To kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee's only novel is rightly lauded throughout the world as a classic. A heart-felt story of two children growing up in the American South during the thirties economic depression, it chronicles their witness of the small town's widespread and ugly prejudice, ignorance and bigotry. Throughout it all, the children are taught how to distinguish opinion from fact, to respect and love others and to consider other perspectives and ideas.
‘To kill a Mockingbird’ tells the tale of Jem and Scout Finch, brother and sister and children of lawyer and all-round good guy Atticus. When a young black man is accused of the rape of a white woman, Atticus agrees - amidst tremendous controversy - to defend the accused in the town's court of law. In spite of his brilliant performance in the courtroom, and the overwhelming evidence against the white family's accusations, the defendant is found guilty. He is later shot dead while in prison. This is something reminiscent not just of yesterday but of today’s condition too.
Against this dark backdrop, 'Mockingbird' nonetheless succeeds in producing some beautifully light and moving moments, such as the children's growing friendship with their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley. The young daughter, Scout, offers some truly tender and insightful commentary on the nature of intolerance and close-mindedness. In its place, her example is one of genuine inquisitiveness, and an eagerness to learn. It is easy to fall in love with the innocence of her character and relate to her relationship with her elder brother. Raised in a household greatly influenced by males (her two year elder brother, Jem and father, Atticus) her mannerisms are justly tom-boyish as a eight year old. What I found most touching is her attempts at being tolerant as his brother grapples with early teenage pangs, something which she cannot but still accepts.
Lee's writing is excellent, as it weaves from one interwoven part of the story to the next. Along the way, we meet a cornucopia of different characters and viewpoints. Each is brought to life through context and vivid descriptions.
Above all, Harper Lee's masterpiece is a story of growth and process, even in the most infertile of environments. Thought-provoking and inspiring.
P.S. Found some similarity with Gone with the wind - both books are the only notable works of the authors. Both set against the backdrop of the American South, the southern pride and the racial bigotry prevalent in the region.
posted by Ellie @ 2:00 PM
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