Human Nature in to Kill a Mockingbird

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Human Nature in To Kill a Mockingbird In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, human traits and qualities help lead to theme. This book takes place during the Great Depression in the 1930's. Harper Lee used the Scottsboro Triles as the spark to write the novel. In this trile, nine young black men are accused of raping two white women. The accusation was less than truthful, but the men were later released. This was very rare for a case like this at the time, when racial tensions were high. With all of this happening, many people found wrong in the accusations and the goodness in human nature, the common and natural qualities and morals among humans, became prominent in people. In the book, the same qualities of good human nature are revealed in certain character's being assertive, steadfast, and diligent. In the beginning, Atticus is being assertive towards his sister, Alexandra. He says to her, “ Alexandra, Calpurnia's not leaving this house until she wants to” ( Lee 182 ). This shows that even the predigest ways of his own family members will not change his mind about the black community, and he isn't afraid to speak up and defend them. Next, Scout listens to her father be steadfast, and tell her his opinion on the racist ways of the people around them. He tells her that “ white men cheat black men everyday of your life...whenever a white man does that...no matter who he is, that white man is trash” ( Lee 233 ). This shows that Atticus is being firm in what he believes, and is staying loyal to his good morals. Last, Atticus works hard, and acts diligently while defending Tom Robbinson. “ Atticus has used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robbinson” ( Lee 244 ). This shows that Atticus's actions of putting himself in the shoes of Tom Robbinson and showing care for what he does, despite what others think, lead to human nature being mostly good. The

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