As I read this book, what I found the most intriguing was the wisdom of the youth in regards to behavior toward others. The innocence of the children in regards to equality for all was so refreshing compared to the ingrained prejudices among the people of Maycomb. In Chapter 19, Dill is asked to leave the courtroom because he is crying. His tears are borne out of empathy for Tom Robinson and how he cannot believe how Mr. Gilmer is treating Tom in court by referring to him as "boy". This is not the only time we see wisdom from the youth in regards to prejudice. After Tom is found guilty Jem cannot believe it and even asks his father, "how could they do it (find him guilty), how could they? "(p 285). Atticus' response reinforces that thought that prejudice comes with age: "I don't know, but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it - seems that only children weep" (p 285).
Along this same subject matter, I also found it interesting how Lee showed actions common among adults in regards to prejudice. For example, Mrs. Merriweather defends her prejudicial actions because at least she is up front about it and thus not guilty of the sin of hypocrisy (p 313). She even describes those who do not share her same beliefs about black people are "misguided" (311).
Lee also includes characters in her book who seem to be ignorant of their own prejudices. For example, Jean Louise's third grade treacher Miss Gates, talks to the class about the atrocities of Hitler and his treatment of Jewish people. She speaks of "democracy, dictatorship and prejudice" (p 238-239). Yet despite her teachings about the wrong Hitler was doing, Miss Gates was acting the same way in regards to the black community. Jean Lousie reflected back to comments she had overheard her teacher say as she was exiting the courthouse following Tom Robinson's guilty verdict. "I heard her say it's time somebody taught 'em a lesson, they were gettin' way above themselves, an' the next thing, they think they can do is marry us. Jem, how can you hate Hitler so bad an' then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home-" (p 331). Again, Lee shows wisdom coming from the mouths of babes.
As I think about use of this book for teaching, I must admit I have conflicting feelings. I feel this book includes some great "quotes", addresses the theme of prejudice in a unique way by utilizing the perspectives of the children, has interesting characters that youth can easily identify with, and includes many connectors to the lives of students today. Yet despite all of its wonderful attributes, I found the book sometimes dragging and a difficult read to get through. For that reason only, I would be concerned that some students would become bored as they read the novel and as a result be oblivious to the positive things this book has to offer. In the end, however, I feel the book has more positives than negatives and would use it. I think if it were read aloud in class and discussion were used to break up the chapters it could make it more digestible for those who may on their own get bored and never finish reading it.
I definitely agree about the innocence of the youth trying to show how some of the older characters in the book are immoral. With their innocent statements they show the reader what is immoral. Having one grown up in the story, Atticus, who also stands for moral behavior seems to show the progression of civil rights. Maybe only one man believes in it now, but coming down the road are three children who will soon be old enough to make a difference in the world too.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I think it shows the different types of prejudice that exist both in the book and in the real world.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fascinating how these young characters can see things so clearly? I sometimes wonder if adults get so swayed by years of influence from others and others' perceptions that they lose the ability to see things clearly for how they are; the children in Lee's famous book are a perfect example of untainted perception, their biases and prejudices not yet developed.
ReplyDelete