To Kill A Mockingbird

 To Kill A Mockingbird 

A touching, eye opening and insightful classic by Harper Lee in which attitudes towards race and class are explored in the Deep South of the 1930's. I have to admit, at the beginning of reading this book I was unsure of it and close to putting it down and closing it very quickly however, I stuck it out and I am so glad that I did! Despite the heavy burner at the start To Kill A Mockingbird has reached the top of the list for one of my favorite classics! 

The book is based on a black man, Tom Robinson who was wrongly accused of raping a white girl. Atticus is the father of Jem and Scout and he is also Tom Robinson's lawyer. Jem and Scout bring us, the readers through the journey of this tragic trial in which there is a huge build up before hand. Before the trial we learn that the town May comb is severely steeped in prejudice and violence over one mans struggle for justice. Atticus constantly reassures his children 'not to worry yet'after the racists remarks that are made towards Atticus and his children due to the fact he his Tom's defendant. The repetition of this line implies to the reader that eventually there will be a reason to worry about and that this story may not have the happy ending that it should have. There is real sympathy towards Atticus as he is the only one in the town doing the right thing yet due to societies standards, expectations and horrible racism towards black people. Atticus is facing extreme hatred from the town even though he is most definitely one of the most loving characters in the novel. Especially to Tom, he takes the time to get to know him, understand him and ignore the towns hate towards him.

Now... the trial itself. I really cannot describe to you how amazing this part of the book was to read. So many emotions were running through my body and it felt so real and that is the beauty of this novel it is written in such a beautiful way that the language and literature of the book makes it seem so so real and in a way it is real - racism is still a huge problem in today's society, perhaps Harper Lee is making a comment on the fact society has not changed hence why this novel should be a major eye opener for everyone. I don't want to spoil the trial as it is the main part of the novel and if you have not read it I don't want to spoil the brilliance of reading it for the first time however I will warn you... have tissues ready and something to maybe let your anger out as it is both emotional and frustrating! 

 Atticus has an incredible speech during the trial and it highlights white privilege and creates emphasis on the fact that the white girl who wrongly accused Tom took advantage on the fact that he was black, used it against him knowing that society and the town would take her side due to skin colour rather then actual facts and evidence. This speech is a really incredible one and is one of the best parts of the novel. When looking atticus as a character I see him as one who symbolizes hope and love. The love he shows to his children, to Tom and even to the rest of his family who also do not agree with what he is doing and the hope he has for Tom is something we can see throughout the trial all he wants is justice and although deep down he knows it is a tough fight due to a black mans word against two white people he still shows extreme hope and determination. Personally, I believe we can learn a lesson from Atticus. That even in the toughest of times, it is always possible to show strength, love and hope. No matter the outcome we should never lose our strength or love or hope. There are many times in the novel Atticus could have yelled, screamed and shouted in the trial yet he doesn't. He remains calm and holds peace which is truly inspiring. 

Within the novel there are MANY brilliant quotes I could leave you with from this eye opening novel but I won't bombard you instead I will leave you with one and just hope that you feel inspired enough to read this amazing book. 'you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around it'.