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Essays on To Kill a Mockingbird

To kill a mockingbird essay topic examples.

You can analyze its themes in argumentative essays, compare and contrast characters or themes, describe the book's settings, persuade readers about certain points, or narrate personal experiences related to the novel's themes. These essay ideas allow you to dive into the world of "To Kill a Mockingbird" from various angles, making it easier to understand and engage with the story.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the novel. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Analyze the portrayal of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird and its relevance in today's society.
• 2. Argue whether Atticus Finch is an ideal role model for modern fathers.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird shines a spotlight on the persistent issue of racial injustice in the American South. This essay delves into the novel's portrayal of this injustice and its enduring relevance in the contemporary world, examining the lessons it offers for addressing social inequality.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird underscores the novel's power to inspire meaningful conversations about equity and justice. As we grapple with these issues today, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and compassion in fostering positive change.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the novel or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the characters of Scout and Jem Finch, exploring their individual growth and experiences.
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the themes of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: Siblings often share profound bonds, yet their experiences can be remarkably distinct. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast Scout and Jem Finch, the young siblings in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird , exploring the unique paths they navigate and the growth they experience throughout the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of Scout and Jem Finch offer insights into the complexity of individual growth and sibling dynamics in To Kill a Mockingbird . As we consider their journeys, we are reminded of the transformative power of empathy and understanding in family relationships.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the novel. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the atmospheric details of Maycomb, the fictional town in To Kill a Mockingbird , and its impact on the story.
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Boo Radley, focusing on his mysterious nature and significance in the narrative.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: Maycomb, the setting of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird , is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right. This essay embarks on a descriptive journey to capture the atmospheric details of Maycomb, immersing the reader in the town's unique ambiance and its profound influence on the story.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird not only sets the stage but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the power of place in shaping our narratives and perceptions.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the novel. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that Atticus Finch's defense of Tom Robinson is an act of moral courage.
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that To Kill a Mockingbird should be a mandatory part of high school curricula.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: Atticus Finch's unwavering defense of Tom Robinson in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird resonates as a symbol of moral courage. This persuasive essay asserts that Atticus's actions embody the essence of moral heroism, inviting readers to reflect on the qualities that define true bravery.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument regarding Atticus Finch's moral courage underscores the enduring significance of his character in To Kill a Mockingbird . As we contemplate his actions, we are compelled to consider the qualities that inspire us to stand up for justice and equality.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of the novel. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you encountered prejudice and discrimination similar to the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird .
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in Maycomb and recount your interactions with the Finch family and Boo Radley.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: Prejudice and discrimination are unfortunately common experiences in our world. This narrative essay delves into a personal encounter with these themes, drawing parallels to the themes explored in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird .

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal encounter with prejudice and discrimination underscores the enduring relevance of the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird . As we reflect on the challenges of our own lives, we are encouraged to confront injustice and champion the values of empathy and equality.

To Kill a Mockingbird Jem Finch Character Traits

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Who is The Narrator in to Kill a Mockingbird

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The Prejudice of Race, Gender and Social Class in The Novel "To Kill a Mockingbird"

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To Kill a Mockingbird: is Mayella Powerful

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July 11, 1960, Harper Lee

Novel; Thriller, Southern Gothic, Domestic Fiction, Legal Story, Bildungsroman

Atticus Finch, Scout Finch, Jem Finch, Dill Harris, Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandria, John Finch, Arthur Radley

It is partially based on Lee Harper's childhood, which is why the story is told by the child protagonist.

The loss of innocence, prejudice, racial challenges, honor, childhood, friendship, loss of innocence. The most powerful aspect is the very meaning behind "to kill a mockingbird", which means to destroy the innocence. It is made clear by Scout when he asks to "remember [that] it's a sin to kill a mockingbird". The flowers also symbolize patience and understanding, which are reflected by the white camellia flower.

To Kill a Mockingbird is not an easy book to read, yet it quickly became a symbol for the Civil Rights Movement all over the world. It teaches us about being brave, about injustice that must not be ignored, inequality around us, poverty, racism, corruption, anger control, innocence, oppression, hatred, and judging others. Reading this book reminds us of hope, patience, being equal to each other, and fighting for being brave and true.

The story starts when Tom Robinson, an African American male is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman, the local lawyer called Atticus agrees to defend Tom even though he receives threats from the community. Even when things are quickly getting dangerous, Atticus refuses to leave his client. His young son Scout unwittingly helps to settle down the challenge.

The book has almost been called "Atticus" instead of the famous title that we know so well. Harper Lee was writing only one manuscript page per day even though she worked for about 12 hours a day. The character of Atticus Finch has been inspired by Lee's father who also worked as the lawyer and defended African American clients. The book has helped to create a cottage industry in the author's hometown, which has started with a museum. Lee Harper decided to choose her middle name instead of "Nelle", which she was afraid could be mispronounced. To Kill a Mockingbird became one of the most beloved books in the American literary history. The character of Dill has been based on author's childhood friend Truman Capote who has also used her personality's character in his "Other Voices, Other Rooms" novel that has been published in 1948.

