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To Kill a Mockingbird Essay About Racism

Decent Essays

Breonna Burrell
Period 5
TKAM Essay
10/6/09
(Re-Write 10/24/09) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee depicts racism in the 1930’s and shows the characters had to overcome challenges because of it. The 1930’s was a difficult time to live in because of racism against African Americans and the depression, where thousands of people lost their jobs. The idea “an extraordinary challenge can sometimes make an ordinary person into a hero” shows that anyone in To Kill a Mockingbird could have been a hero, even in a time of hardships. Scout Finch, Arthur “Boo” Radley, and Atticus Finch overcame challenges in the story in order to become great heroes. For instance, Arthur “Boo” Radley overcame many obstacles in order to become a hero …show more content…

His honesty to his children and the way he explains different situations to them makes him a hero to his children and also to the people around him. Another instance of Atticus’ heroism is when he shoots a mad dog in the middle of February. Unbeknown to his children he is “One shot finch” according to Miss Maudie (Lee 97). Even though he does not want to shoot the dog he goes against his own will for the sake of the town, which makes him heroic. Atticus is a classic example of a hero because he is not afraid to speak his mind or back down. Scout is a big hero in a little package, saving Tom and Atticus and facing her fear of Boo Radley. Luckily, Scout is able to calm down the mob in front of the jail where Tom Robinson is being held the night before the trial. She stops to talk to Mr. Cunningham out of plain respect, which makes him stop and think about what he is about to do. Once he realizes he is wrong, he stops the rest of the mob and says, “Let’s clear out…Let’s get going, boys” (Lee 154), and they all leave. Because of Scout, Tom and possibly Atticus are saved from possible death. Her bravery also gives her a heroic quality. When she faces up to her fear of Boo Radley, she realizes he is not the mysterious bad man she thought him to be, but is actually wonderful. When she finds out that he has brought excitement and happiness into her life, she becomes grateful for all the things he has done for her, even though she

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