards of the feminine condition, separates herself from the rigid and compelling circle, resists it, and clings obstinately to her Jay-Bird personality. Scout and Cal are both expressions of women's resistance to the partition of roles and values in immediate and non-reflective ways. Although Cal can recognize herself in and come closer to the feminine figures in her life, she won't allow herself to be accepted inside that narrow world. Scout doesn't have this option. Her immortalized name keeps her within the male gender sphere and yet, she can't feel entitled to privileges and rules of this position. When she tells Atticus she wants to turn down Aunt Alexandra's offer of feminine support, Atticus knows the autonomy, resourcefulness, and independence Scout has learned in her common activities with Jem will be more precious than sharing secrets at Aunt Alexandra's tea parties.

4.1. Expectations and Limitations

The main focus of this submission considers expectations and limitations as these concepts are registered in the experiences of characters who are associated in the text of To Kill a Mockingbird with at least one form of segregation used in the corpus of the work. The differentials of gender are basic to the life-stories as these are represented in To Kill a Mockingbird. In addition to stereotypical racism of the broad narrative, and despite the paucity of detailed characterization by the author, simulated types of restriction through gender differentiate the micro-societies presented in the work of fiction. Limitation of activity for race, for economic prosperity, and for ability lies in close proximity in the work examined. This submission examines the themes associated with exclusion of an individual from a particular group, how that comes about, how the boundary is maintained, and how it might possibly be removed. Segregation, the action of separating or setting apart, leads to expectation, the notion of looking forward with confidence, to the action of pregnant expectation, the region where the look forward to is equated with the possibility of delivery. The two sides to the notion of limitation, to the idea of setting a boundary or barrier to the ability of or possibilities for activity, commences what could be considered as the movement of negative anticipation. In current usage, anticipation is usually associated with pleasurable expectancy. The word "expectation" is accompanied closely by the concepts of 'prospect' and 'anticipation'. "Prospect" implies a future event or circumstance regarded as likely to happen, while "anticipation" is the action of taking before with a view, hope, or prediction of future happening. The future circumscribes health; the prospect is a carefree old age, capable of independent action, protected by security of tenure and receiving a warm armchair reception when back home.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said without doubt that Harper Lee utilized the theme of segregation in various creative and artistic ways to present her views in relation to this controversial and complex phenomenon in To Kill a Mockingbird. Analyzing segregation from a lawyer's perspective, Harper Lee reinforces the importance of knowledge in an individual, allowing them to make decisions that are respective to their rights in society. The prejudice within American society during the 1930s is shown to be displayed within characters themselves, such as Mrs. Dubose, an obvious victim of her racist belief system. Calpurnia is a character that transforms herself in this time to become a mother figure and a servant to the Finch family. Although it is safe to say that much has changed in thirty years, segregation is a close similarity throughout history, yet continues to exist in numerous different aspects today. Like in "To Kill a Mockingbird," the title and its symbolism may reveal more content than we may care to accept. For many who grew up knowing that a mockingbird's sound is the definition of peace, killed, well now maybe we know what the mockingbird was trying to tell us, and what we missed since the days of our own infancy.

5.1. Impact and Relevance Today

The pervasiveness of the topic explored in this paper, both in education and in society, contributes to its relevance. Reading or discussing texts where themes of logical segregation (wealthy or poor, north or south) do not generally lead to discrimination, but where other forms of segregation (black, educated or not) lead children to be brought up by individuals with strong beliefs of their own superiority may have dramatic impacts not generally considered. There are those who question the role of public education. Often, critics are concerned about form: the curriculum is too broad, the courses are too long, the school is simply too impersonal, the demands for a bachelor's degree have simply raised the educational bar so high that children are falling short. On the other hand, critics of the function of the public schools argue that segregation is still alive and well in the school. The children are not really being educated. They come out of the school knowing less and less about our society and their responsibilities in it, less able to pass cultural traditions from one generation to the next, and surely not ready to survive in the real world. These papers were designed to stimulate thinking, to begin to provide some of the materials for in-depth discussions. In the belief that through continued dialogue, and only through dialogue, we can begin to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of public education and how it must evolve to continue to be an important part in an ever-evolving society.

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To Kill a Mockingbird: Critique of Injustice

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Published: Jun 6, 2024

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Introduction, body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, body paragraph 3.

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essay topic for to kill a mockingbird

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  1. 35 To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics

    To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics About Racism. The racist attitudes of the people in Maycomb County. The impact of racism on the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird. The trial of Tom Robinson and its role in exploring the issue of racism. Atticus Finch's views on race and how they change throughout the novel.

  2. 101 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics & Samples

    101 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Titles & Examples. Updated: Mar 1st, 2024. 10 min. 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. We will write.

  3. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird: A+ Student Essay Examples

    To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topic Examples. You can analyze its themes in argumentative essays, compare and contrast characters or themes, describe the book's settings, persuade readers about certain points, or narrate personal experiences related to the novel's themes. These essay ideas allow you to dive into the world of "To Kill a ...

