Themes Flashcards
Courage
Jem and Scout-
- Scout and Jem showed courage when she walked away and not causing a fight like Atticus asked (RACIAL SLURS said to them).
- When Scout confronted Mr Cunningham before the possible LYNCHING. - When Jem disobeys his father for the first time in order to protect him (also BULDUNGS ROMAN).
Atticus -
- Taking on the case.
- Guarding his cell alone (LYNCHING).
Other -
- Mrs Dubose dying MORPHINE-free.
- Boo Radley killing Ewell so he can save the children.
Courage - complex
Jem and Scout - Scout showed courage by walking away from a fight at school like Atticus asked. Scout is courageous is she stood up to a mob that was going to attack her father Atticus. She pointed out Mr. Cunningham and made him realize what he was doing. She told Mr. Cunningham about his children at home and what they would think of him if he continued with the mob and beat up her father. Jem’s most courageous act is when the mob confronts Atticus at the jail, determined to kill not only Tom but also Atticus, if necessary. Jem refuses to obey his father for the first time in his life.
Atticus - defending Tom Robinson even when he knows it will cause difficulties for himself and his family. He also knows he has little hope of winning the case. He is particularly courageous when he spends the night alone guarding Tom Robinson’s prison cell because he knows it is highly likely a LYNCH mob will try to take Tom.
Other - Mrs Dubose dying MORPHINE-free despite the pain. Atticus wants his children to understand that being courageous sometimes means doing difficult things that other people will never understand or will criticise you for. This shows that courage comes in many forms.
Sometimes the people you would least expect, such as the elderly (Mrs Dubose) or the most peace loving (Atticus), can be the most courageous people in society.
Prejudice
Racial -
- Tom Robinson accused of being guilty straight away because he is black.
- Aunt Alexandra treating Calpurnia differently.
- The Mruna tribe and how the women of Maycomb are hypocritical (have sympathy for them but not their own black community).
- Dolphus Raymond choosing to marry a black woman and community think its only because he is drunk and neglects his children.
- Trial separate facilities for blacks and whites.
- Tim Johnson represents prejudice (disease) with rabbis (spreads and hard to get rid of) and Atticus is symbol of justice. Sheriff does not shoot it which shows the law wont get rid of prejudice (corrupted) but Atticus will.
Prejudice - complex
Tom Robinson is assumed to be guilty of sexually assaulting Mayella Ewell simply because he is a black man and she is a white woman, even when the evidence points to him being innocent.
When Aunt Alexandra arrives at the Finch house to help take care of Jem and Scout whilst Atticus is busy with the trial, she tells Calpurnia to take her suitcase upstairs which is something Atticus would never do.
The Mruna tribe never actually existed. Harper Lee created the tribe in order to use it as an example of how hypocritical women like Mrs Merriweather can be. She is capable of showing sympathy towards the Mruna people but is unable to feel any sympathy for the black people living in Maycomb.
The community of Maycomb find it so hard to believe that Dolphus Raymond would marry a black woman and have children with her that they decide it is because he is constantly drunk. Dolphus pretends to be drunk so they do not question his choices.
Morality
- Some who consider themselves to be Christians can still be racists (Aunt Alexandra).
- Walter Cunningham LYNCHING
- Atticus is used to show morality
Education
This theme is explored most powerfully through the relationship between Atticus and his children, as he devotes himself to instilling a social conscience in Jem and Scout.
Good V Evil - complex
- This is shown through the drastic change of Scout and Jem’s world, when they are revealed to the prejudice and discrimination that actually goes on in their home. Jem’s faith in justice and in humanity is badly damaged after he witnesses the trial (Scout’s not so much) BULDUNGS ROMAN.
- The moral voice is embodied by Atticus Finch. He understands that, rather than being simply creatures of good or creatures of evil, most people have both good and bad qualities. He tries to teach this ultimate moral lesson to Jem and Scout. Atticus is able to admire Mrs. Dubose’s courage even while deploring her racism. Scout’s progress as a character in the novel is defined by her gradual development toward understanding Atticus’s lessons, culminating when, in the final chapters, Scout at last sees Boo Radley as a human being.
Good V Evil
- Scout finally understands Atticus’ moral lessons when she accepts Boo Radley.
- Shown through sudden exposure to evil in the town (trial).
- Atticus tries to teach them moral lessons and how everyone is good and evil at the same time.
- Both good and evil (Mrs Dubose).
Coming of age
Leads to maturity (Jem mainly), teenager and exposed to injustice.
BULDUNGS ROMAN.
Loss of innocence but gains experience and wisdom.