"The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." "Mockingbirds don't do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corn cribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." "It's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you." "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."

The main factor in To Kill a Mockingbird is teaching one's children and reminding each other about the dangers of prejudice and judging others. Providing an example of defending a black male in the American South shows that one must always keep the faith and seek the truth regardless of the conditions.

It is one of the most influential civil rights movement works in English literature and a symbolism of social challenge, culture, courage, defense of truth, and justice. It is also an essay topic where a person learns about prejudice and understanding that one has to be in another person's shoes to see and understand what it is like. Choosing this book as an essay topic, middle school, high school, and college students learn about justice, honor, and courage.

1. Macaluso, M. (2017). Teaching To kill a mockingbird today: Coming to terms with race, racism, and America's novel. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 61(3), 279-287. (https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jaal.678) 2. Tanış, A., & Cengizhan, L. (2010). Analyzing the novel “to kill a Mockingbird” in literature class. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 4387-4391. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187704281000738X) 3. Al-Mamoory, S., & Witwit, M. A. (2021). Critical Discourse Analysis of Opression in''To Kill a Mockingbird''. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, 9(02), 11-24. (http://journals.researchub.org/index.php/jsshr/article/view/1243) 4. Stiltner, M. A. (2002). Don't put your shoes on the bed: A moral analysis of “To Kill a Mockingbird”. East Tennessee State University.(https://www.proquest.com/openview/fa19ac9b0047942ce79bc14a55116582/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y) 5. Khokhar, M. I., & Mashori, G. M. (2018). Marxist Analysis of to Kill A Mockingbird According To Peter Barry. Journal of Grassroot, 52(2). (https://www.prdb.pk/article/marxist-analysis-of-to-kill-a-mockingbird-according-to-peter-2526) 6. Shackelford, D. (1996). The Female Voice in" To Kill a Mockingbird": Narrative Strategies in Film and Novel. The Mississippi Quarterly, 50(1), 101-113. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/26475781) 7. Sastrawijaya, M. D. (2021). The Character and Moral Values in “to Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. INFERENCE: Journal of English Language Teaching, 3(1), 81-87. (https://journal.lppmunindra.ac.id/index.php/inference/article/view/6070) 8. Winarni, B., Nugroho, A., & Fatimah, S. (2013). Affection And Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird Novel By Harper Lee (1960): A Psychoanalytic Approach (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta). (http://eprints.ums.ac.id/26577/)

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To Kill a Mockingbird

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Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird , Scout witnesses many different types of prejudice—and even promotes these attitudes herself—including classism, sexism, and racism. Regardless of the type of prejudicial worldview, each one treats people as stereotyped groups, demands conformity, and doesn’t give any credit to individuals. Over and over again, To Kill a Mockingbird illustrates how prejudice can be closed-minded and dangerous, as well as seemingly benign—but in all cases, it’s ridiculous and misguided.

Though racism is the type of prejudice that shines through the novel the most, Mockingbird is careful to show that this not the only kind of prejudice at work—and, at least for a white girl like Scout, it’s not even the most pressing issue in her life. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that racism isn’t Scout’s biggest issue exactly because she’s white, and what bothers her more is the sexism she experiences, and the classism expressed most often by her Aunt Alexandra . Scout is a tomboy and states clearly that she has no interest in being a lady, so she finds attempts by her Uncle Jack , Aunt Alexandra, and occasionally Jem to force her into acting more like a lady to be especially offensive, especially when this concerns wearing dresses instead of her preferred overalls. While certainly not a direct equivalent to racism, the sexism that Scout experiences at times impresses upon her just how silly prejudice is in general. Despite this, she still holds and espouses her own sexist views—she laughs when her cousin Francis says that Aunt Alexandra is going to teach him to cook, as she believes that boys don’t cook. To an outside observer, the juxtaposition of Scout’s annoyance with others’ clothing preferences with her own sexist ideas makes the point that anyone, even the victims of unfair treatment themselves, can hold questionable views.

Similarly, Scout gradually comes to the understanding that a person’s financial situation or family history shouldn’t have any bearing on whether or not they’re thought of as good people—though in many cases, she sees clearly that it does. While Aunt Alexandra outright forbids Scout from playing with Walter Cunningham , a poor farm boy at school, Scout sees that the only thing that separates her and Walter is that Walter has to miss school to work on the farm and his family doesn’t have any money—neither of which are things with which Scout (whose father, Atticus , is a lawyer) has to contend. Further, Scout feels especially warm toward the Cunningham family in general following Tom Robinson ’s trial, as someone in the family was on the jury and was the one who fought to acquit Robinson. For Scout, this is proof that Walter isn’t all that different from her, and moreover, is a good person deserving of respect and kindness. To Aunt Alexandra, however, the possibility of Scout being friends with Walter represents an existential threat to the Finch family name, as she believes that being anything but polite and detached toward poor individuals sullies one’s own reputation—again, something Scout sees as being ridiculous, misguided, and selfish.

