To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird is often categorized as a “bildungsroman,” or “coming of age” novel, following the childhood evolution, learning, and growth of young Scout and Jem. Over the course of the book, both characters develop increasingly-mature consciousnesses about the world; however, their individual growth processes are also specifically gendered as feminine and masculine. What are some of the ways Scout and Jem develop according to traditional southern standards for women and men? What are some of the ways both Scout and Jem resist that development?

Since the 1960 publication of To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch has been widely upheld as a role model for real world lawyers, even inspiring many people to pursue the practice of law. Recently, however, critics have argued that Atticus Finch didn’t do as much as he could have to disrupt the climate of racism, sexism, and classism he practiced within. Do you feel Atticus Finch continues to endure as a strong role model, or do you think his practices are outdated?

Throughout To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch expresses his strong distaste for violence and assertions of power. Nevertheless, he finds himself in the position where—in order to protect his community from the possibility of attack by a rabid dog—he must shoot Old Tim Johnson, the so-called “pet of Maycomb” (105).