A Unique Classic
To Kill a Mockingbird is the exploration of a child's journey through discrimination, the social structure that divides us, and growing up in the racist town of Maycomb. Critics have argued that Mockingbird is a "children's book", not as well-crafted and complex as other novels, and does not deserve the distinction of being a classic. However, Harper Lee provides us a learning tool, with many benefits of use in a classroom. Mockingbird teaches us history, America as it was in the rocky times of the 30's. Mockingbird is an eye opener, as it depicts the evils of the human heart, the extent that hatred can take someone. Mockingbird is a timeless classic because of the easily relatable issue of racism, the reason why it has remained …show more content…
These situations are faced by students every day, and it is eye-opening to be able to relate to a story is set decades ago. Lee provides us many life skills with the flawless Atticus, trying to "… get Jem and Scout without this without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb's usual disease." (Lee 88) The "disease" is racism, clinging on to traditional values, generalizing people without "climbing into his skin" and "consider things from his point of view". (Lee 30) Scout's teacher, Miss Caroline assumes Atticus as unfit, one that "does not know how to teach", (Lee 17) without ever getting to know him. In schools today, we are quick to assume one's social status or intelligence, without ever getting to know them. Calpurnia teaches respect, although "yo' folks might be better'n the Cunninghams but it don't count for nothin' the way you're disgracin' 'em" (Lee 24,25), teaching us that money is not what defines us as humans, and shaming people of lower class is dishonorable. In school, we are quick to shame someone for the type of clothes that they wear, without realizing that it is what's inside that matters. Additionally, Atticus teaches "what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand." (Lee 112), showing students that bulging muscles is not what defines …show more content…
However, these critics fail to realize that the book's popularity has lasted for over fifty years, always a bestseller. The prime reason for the book's popularity was the uniqueness that it has. The main plot surrounds a coming of age story set during the Great Depression, with Scout and her exposure to the horrible racism and discrimination that the adult world brings. This allows for the book to be enjoyed by adults, as well as taught in classrooms due to the morality and history that it brings to students. Scout also has Atticus, the perfect role model, modern and unique in caring for his kids. Atticus has no racism, and "tries my [his] best to love everybody." (Lee 108) In sense, he is trying to raise his kids to change Maycomb, doing this by exposing them to the real world, rather than hide them from the hatred surrounding them. Relatability was a key factor for the sustained popularity, as the events happening in the book can be found happening today. While racism has taken steps for the better it has not completely left, with discrimination based on race found everywhere from the courthouse, to the
To Kill a Mockingbird is the exploration of a child's journey through discrimination, the social structure that divides us, and growing up in the racist town of Maycomb. Critics have argued that Mockingbird is a "children's book", not as well-crafted and complex as other novels, and does not deserve the distinction of being a classic. However, Harper Lee provides us a learning tool, with many benefits of use in a classroom. Mockingbird teaches us history, America as it was in the rocky times of the 30's. Mockingbird is an eye opener, as it depicts the evils of the human heart, the extent that hatred can take someone. Mockingbird is a timeless classic because of the easily relatable issue of racism, the reason why it has remained …show more content…
These situations are faced by students every day, and it is eye-opening to be able to relate to a story is set decades ago. Lee provides us many life skills with the flawless Atticus, trying to "… get Jem and Scout without this without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb's usual disease." (Lee 88) The "disease" is racism, clinging on to traditional values, generalizing people without "climbing into his skin" and "consider things from his point of view". (Lee 30) Scout's teacher, Miss Caroline assumes Atticus as unfit, one that "does not know how to teach", (Lee 17) without ever getting to know him. In schools today, we are quick to assume one's social status or intelligence, without ever getting to know them. Calpurnia teaches respect, although "yo' folks might be better'n the Cunninghams but it don't count for nothin' the way you're disgracin' 'em" (Lee 24,25), teaching us that money is not what defines us as humans, and shaming people of lower class is dishonorable. In school, we are quick to shame someone for the type of clothes that they wear, without realizing that it is what's inside that matters. Additionally, Atticus teaches "what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand." (Lee 112), showing students that bulging muscles is not what defines …show more content…
However, these critics fail to realize that the book's popularity has lasted for over fifty years, always a bestseller. The prime reason for the book's popularity was the uniqueness that it has. The main plot surrounds a coming of age story set during the Great Depression, with Scout and her exposure to the horrible racism and discrimination that the adult world brings. This allows for the book to be enjoyed by adults, as well as taught in classrooms due to the morality and history that it brings to students. Scout also has Atticus, the perfect role model, modern and unique in caring for his kids. Atticus has no racism, and "tries my [his] best to love everybody." (Lee 108) In sense, he is trying to raise his kids to change Maycomb, doing this by exposing them to the real world, rather than hide them from the hatred surrounding them. Relatability was a key factor for the sustained popularity, as the events happening in the book can be found happening today. While racism has taken steps for the better it has not completely left, with discrimination based on race found everywhere from the courthouse, to the