While the existence of racism in Maycomb becomes clearest to Scout during and immediately after Tom Robinson’s trial, the novel goes to great lengths to show that the racism hurled at Robinson doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s a part of the way Maycomb operates. Scout learns in the year or so before the trial that segregation and a general dislike of black people isn’t something benign or normal: rather, it exists thanks to a strong undercurrent of hate on the part of white people in Maycomb. During and after the trial, Scout hears friends, family, and neighbors verbally attack Atticus for taking Tom Robinson’s defense seriously—in their opinion, Robinson doesn’t deserve a fair trial because of the color of his skin. She and Jem also suffer abuse for Atticus’s choice to defend Robinson, suggesting that in Maycomb, treating a black person with anything other than distant contempt is an unspeakable offense. Similarly, Atticus makes the case in his closing argument that the case, which relies on he-said-she-said argumentation rather than medical evidence or eyewitness testimony, asks the jury to believe that all black men are dangerous rapists—even if there’s no compelling evidence that Robinson raped Mayella Ewell , and even if there’s a very good chance that Mr. Ewell , Mayella’s father, was the one who beat her instead.

Through all of this, Scout gradually comes to the conclusion that prejudice of any kind is ridiculous and misguided—after all, she sees that the town becomes increasingly hostile toward Atticus, whom she believes is unwaveringly good, when he stands up against prejudice by defending Robinson. Further, she begins to interrogate her own prejudiced thoughts about Boo Radley , especially after he saves her and Jem’s lives. Scout’s gradual realization that it’s not fruitful or worth her time to dislike or fear people for their differences, no matter what they are, makes the case that it’s possible to move on from prejudice as people gain exposure to others who are different—especially when those seemingly different people turn out to be not so different from oneself.

Prejudice ThemeTracker

Prejudice Quotes in To Kill a Mockingbird

“There's some folks who don't eat like us," she whispered fiercely, "but you ain't called on to contradict 'em at the table when they don't. That boy's yo' comp'ny and if he wants to eat up the table cloth you let him, you hear?” “He ain't company, Cal, he's just a Cunningham—“ “Hush your mouth! Don't matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house's yo' comp'ny, and don't you let me catch you remarkin' on their ways like you was so high and mighty!”

“There are just some kind of men who—who're so busy worrying about the next world they've never learned to live in this one, and you can look down the street and see the results.”

“If you shouldn't be defendin' him, then why are you doin' it?”

“For a number of reasons,” said Atticus. “The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again.”

"Atticus, are we going to win it?"

“No, honey.”

“Then why—”

“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,” Atticus said.

“Atticus, you must be wrong…”

“How's that?”

“Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong…”

Lula stopped, but she said, “You ain't got no business bringin' white chillun here—they got their church, we got our'n. It is our church, ain't it, Miss Cal?”

When I looked down the pathway again, Lula was gone. In her place was a solid mass of colored people.

One of them stepped from the crowd. It was Zeebo, the garbage collector. “Mister Jem,” he said, “we're mighty glad to have you all here. Don't pay no 'tention to Lula, she's contentious because Reverend Sykes threatened to church her. She's a troublemaker from way back, got fancy ideas an' haughty ways—we're mighty glad to have you all.”

Somewhere, I had received the impression that Fine Folks were people who did the best they could with the sense they had, but Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion, obliquely expressed, that the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land the finer it was.

“Well how do you know we ain't Negroes?”

“Uncle Jack Finch says we really don't know. He says as far as he can trace back the Finches we ain't, but for all he knows we mighta come straight out of Ethiopia durin' the Old Testament.”

“Well if we came out durin' the Old Testament it's too long ago to matter.”

“That's what I thought," said Jem, “but around here once you have a drop of Negro blood, that makes you all black.”

“If you had a clear conscience, why were you scared?”

“Like I says before, it weren't safe for any nigger to be in a—fix like that.”

“But you weren't in a fix—you testified that you were resisting Miss Ewell. Were you so scared that she'd hurt you, you ran, a big buck like you?”

“No suh, I's scared I'd be in court, just like I am now.”

“Scared of arrest, scared you'd have to face up to what you did?”

“No suh, scared I'd hafta face up to what I didn't do.”

“The way that man called him 'boy' all the time an' sneered at him, an' looked around at the jury every time he answered— … It ain't right, somehow it ain't right to do 'em that way. Hasn't anybody got any business talkin' like that—it just makes me sick.”

“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.”

“Oh child, those poor Mrunas,” she said, and was off. Few other questions would be necessary.

Mrs. Merriweather's large brown eyes always filled with tears when she considered the oppressed. “Living in that jungle with nobody but J. Grimes Everett,” she said. “Not a white person'll go near 'em but that saintly J. Grimes Everett.”

Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men's hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.

“When they finally saw him, why he hadn't done any of those things…Atticus, he was real nice…” His hands were under my chin, pulling up the cover, tucking it around me. “Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.” He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.

Global Health and Education

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay: Scout Finch

To kill a mockingbird essay: character analysis and growth of scout finch.

