Mockingbird Morality Theme

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In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee develops the theme of morality through the characters Atticus, Calpurnia, and Miss Maudie. In the book, Scout and her brother Jem spend their time playing with their friend, Dill, and spying on their highly secretive neighbor, Boo Radley. In addition, morality can be defined as principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong. Through these characters’ lives, Lee develops the theme of morality. To start, Lee conveys the theme of morality through the character, Atticus. For example, Atticus says in the story, “‘Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win’" (108). Lee supports the theme of morality through diction because of the words “licked” and “try’”. Specifically, these words show that Atticus decided it was wrong not to try his …show more content…
For example, Miss Maudie says, “‘Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”’ (127). Lee supports the theme of morality through diction because she uses the word “sin”. Furthermore, to sin is to commit an immoral act, so Miss Maudie is telling the kids that it is immoral to kill a mockingbird since they live peacefully in nature. Additionally, Miss Maudie says in the book, “‘The handful of people in this town who say fair play is not marked White Only...’” (323). Lee supports the theme of morality through diction because she uses the words “handful” and “fair.” Specifically, these words show that Miss Maudie thought that the verdict of Tom Robinson’s trial was unjust, and she was disappointed that only a few people in her town think that white people are equal to black people. The equality between races is a highly controversial issue that requires people to make moral decisions. In other words, the words of Miss Maudie support the theme of

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