To Kill a Mockingbird Themes
I. Prejudice
A. Racism
1. Mrs. Dubose (and other characters) criticizes Atticus for defending Tom Robinson
because he’s a black man.
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B. Sexism
1. Many characters criticize Scout for the way she dresses and acts. They also criticize
Atticus for allowing her to dress the way she does.
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C. Intolerance of differences
1. People spread rumors about Arthur (Boo) Radley because he lives differently than
they do.
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II. Courage
A. Atticus
1. Atticus shows courage by taking a controversial case.
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B. Scout
1. Scout shows courage on the first day of school by standing up for Walter
Cunningham.
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C. Jem
1. Jem demonstrates physical courage when he accepts a dare to touch the Radley house.
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D. Other courageous characters
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III. Understanding
A. Scout and Jem learn harsh truths about reality.
1. Some people are above the law. For example, Bob Ewell is allowed to hunt outside of
hunting season.
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B. Scout and Jem learn important lessons about how to treat others.
1. Atticus teaches Scout that she has to walk in other people’s skin to understand their
point of view.
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C. Scout and Jem learn important lessons about life
1. The children learn that real courage is fighting an important battle, even if you know
you’re going to lose.
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