Introduction
Harper Lee and the film adaptation subtly weave various topics into the narrative — the stratification of society on the example of a single white part of the population of Maycomb. The question is raised about the painful search for one’s self, which includes equating to a contradictory ideal; the difficulties of fatherhood and raising children. Moreover, the position and appearance of a decent woman in the southern United States are considered. They show the human meanness and injustice of life and, of course, the oppression of the colored population. However, the advantage is that none of these topics is given a central role; they are all the background on the way of growing up of Jem and Jean-Louise. Consequently, it is evident that Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, should not be banned in middle and high school because of essential topics of growing up, mentioning critical social problems, and overcoming life difficulties.
The Versatility of the Novel
Unlike in the film, in the book, Harper Lee pays less attention to the trial, focusing on the daily life of a small town. Lee writes about the relationship between the inhabitants of the world limited by the city’s borders and how they are seen by a quarrelsome and precocious girl. A key topic in the book is the disintegration of youthful innocence, which is personified by a mockingbird and two innocent individuals, the wrongfully accused Tom Robinson and the exiled Scarecrow Radley (Mohammed & Abd Alhadi, 2020). Despite their father’s attempts, Scout and her elder brother Jem lose their childhood illusions when they realize how difficult it is for a black man to secure a fair trial.
Harper Lee and the film adaptation managed to outline the unenviable situation of the colored population unobtrusively but quite convincingly in the United States. However, the catch is that the assessment of the current situation is not given by thirty-year-old Jean Louise and adult residents of Maycomb, who have mainly dealt with this dilemma, but by children (Mohammed & Abd Alhadi, 2020). Scout and Jem, through whose mouth the truth speaks, are keenly experiencing the unenviable situation of Tom Robinson. This becomes the basis for overcoming the topic of the problem of segregation.
The film and the novel focus on children’s ideas about adult issues. That is why this work is an essential support for schoolchildren looking for answers to the principles of interaction between people in society (Mohammed & Abd Alhadi, 2020). In this case, when Atticus says that a person’s conscience is the one thing that defies majority rule, a viewer and a reader can observe a rather crucial moral lesson for children (Mulligan, 1962). It lies in the fact that it is necessary to look for answers to complex questions based on the inner world of representation (Allen, 2021). Even if society is not in the best condition, the desire to understand oneself will lead to peaceful coexistence with other people.
On the other hand, this work raises important issues of overcoming life difficulties and creating an atmosphere of support. His endless aptitude for soothing tumultuous sky is perhaps Atticus’ most astounding characteristic, as stated by his daughter (Mulligan, 1962). Atticus never lets his emotions get the better of his judgment. Furthermore, the lawyer is unaffected by the displays of others’ weakness and fear. It is important to note that the character’s restraint is not a sign of fear.
Atticus is a man who values fairness and equality in his children, and his parenting approach is predicated on instilling these values in them. Throughout the book, Atticus works to develop Scout and Jem’s consciences by teaching them to consider themselves in others’ situations before passing judgment (James & Nair, 2017). In addition, his children learn by mistake that their father was once the district’s greatest shot. Atticus is not proud of his accomplishments, but he shoots a rabid dog that threatens children’s safety (Mulligan, 1962). Thus, this novel allows children to understand. that there are different views on the world and social issues. However, it is worth being able to exercise restraint and remain true to oneself, as this allows people not to step on the path of cruelty and hatred.
Conclusion
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is primarily a novel about the formation of an extraordinary personality whose childhood is overflowing with moderately comical and tragic events. This work can serve as a worthy teacher and assistant for schoolchildren looking for answers to difficult growing-up questions. Due to the versatility of the novel and the topics indicated in it, the novel allows readers to draw many conclusions about human reality and nature. Thus, Harper Lee and the film adaptation of the book help people to consider the problems of growing up, relationships between people, and social issues, based on children’s ideas and expectations. Consequently, this work, despite the cruelty of the scenes and rude vocabulary, demonstrates society realistically. Such works should not be comfortable for the reader, as they serve as a reminder that it is necessary to remain human.
References
James, V. C., & Nair, S. J. (2017). An analysis of social institutions in shaping the worldview of characters in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow, 17.
Mohammed, M. A., & Abd Alhadi, M. H. (2020). Child narration in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Koya University Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(1), 150–155.
Mulligan, R. (1962). To Kill a Mockingbird. Brentwood Productions.