A Great Path to Maturity: Scout Finch

“A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably,” promoted Eleanor Roosevelt during her dedicated years as an advocate for the U.S.’s citizens.  As the First Lady, she, like many other good people in the world, had achieved the success of maturity and gave her life to the people.  Likewise, in the fiction book To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee concocted a brilliant masterpiece filled with themes about a young girl named Scout and connected her adventures to her own memories of growing up in the prejudiced South, specifically in Alabama, in the 1930s.  The story reflects a major meaning of life and maturity through the prejudiced death of an innocent black man, and the events before and after the case prove to be enlightening experiences for Scout.   Known as tomboy Scout, Jean Louise Finch transforms in the course of three years from an innocent child to a courageous young lady by learning to control her originally stormy temper, apprehending the prejudice and racism around her, and caring for others after absorbing different perspectives.

Character Traits of Scout Finch in the Beginning of To Kill A Mockingbird

As a tomboy, Scout has early troubles with fighting on impulse or speaking before thinking whenever a person or event irritates her, but she outgrows her hot temper and learns to rationalize thoroughly after encountering several events.   Originally, on her first day of school, Scout is slightly naïve when she tries to explain to her teacher Ms. Caroline about a boy named Walter Cunningham and his “no lunch” situation.  However, Scout did not consider Walter’s embarrassing side of the story and unintentionally insults him, “…but it was beyond my ability to explain things as well as Atticus, so I said, ‘You’re shamin’ him, Miss Caroline. Walter hasn’t got a quarter at home to bring to you, and you can’t use any stovewood’” (Lee 21).   Scout is innocent and does not really understand that Walter and his family are proud people, so her thinking does not yet reach a mature insight.  The teacher immediately punishes her, and Scout’s flashy temper overtakes her because she does not word her explanation carefully.  As a result, she decides to punish Walter for her mistake.  Therefore, as children, people often do not think thoroughly about their actions, and their tempers often control them in silly ways, but maturity stabilizes the mind and body to act as one being, and thoughts of reasoning cause people to act justly.   For example, in a situation in which Scout matures, her Aunt Alexandra holds a missionary group meeting with the ladies in the town, and they are discussing troubling news about changing the Mrunas, whom the hypocritical women, such as Mrs. Merriweather, believe that they live like animals.  Near the end of the meeting, Scout and Aunt Alexandra are both angry with the hypocritical comments and also receive the shocking news of the meaningless death of an innocent black man named Tom Robinson, but Scout manages to stay calm just like her aunt.   Scout demonstrates her newfound ladylike patience , “I carefully picked up the tray and watched myself walk to Mrs. Merriweather.  With my best company manners, I asked if she would have some.  After all, if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so can I” (237).  Through this thought, Scout reveals a maturity growth in which she deals with stressful and unfair situations with dignity.  She is no longer her childlike, eruptive personality and instead, reacts calmly with both the unjust comments of Mrs. Merriweather and the surprising news of Tom Robinson’s death.  Deep inside of her, she considers both situations and knows their injustice, but she keeps her outer self as a patient lady.  Because her reaction seems content, Scout is able to analyze her situation and object to extreme events within her mind. Near the end of the book, she steers her life into a more thoughtful and patient way that changes her previously boiling personality.

How Scout Finch Grows

Furthermore, Scout matures as she experiences the harsh realities of prejudice and racism around her when she learns about Walter Cunningham’s lifestyle and encounters the unfair trial of Tom Robinson.  At the beginning of the school year, she previously hurts Walter Cunningham after she is punished by the teacher for trying to defend him.  At the same time, she is learning from her aunt, who comes to stay with Scout and her family to serve as her feminine role model.  When Scout suggests to her father that she wants to visit their cook’s home and play with Walter Cunningham, Aunt Alexandra erupts with disdain, “…she said, ‘Because-he-is-trash, that’s why you can’t play with him…’” (225).  In addition, Scout’s older brother calms her as she furiously reacts, “…and he led me away sobbing in fury to his bedroom” (225).  Scout considered everyone, including impoverished Walter, equally. When Aunt Alexandra disapproves of him, Scout sobs because the unfairness in the world angers her. She matures in her thinking and sees people as a big dysfunctional family, but everyone is still considered equal to each other.  Therefore, she views the world with equality in mind and knowing that it was unfair, which is further revealed in her reaction to the verdict of Tom Robinson’s trial.  He is wrongly accused of raping an impoverished and neglected white girl, and the society wrongly uses prejudice of black people to influence their conclusions, “A jury never looks at a defendant it has convicted, … not one of them looked at Tom Robinson” (211).  Scout is now aware of the prejudice around her.  In this, she displays insight of the world beyond her and how it affects equality.  Her instinctive guess of the outcome also shows her experience with the racism that exists between white and black people.  Unraveling the injustice in the world and experiencing it strengthens Scout’s mental and emotional growth .

