To Kill a Mockingbird is an oxymoron of racism, acceptance, tolerance, intolerance, forgiveness, blame, resilience, innocence and human ugliness.
It is a timeless narrative that covers a multitude of human traits, prejudices and actions, that we as readers have no doubt at times been guilty of committing – regardless of consciousness. It ultimately reminds us that stripped bare of our materialistic possessions and inherited judgments, we are all of the same kind. We all have the same blank canvas to begin with.
We all have the capability to love, accept and support each other. We all have the ability to hurt, discriminate and destroy each other.
It is the choices that we make as individuals that distinguishes us from others. It is those choices that we have to live with.
To Kill a Mockingbird, teaches us that life isn’t fair, that ‘man’ can be cruel and that sticking to what you know is right isn’t easy! But ultimately it is you that has to live with yourself.
I read this book in year twelve English (22 years ago). I have read it many times and its message becomes only more powerful with each reading as my experiences in life broaden.
It is interesting that my interpretation of the story and the meaning I have gained from it has differed over the years. Initially as a teenager I was intrigued by the strangeness of Boo, later as a young adult I was disgusted by the prejudices of the town folk, now as a mother of two, I am excited by the lessons in life that this story enables me to discuss with my own children. I can only wonder what message I will gain from the story as an elderly woman or will I simply enjoy reading it and appreciate the craft that Harper Lee has so brilliantly executed?
This book is without a doubt, my favourite as it is the gift that keeps on giving.
The story is ageless and one that belongs on the shelf of every home.
It’s a gentle tap on the shoulder…… A silent whisper in our ear…… and a little reminder that things aren’t always as they appear .
The Australian Literature Review