Theme Of Family In To Kill A Mockingbird

Superior Essays
Family in To Kill a Mockingbird “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything,” stated Michael J. Fox. Family is a meaningful theme in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, which is written by Harper Lee. The main characters are Scout, Jem, and Atticus, their father. The setting takes place in a small town called Maycomb County in Alabama. Scout and Jem have to deal with the problems that occur because of Atticus’s trial. Atticus is prosecuting a black man in a racist society. Atticus tries to show his kids how to do the right things. Harper Lee uses characterization in her novel To Kill a Mockingbird to show the importance of family and the importance of how parents choose to raise their kids. A family with a hostile environment is the Ewells. …show more content…
Alexandra is having a missionary circle meeting because she is very gregarious. Atticus calls her aside to tell her that Tom Robinson has been killed. After Atticus tells Aunt Alexandra the news, Scout determines “if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could [she]” (Lee 318). Scout learns that she can act like a lady. She determines this because Aunt Alexandra maintains her composure even though a drastic event has occurred. Aunt Alexandra wants Scout to become more ladylike by “playing with small stoves, tea sets, and wearing the Add-A-Pearl necklace she gave [Scout]” (108). She wants Scout to dress and behave like a girl with good manners. Alexandra wants to have the optimum family because her family name is important to her. However, after the children are attacked by Bob Ewell, she tells Scout to put these [overalls] on… [as she hands Scout] the garments she most despised” (Lee 354). Scout is confused because Aunt Alexandra always talks about how she wants Scout to act more like a girl. Aunt Alexandra brings her overalls to Scout for comfort after the traumatic event. Although Scout has had hard times with her, Aunt Alexandra tries to do what she thinks is best for Scout’s future. While Aunt Alexandra has more old-fashioned ideas about teaching, Atticus lets his children express who they want to …show more content…
The Ewells, Alexandra, and Atticus all have different family environments and values. Atticus was a very good parent by supporting his children and teaching them lessons. It is important for people to read To Kill a Mockingbird to show the value of family and loyalty. A child learns how to behave and respond to certain situations based on what they have learned or experienced from family members. Jem and Scout will have better futures and successes based off of the strong connection with their

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