Keegan Cook

4/20/2015

Eng 6

Mr.Elkin

To Kill a Mockingbird

by: Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird was written over 50 years ago by Harper Lee.  It is still considered one the most relevant books of all time, and for a good reason.  It’s main issues are gender and racism these things though less common still exist, another reason is that the story itself is interesting, it  has strong characters, brilliant descriptions, and amazing commentary that make the book a well written masterpiece.

To Kill a Mockingbird's strongest plot points are gender issues and racism, these issues are still prevalent today although the latter has been swept under the rug a little bit, which only makes it more interesting to kids and adults alike.  Even if you believe racism died with the last generation To Kill a Mockingbord still can be looked back upon as how things used to be, it can become a piece of history.  Then there are the gender issues which are a little more complex.  Opinions can switch more often for instance Scout is made fun of for being a girl by Jem (her Brother) then later in the novel Jem tells her to act like girl and suddenly acting like a boy is a bad thing.  Also Scouts tough rugged demeanor often acquired by girls with older brothers gets her into fights.  Scout is so tough her own male cousin Francis is afraid of her and even ran away after taunting her.  Scout is so hot headed that she did not know what Francis had said she could just tell by the tone and attacked.

Another reason that To Kill a Mockingbird is still popular today is the simple fact that it is a great story the characters are developed and the main problems of the story are so intriguing.  Tom Robinson A black man accused of raping a white women in the safety of her own home  is proven innocent by Atticus Finch but Tom is still convicted and shot.  This central plot point allows Scout to realize that the peaceful city of Maycomb has a dark side.  This realization aids in her development and growth as a strong young woman.  Another interesting thing is that the whole story is about a boy breaking his arm. Many developments in the story revolve around Tom Robinson leading to Scouts coming of age.  The true problem in Maycomb and tells so much about characters that were otherwise undeveloped and with one a few central actions each of Maycomb's individuals are seen as main characters controlling the story.

To Kill a Mockingbird was an amazing novel and probably will be for a long time.  It is honestly one of the best books I have ever read and I will definitely read it again.