  4. 109 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Discuss the importance of community and belonging in To Kill a Mockingbird. Examine the character of Boo Radley and his role in the story. Compare and contrast the experiences of Scout and Jem as they mature throughout the novel. Analyze the symbolism of the Radley house in the story.

  5. To Kill a Mockingbird Suggested Essay Topics

    Suggested Essay Topics. 1. Describe Boo Radley, through the eyes of Jem and Scout Finch. Discuss his habits, his appearance, and his actions. 2. After defining the words "Caste" and "Class ...

  6. To Kill a Mockingbird Sample Essay Outlines

    Following each question is a sample outline to help get you started. Topic #1. The theme of the mockingbird is an important one in To Kill a Mockingbird. Write a paper on the mockingbird theme in ...

  7. To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics

    Essay Topics. 1. To Kill A Mockingbird is often categorized as a "bildungsroman," or "coming of age" novel, following the childhood evolution, learning, and growth of young Scout and Jem. Over the course of the book, both characters develop increasingly-mature consciousnesses about the world; however, their individual growth processes ...

  8. To Kill a Mockingbird Critical Essays

    Analysis. Most critics agree that the strength of To Kill a Mockingbird lies in Harper Lee's use of the point of view of Scout. This point of view works in two ways: It is the voice of a ...

  9. Evergreen To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics for High-Flying Essays

    Here are great To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics for jumpstarting you. Discuss the various types of families represented in this novel. Explore how the family shaped the characters in this novel. Dissect Atticus Finch as a father figure in the novel. Discuss how Scout's family affected her development.

  10. To Kill A Mockingbird

    176 essay samples found. To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee that deals with racial injustice and moral growth in the American South. Essays could explore its themes, character analyses, literary significance, and the societal reactions it provoked upon its release. Discussions might also delve into its relevance in contemporary ...

  11. To Kill A Mockingbird

    OPEN FOR RESOURCES!// R E S O U R C E S To Kill A Mockingbird Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2W5gls0// related contentHow to write a Text Response: http://bit.ly/2...

  12. To Kill a Mockingbird

    To Kill a Mockingbird, novel by Harper Lee, published in 1960. Enormously popular, it was translated into some 40 languages and sold over 40 million copies worldwide. In 1961 it won a Pulitzer Prize. The novel was praised for its sensitive treatment of a child's awakening to racism and prejudice in the American South.

  13. To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Questions

    2. Discuss the concept of fear as presented in the novel. Compare the children's early fear of Boo Radley to their fear or lack thereof when Bob Ewell attacks them. Is Scout correct in stating that real fear can only be found in books? 3. Discuss the concept of family and Lee's presentation of the American family.

  14. Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird: [Essay Example], 519 words

    In conclusion, To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful exploration of courage and its impact on individuals and communities. Through the characters of Atticus Finch and Boo Radley, Harper Lee demonstrates the importance of moral courage and the ability to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. The novel challenges the reader to examine their own beliefs and prejudices, and to ...

  15. Boo Radley: a Subtle Journey of Coming of Age

    In Harper Lee's seminal novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," the character of Arthur "Boo" Radley is often overshadowed by the immediate complexities of Scout Finch's narrative. Yet, Boo's journey is a compelling study of transformation and growth that mirrors the quintessential coming-of-age experience, albeit in a less conventional manner.

  16. To Kill a Mockingbird Essays and Criticism

    PDF Cite Share. Most critics characterize Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird as a novel of initiation and an indictment of racism. The novel's point of view, in particular, lends credence to these ...

  17. To Kill A Mockingbird: A Collection Of Topics For An Essay

    The themes of racism and discrimination are explored in fantastic detail in To Kill a Mockingbird, and it is the most important piece of literature of the early 20th century that examines this topic. The story would not be anywhere near as powerful without Harper Lee's talent for writing in a narrative style.

  18. Harper Lee Analysis: To Kill a Mockingbird

    Analysis: To Kill a Mockingbird. Although Harper Lee set her novel in a very isolated locale, which she calls Maycomb, in an era when her notion of crossing racial and social boundaries does not ...

  19. Segregation In To Kill A Mockingbird

    1. Introduction. To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel of such profound power that it has affected the lives of its readers. Readers learn about others and themselves from Harper Lee's use of racism, the theme of status, and the symbols of the mockingbird and the camellia. It is set in a time when racism was high and discrimination was a great issue.

  20. To Kill a Mockingbird: Critique of Injustice

    Introduction. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird remains one of the most significant works of American literature, addressing the complex themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the innocence of children. Written in 1960, the novel is set in the racially segregated Southern United States during the 1930s. Despite its historical setting, the book's themes remain relevant today.

  21. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

    SOURCE: Shackelford, Dean. "The Female Voice in To Kill a Mockingbird: Narrative Strategies in Film and Novel."Mississippi Quarterly 50, no. 1 (winter 1996-97): 101-13. [In the following essay ...

  22. Aaron Sorkin's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' comes to Lincoln next week

    Jacqueline Williams, who plays the Atticus Finch's Black housemaid Calpurnia, says Sorkin's play adaptation of "To Kill a Mockingbird" gives more space to Black voices like her character's.