Character Development of Scout Finch

In addition, Scout masters a technique that makes her more caring and worldly like her saintly father and great older brother, and she learns to consider others’ points of view to understand people.  In an early situation, Scout’s Aunt Alexandra arrives to stay at her home for a long time to serve as Scout’s feminine influence because her mother had passed away.  Thus, Aunt Alexandra wants to help Scout, but Scout sees this as an intrusion of her own freedom, so she tactlessly tries to dissuade her aunt from staying a long time by referring to missing her own husband, “The moment I said, ‘Won’t you miss him?’ I realized that this was not a tactful question” (128).  In this action, Scout is less experienced with seeing the different point of view of her aunt’s good intentions. Instead, it reveals that Scout is still young and does not yet consider how her aunt feels. Not seeing other points of view is often what children are portrayed as, and thus, it reflects their innocence.  As a result, their actions can be excused as long as they learn form their mistakes and consider others.  After three long years of yearning to see her mysteriously reclusive neighbor Boo Radley, Scout finally understands his reasons for staying in his home after seeing his point of view.  Previously, her father Atticus always wants her to consider other points of view, and Scout masters it with Boo.  After Boo saves her and her brother’s lives, Scout walks him home and is amazed by his perspective of events, “ Atticus was right….you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough…I felt very old ” (279).  Scout is overwhelmed by emotions because she finally understands her neighbor, and as a more mature person, she now considers her previous actions to see Boo as childish. With this, Scout demonstrates a great capacity as an almost fully-fledged adult .  At the same time, comprehending others shows a technique that comes with experience and knowledge. Scout’s encounters with learning different points of view change her own opinions and views of the outside world.

Conclusion: The Growth of Scout and Her Maturity

Overall, Scout gains the power of knowledge and experience by learning to suppress her originally short temper, realizing the unfairness in society, and viewing the world thought others’ points of view.  Moreover, she learns to be more careful with her actions after she hurts her classmate Walter and realizes her mistakes while later, Scout is respectful with her aunt’s hypocritical missionary circle.  Scout also senses the inequality in the world with her aunt’s comments about Walter’s impoverished lifestyle and the prejudiced verdict of Tom Robinson.  Finally, Scout completes an essential step to her maturity when she learns from her misunderstanding of her aunt’s caring intentions, and she masters the art of understanding others, especially Boo Radley, after placing herself in his perspective of events.  Scout not only masters maturity physically but also emotionally, socially, and mentally.  Often, she makes mistakes that cause her to stop and consider them, and as a result, she matures by learning from them and improving herself for later events in the story.  Conquering her temper was a small step to advance into the adult world while protesting inequality and understanding others brings her to another level of maturity that is evident in many of her later actions.  Equipped with the knowledge and experience of controlling temper, disapproval of inequality, and the art of comprehending those around her, Scout, like other benevolent people, earns the honor of reaching true maturity after conquering obstacles.  Finally, achieving those aspects of maturity allows people like Scout to face society with confidence, respect, and kindness , allowing them to be ready for the real world.

Learn More about Jem Finch, Scout Finch, and Atticus Finch’s Character Analysis in Our Second To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

Works Cited

Lee, Harper.  To Kill a Mockingbird. Print.

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This is wonderful! Very detailed analysis, I really enjoyed To Kill A Mockingbird back in the day, and Scout Finch’s my favorite! ❤

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Thank you very much, very sweet of you!

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I live Scout too! 💕great analysis too!

Thank you Helen! ❤ very kind of you

Your article is excellent. My class just started reading the book and I showed this all my students. Insightful read.

Thank you Mr. Samson! I’m glad that it’s helpful to your class

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The Importance and Challenges of a Speedy and Public Trial

This essay about the right to a speedy and public trial explains its importance in democratic justice systems. It highlights how a speedy trial prevents prolonged detention, protects defendants’ rights, and maintains the legal system’s integrity. Public trials ensure transparency and accountability, fostering trust in the judiciary. The essay discusses challenges in implementing these rights, such as balancing speed with quality of justice and managing privacy concerns. Technological advancements and international human rights law are suggested as potential solutions. Overall, the essay underscores the significance of upholding these rights to ensure fairness and transparency in the judicial process.

How it works

The right to a speedy and public trial is a cornerstone of democratic justice systems worldwide, enshrined in various constitutions and human rights documents. This principle aims to protect individuals from prolonged detention without trial and ensures transparency in the legal process. Its significance lies in balancing the scales of justice, preventing abuses of power, and maintaining public confidence in the judicial system.

The concept of a speedy trial ensures that a person accused of a crime is brought to trial within a reasonable timeframe.

This right prevents defendants from languishing in jail for extended periods, which can lead to loss of employment, disruption of family life, and deterioration of mental health. A delayed trial can also compromise the ability to mount an effective defense, as memories fade, evidence may be lost, and witnesses can become unavailable. Timeliness in the judicial process is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the legal system and upholding the rights of the accused.

A public trial, on the other hand, serves as a safeguard against judicial abuse and corruption. By allowing the public and media to observe the proceedings, transparency is promoted, which helps ensure that the trial is conducted fairly and according to the law. Public scrutiny acts as a check on the legal system, holding it accountable and fostering trust within the community. It also provides an educational function, informing the public about legal processes and the functioning of the judiciary.

