The Movie

A scene that stood out to me in the the movie was the trial. Some parts were very different from my mental picture, and others were similar. The inside of the courthouse was close to how I had pictured it, especially Jem and Scout's seats on the balcony. However, in my mind, there was a little more space in the building in general.

The way Mayella was depicted in the movie was different from my image of her from the book. I imagined her to be a little more collected at the beginning part of her testimony. Tom Robinson was different as well; I thought his left arm would be more obviously unusable. I also imagined Atticus's closing statement being said differently than it was.

This Book Changed My Life

To Kill a Mockingbird made me think more about others. I especially liked Atticus's quote, "you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view" (P.30). I learned that prejudices aren't always correct. Sometimes, people have preconceived notions about others, and they will need to be proven wrong. People can let their incorrect judgments stop them from thinking things through, and this can cause them to treat others unfairly.

I also thought a little bit about equality. I wonder whether people are treated similarly to Tom Robinson today, although in milder forms. Based on situations I've heard about, there most likely are quite a few cases of this. I learned that society has always been unequal, and that there should be more impartial, accepting individuals around to change that.

Life Lessons

Scout learns an important life lesson through her aunt. During the time that they are visiting with other ladies from around the town, Atticus calls Aunt Alexandra and Scout into the other room to tell them that Tom Robinson was killed. Afterwards, they return to talking with the townspeople; Scout notices that Aunt Alexandra is not visibly shaken by the news and, towards her visitors, pretends that nothing is wrong. She resolves to do the same, saying "if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I" (P.237). Scout learns that there are certain times that she will have to act strong throughout her life, even if she doesn't truly feel the same way.
This kind of situation is something that everyone experiences. Learning to control emotions is a part of growing up. This event shows that Scout is maturing and starting to take a more adult outlook on life; she is beginning to think about others' opinions rather than only her own. I've experienced the same thing at several points in my life, and my reactions were probably very similar to Scout's.

Themes in To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird has a strong overall theme of prejudice. This theme is shown in small forms throughout the first section of the book; the strongest example being Scout and other characters consistent judgment of people based on their family backgrounds. Jem, Scout, and Dill's fascination with Boo Radley is also based partly on prejudice, as most of their opinions about him have been formed by listening to gossip. There are also a few small references to racial segregation, most of which are the result of the case Atticus has decided to defend.
In the second part of the book, the theme narrows specifically to racism. Prejudice is very obviously present throughout the trial, specifically. However, this is not the only example; before the trial, Jem and Scout attend Calpurnia's church. They meet a spiteful woman there named Lula, who tells Calpurnia that she should not be bringing the two children to "their church", (P.119) in reference to their different races. The theme of prejudice seem to intensify throughout the book, finally leading up to climaxes. There may be another peak later on in the book.

Atticus as a Father

Atticus seems to be a somewhat unconventional, relaxed parent, but he has strong moral values that he wants to pass on to Jem and Scout. He tries to teach his children to treat everyone with respect, as is shown when he tells Scout, "you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view" (P.30). He also allows them to learn through experience rather than directly telling them what or what not to do. An example of this is his reaction to Jem ruining Mrs. Dubose's garden. Instead of punishing Jem himself, he sends him over to her house to apologize. Atticus seems to want Jem and Scout to learn the right way to behave through the consequences of their own actions.

Atticus is both similar to and different from my parents. My parents aren't as lenient as he is, but they share some of the same values. I think I would enjoy having a father like Atticus. is personality seems like it would be compatible with mine.