To Kill a Mockingbird Theme Essay

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The Coexistence of Good and Evil When a person takes his or her first steps into the world, he or she will finally be able to get a taste of the good and the bad in life. In the story “To Kill a Mockingbird”, the author Harper Lee displays the theme through the perspective of an innocent young girl, Scout, as she begins to reveal more about the world she lives in. Coexistence of good and evil is revealed through a case of an accused African American, causing not only Scout but the rest of the characters to change their perspectives towards their community. Through the contrasting beliefs and actions of the characters, the coexistence of both good and evil is exposed. Exploring and understanding different characters decisions and beliefs truly helps reveal human morality. Aside from Scout, her father Atticus helps explore the good and bad of the Maycomb community. Atticus understands that, rather than being good or evil, everyone has good and bad qualities. The important thing is to appreciate the good qualities and understand the bad qualities by being comprehensive to others and trying to see life from their shoes. “You never really understood a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around it.” pg 30. Atticus tries to explain to Jem and Scout that it is possible to live with right and wrong without losing hope. By comprehending the lesson Atticus is able to admire Mrs. Dubose’s courage while ignoring her racism. Scout’s growth in the novel into adulthood is guided by her understanding of Atticus’s lessons and her living. Throughout the reading Scout and Jem make the transition from innocence to maturity. Jem leads this change, since he is older than Scout, but both children experience it. At the beginning of the novel, they approach life innocently believing in the goodness
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