However, implementing the right to a speedy and public trial presents several challenges. Ensuring speediness without compromising the quality of justice is a delicate balance. The judicial system must handle a large volume of cases, and resources such as judges, courtrooms, and legal personnel are often limited. This scarcity can lead to backlogs and delays, undermining the right to a speedy trial. Efforts to expedite proceedings must not come at the expense of thorough and fair consideration of each case.

Moreover, the requirement for public trials can sometimes clash with the need to protect the privacy and safety of those involved, particularly in cases involving sensitive issues such as sexual assault or national security. In some situations, extensive media coverage and public interest can create a circus-like atmosphere, which can influence the jury and affect the defendant’s right to a fair trial. Courts must find a balance between openness and the protection of the participants’ rights and safety.

Technological advancements offer potential solutions to some of these challenges. For instance, digital case management systems can help streamline court processes and reduce delays. Virtual courtrooms, which became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, provide a way to conduct trials promptly while maintaining public access. These innovations can enhance the efficiency and transparency of the judicial system if implemented thoughtfully and with attention to the rights of all parties involved.

International human rights law also plays a significant role in upholding the right to a speedy and public trial. Documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights outline these rights and serve as a benchmark for national legal systems. However, the extent to which these rights are realized can vary significantly between countries, influenced by legal traditions, resources, and political will.

In some jurisdictions, there are statutory limits on the time a defendant can be held before trial, which helps enforce the right to a speedy trial. For example, in the United States, the Speedy Trial Act sets specific time frames for the various stages of a criminal prosecution. While such measures provide a framework, the actual implementation can be affected by numerous factors, including the complexity of the case, the availability of legal counsel, and procedural issues.

In conclusion, the right to a speedy and public trial is fundamental to the administration of justice, protecting the rights of the accused and ensuring transparency in the judicial process. While there are significant challenges in balancing speed, fairness, and public access, continued efforts and innovations can help address these issues. Upholding these rights requires vigilance, resources, and a commitment to the principles of justice and human rights. As legal systems evolve, maintaining the delicate balance between expedience and thoroughness, openness and privacy, will remain a central concern in the pursuit of justice.

Remember, this essay is a starting point for inspiration and further research. For more personalized assistance and to ensure your essay meets all academic standards, consider reaching out to professionals at EduBirdie .

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"The Importance and Challenges of a Speedy and Public Trial," PapersOwl.com , 01-Jun-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-importance-and-challenges-of-a-speedy-and-public-trial/. [Accessed: 4-Jun-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Importance and Challenges of a Speedy and Public Trial . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-importance-and-challenges-of-a-speedy-and-public-trial/ [Accessed: 4-Jun-2024]

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Integrating Clinical Trials and Practice : A New JAMA Series and Call for Papers

• 1 Executive Editor, JAMA
• Special Communication The Integration of Clinical Trials With the Practice of Medicine Derek C. Angus, MD, MPH; Alison J. Huang, MD, MAS; Roger J. Lewis, MD, PhD; Amy P. Abernethy, MD, PhD; Robert M. Califf, MD; Martin Landray, PhD; Nancy Kass, ScD; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS; JAMA Summit on Clinical Trials Participants; Ali B Abbasi; Kaleab Z Abebe; Amy P Abernethy; Stacey J. Adam; Derek C Angus; Jamy Ard; Rachel A Bender Ignacio ; Scott M Berry; Deepak L. Bhatt; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo; Robert O. Bonow; Marc Bonten; Sharon A. Brangman; John Brownstein; Melinda J. B. Buntin; Atul J Butte; Robert M. Califf; Marion K Campbell; Anne R. Cappola; Anne C Chiang; Deborah Cook; Steven R Cummings; Gregory Curfman; Laura J Esserman; Lee A Fleisher; Joseph B Franklin; Ralph Gonzalez; Cynthia I Grossman; Tufia C. Haddad; Roy S. Herbst; Adrian F. Hernandez; Diane P Holder; Leora Horn; Grant D. Huang; Alison Huang; Nancy Kass; Rohan Khera; Walter J. Koroshetz; Harlan M. Krumholz; Martin Landray; Roger J. Lewis; Tracy A Lieu; Preeti N. Malani; Christa Lese Martin; Mark McClellan; Mary M. McDermott; Stephanie R. Morain; Susan A Murphy; Stuart G Nicholls; Stephen J Nicholls; Peter J. O'Dwyer; Bhakti K Patel; Eric Peterson; Sheila A. Prindiville; Joseph S. Ross; Kathryn M Rowan; Gordon Rubenfeld; Christopher W. Seymour; Rod S Taylor; Joanne Waldstreicher; Tracy Y. Wang JAMA
• Viewpoint Why Should the FDA Focus on Pragmatic Clinical Research? Ali B. Abbasi, MD; Lesley H. Curtis, PhD; Robert M. Califf, MD JAMA

Randomized clinical trials remain the cornerstone of evidence-based medicine. As a leading medical journal publishing the science that advances the clinical care of patients and the health of the public, JAMA is committed to the publication of clinical trials, as well as promoting the discourse on how clinical trial evidence can best serve the needs of patients and clinicians.

In autumn of 2023, JAMA hosted its inaugural in-person JAMA Summit 1 on the topic of randomized clinical trials and the challenges and opportunities to improve their design and conduct to be most responsive to the needs of clinical practice. The Special Communication published in JAMA, 2 “The Integration of Clinical Trials With the Practice of Medicine: Repairing a House Divided,” was written on behalf of the participants in the JAMA Summit and outlines many of the themes discussed during this provocative 2-day meeting.

A central theme of the JAMA Summit, which is elaborated on in the Special Communication in this issue, is how best to integrate clinical trials with clinical practice. Traditionally, clinical trialists and clinicians have worked independently, and, as the authors of the Special Communication underscore, their separate missions, incentives, and infrastructures have been siloed. The result is inefficiency in the performance of trials and limitations in their scope and impact. The authors offer solutions, including advances in implementation science, novel approaches to statistical analysis of trial data, and integration of trials with the electronic health record as a very rich source of clinical data. The clinical trial and health care delivery disciplines have functioned as a house divided. The authors proffer an approach to bridging the gap.

The future of clinical medicine will be greatly influenced by the data derived from randomized clinical trials, and trials will need to be accomplished more quickly, efficiently, and cheaply than they are today. A recent example is the platform trials 3 that were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 4 - 6 These trials were embedded within clinical care and permitted the study of multiple therapeutic interventions simultaneously, with the results applicable to patient care in short order. The platform trials are exemplary of the types of novel approaches to clinical trials that are needed to realign the house divided.

With this Special Communication and an accompanying Viewpoint, 7 we launch a new series in JAMA— Integrating Clinical Trials and Practice. JAMA invites submissions that explore innovations in clinical trial design, implementation, funding, regulation, education, and application that may bring randomized trial evidence to more effectively address the needs in clinical practice. Our goal is to engage the research community in a significant publishing project to advance clinical trials and better align them with clinical practice. We welcome articles of any type, and we are happy to hear from you with presubmission inquiries. We are eager to chart a new path for randomized clinical trials and the delivery of health care, and we hope you will participate in navigating the road ahead.

Published Online: June 3, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.10266

Corresponding Author: Greg Curfman, MD, JAMA, Editorial Office, 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 ( [email protected] ).

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported.

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Reactions to Donald Trump being found guilty in historic New York trial

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REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TRUMP

Campaign of president joe biden and vice president kamala harris, ian sams, spokesperson for the white house counsel's office, house judiciary committee chairman jim jordan, republican of ohio, us representative jerry nadler, democrat and ranking member of the house judiciary committee, us representative eric swalwell, democrat of california, house republican conference chair elise stefanik of new york, potential vice presidential candidate, house majority leader steve scalise, republican of louisiana, us representative lauren boebert, republican of colorado, democratic senator chris murphy of connecticut, us senator rand paul, republican of kentucky, former trump national security adviser john bolton, now a trump critic, us representative matt gaetz, republican of florida, us representative marjorie taylor greene, republican of georgia, us senator rick scott, republican of florida and candidate to replace senator mitch mcconnell as minority leader, us senator lindsey graham, republican of south carolina, us representative ronny jackson, republican of texas and white house physician under trump, former maryland governor larry hogan, now running for the us senate, right-wing activist tim pool.

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Donald Trump found guilty in NY criminal trial: Front pages across America

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What Matters Most About Trump’s Guilty Verdict, According to 7 Opinion Writers

By New York Times Opinion

Welcome to Opinion’s coverage of the guilty verdict in the Manhattan trial of Donald Trump. In this special feature, Times Opinion writers reflect on this extraordinary development in American political history, on the moments and the dynamics that mattered most in the trial — and tease out its potential impact on the presidential election.

What mattered

Jamelle Bouie I am no lawyer and did not follow every in and out of the trial, but if there was a single thing that doomed Donald Trump — or at least, if there was a single thing that harmed his effort to escape a guilty verdict — it was his total contempt for the process and the proceedings. It is hard to imagine that he was helped, in any way, by his constant attacks on judge, jury and the trial itself. The jury, obviously, is asked only to evaluate the evidence before it, and yet, it is asking a lot of anyone to sit and ignore the fact that the defendant has, publicly, turned you into an enemy.

Matthew Continetti What mattered was that this case was brought at all. When Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, indicted Trump in April 2023, he not only established the dangerous precedent that local officials can bring criminal charges against former presidents, he annexed the 2024 presidential campaign to the legal system, with unknown and potentially hazardous consequences. Bragg’s actions undermined confidence in the rule of law and rallied G.O.P. voters to Trump, helping him win a third consecutive Republican nomination. Bragg didn’t defeat Trumpism. He revived it.

David French The prosecution had a compelling story to tell. Trump did not want Stormy Daniels to go public right after the “Access Hollywood” tape with evidence that would demonstrate that he does, in fact, believe that his celebrity entitled him to do what he wanted with women. And when Trump concealed the nature of the payments, the prosecution could easily make the case — at least to a jury — that he must have known that the payments were legally problematic. Trial outcomes are often dictated by the side that can create the most coherent narrative, and the prosecution’s theory of the case was easy for the jury to grasp.

Michelle Goldberg The mountain of evidence! Though the discourse around the trial was all about the wisdom of Bragg bringing charges in the first place, the question in court was more straightforward — did Trump do what he was accused of? The prosecution showed that he did. Trump’s defense, meanwhile, made the ludicrous argument that he never had sex with Stormy Daniels, and that the $420,000 paid to Trump’s former fixer Michael Cohen — which was part of the reason he went to prison — was a legitimate legal fee. It would have been shocking if the jury had bought it.

Quinta Jurecic There’s no way to know what led the jurors to reach the verdict they did. But throughout the trial, I was struck by the insistence of Trump’s lawyers on pursuing arguments or lines of questioning that seemed unhelpful to their case. Todd Blanche, for example, insisted repeatedly that Trump had never slept with Stormy Daniels, even though this denial boxed Trump into a weaker argument. These tactics by the defense seemed designed to placate Trump’s own vanity and sense of grievance — but even if they made the client happy, it’s hard to imagine they helped his case with the jury.

Daniel McCarthy The dizzying number of the charges and the virtual absence of any dispute about the fact at the core of the case meant the prosecution only had to get the jury to doubt Trump’s motives. Justice Juan Merchan’s instructions were broad enough that the jury had many opportunities to find Trump guilty, and they did.

Kristen Soltis Anderson Focusing on winning the political battle and the communications battle when facing legal trouble only gets you so far. The law doesn’t necessarily care about public opinion.

Will it have an impact on the 2024 election?

Bouie I do not know if the guilty verdict will matter significantly for the 2024 presidential election, although it is fair to say that no presidential candidate wants to be a felon. If anything, I suspect that Trump’s conviction will be part of a background radiation of scandal that could weaken him beyond repair. One thing I do know, however, is that the guilty verdict is yet another instance of a fundamental truth of the Trump era: It has not been the institutions or the guardrails that have restrained the former president; it’s been ordinary American citizens who, when given the opportunity, have not hesitated to hold him accountable.

Continetti By November, we will be talking about something else. If we know one thing about Trump, it is that he is an expert at changing the subject. More important, despite President Biden’s efforts to shift the focus of the campaign to Trump’s rhetoric and conduct, the 2024 election is not about the former president. It is about the incumbent’s performance in office. The electorate will decide Biden’s fate based on its perceptions of the economy, the southern border and America’s global standing. A guilty verdict won’t lower prices, reduce border crossings or make the world a safer place.

French Yes, it will have an impact. Biden’s main weakness is with disconnected voters, and if there is one single news item that can break through with even the most apathetic citizens, it’s the headline “Trump Guilty on All Counts.” MAGA will redouble its support for Trump, of course, and some disconnected voters may well believe that the prosecution was political, but Trump is now a felon, and that will matter. Don’t expect anything like a dam break in public opinion that washes Trump away, but this will erode his support, and in a close election every bit of erosion matters.

Goldberg I’d guess a small one. A recent New York Times/Siena poll of swing state voters showed that a majority didn’t expect a conviction, so some might be jarred by it. Trump loyalists will easily rationalize casting ballots for a felon, but if this election is as close as the last two, even small shifts among wavering voters could be significant.

Jurecic Trump has a firm base of supporters who may be galvanized by his conviction. But they are not enough to win him the election on their own. His fate, instead, will rest with the voters whose support for him is less passionately held — people who might otherwise vote Republican but are put off by Trump’s boorishness. This verdict emphasizes all the aspects of Trump that those voters might find off-putting: Trump’s erratic behavior, his constant scandals. If this conviction harms Trump, it will likely be because a small but significant number of people in swing states simply couldn’t bring themselves to pull the lever for a felon.

McCarthy By outraging Trump’s supporters, the verdict will strengthen him, and voters who harbor doubts about the justice system may see him as more sympathetic as a result of this. He’s all the more an outsider and rebel now. The penalties may hamper Trump’s campaigning, but I expect the race will remain competitive, and become even more intense.

Soltis Anderson It may only matter at the margins. Voters who strongly dislike Trump will be thrilled with the verdict, but it won’t change things; they were never going to vote for him anyway. Voters who like him will not be surprised by a guilty verdict, because they have generally viewed the trial as political from the start. I believe the sentencing will play a bigger role in influencing the small group of persuadable voters, as Americans are forced to choose whether to vote for someone who could be facing prison time.

Jamelle Bouie, David French and Michelle Goldberg are Times columnists.

Matthew Continetti is the author of “The Right: The Hundred Year War for American Conservatism.”

Quinta Jurecic is a contributing writer at The Atlantic, a fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution and a senior editor at Lawfare.

Daniel McCarthy is the editor of Modern Age: A Conservative Review.

Kristen Soltis Anderson is a contributing Opinion writer for The New York Times. She is a Republican pollster and a speaker, a commentator and the author of “The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials Are Leading America (and How Republicans Can Keep Up).”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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