Books Babbling 2: "..but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

TW! Contents below have some triggering topics and themes that may be disturbing to some readers. Do read at your own risk.

Title: To Kill a Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee

Main topics: Prejudice, Family, Courage, Human morality, Race, Youth, Justice, Femininity, Racism, Brief Mention of Rape.

Genre: Coming of Age, Classics, Historical Fiction, Legal Story, Thriller, Bildungsroman.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.75)

Summary:

Jean Louise Finch (Scout) and her elder brother, Jeremy Atticus Finch (Jem) was raised by their widowed father, Atticus Finch, who was the state legislator and attorney. Their daily lives consisted of going to school (which Scout despised so much), bothering Calpurnia the black house-maid and attempting to lure their mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley, out. Things fall into routine, until Atticus was appointed to the case of a Negro accused of raping and beating a white girl. Tom Robinson was pronounced guilty by the court, despite the fact that Atticus managed to lay down his argument well and bare enough to prove that Tom was innocent. Accidentally humiliated the accuser’s father during the hearing – Bob Ewell – the nasty man promised karma and payback on Atticus. Tom was killed when he tried to escape custody. Later, Bob Ewell was after the children – Jem and Scout – when the two were walking home from the pageant. Scout would have gotten harmed, and Jem would have received more than a broken arm resulting from an attack from Ewell – had not been the one and only Boo Radley to be there and saved the siblings. Mr. Heck, the sheriff, refused to acknowledge the fact that Boo had killed Ewell to protect the children, saying the man had fallen on his knife instead. Atticus promised Scout that Jem would wake up the next morning, before reading her to sleep.

Review:

In the first place, I was initially afraid to pick up this book. I was reluctant because I did not think I could enjoy it; for ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is my very first book with this ‘lawyer-kind-of’ background.

However, when I know that this story is told form the eye of a child, I became expectant. I mean, this book discusses a heavy issue: a white lawyer (who came from a noble family) had to defend a Negro who was accused of raping a white girl. But, when we see it through the eye of a child, you know it is unfiltered. Children are very honest, they tend to be very direct, very blunt and sincere. Perhaps, if the protagonist is an adult, maybe it would sound quite offensive.

I think the plot is very well planned. You can see the consistency throughout the story and no character is left behind. At some point (especially during the hearing at the court scene), I have to admit I accidentally forgot Boo Radley hshshsh but Dill is there to remind me about him. He is so, so engrossed in luring the man out of his house to the point I feel like he is so jobless. However, I failed to understand the importance of Dill’s character in the story. I just understand that had not been his enthusiasm of stalking Boo Radley, the readers will never be able to have the innate concept of him as the mysterious neighbour.

"If you do that, I will tell Atticus."

I have heart eyes for Atticus not gonna lie. I expect him to be either very strict, or gives no heck about his children at first. AT FIRST. But when I see the way he talks to Jem and Scout, the way he accepts the fact that they are growing children who are very naughty, adventurous and curious, the way he corrects the siblings not by telling them 'No, you should'nt do this' but chooses to let his children ponder and reflect on their action, rather than harshly scolds them; I just fall in love with his character.

And I daresay, he has great, massive effects on his children. They listen to him in return, never talk back in rude way because Atticus ALWAYS listen to them. He lets them give justifications to their actions, and reasons with them later to enlighten his children the correct way to behave. He is the best when it comes to dealing with his own children, in my opinion and no one can change that.

I absolutely LOVE the character development. Especially the siblings; Jem and Scout. This book is a bildungsroman; which means ‘class of novel that depicts and explores the manner in which the protagonist develops morally and psychologically’ (Britannica, 2020). Scout ages from six to nine in the story, while Jem ten to thirteen. I think the readers can assume that the way these two behave and think is heavily influenced by their own father.

Jem is in the transition form being a child to a teen, which I think is such a vital point in the story. He tends to play with Scout when he is younger, but opts for some isolation when he has grown up; which I think is a phase we all go through. He becomes more calculated in his actions and words. For Scout, I can say she is my favourite hshshsh😂😂 She is so, so young, but her maturity is on another level. Yes, I cannot deny the fact that she is that girl who tends to dive head first and chooses to settle things with fists. But I do think it is rare for children her age to make diligent, methodical judgement. She is witty, yes. She sulks sometimes when Jem calls her ‘a woman’ which may sound degrading to her because she is used to play with boys and does not have a mother figure whilst growing up. She becomes upset when her father scolds her. She dislikes being told what to do and being expected to behave like a true ‘lady’. You know, she is just a child. But I guess what gets me drown to her character is her wise, knowledgeable behaviour. Scout really knows how to read the room and acts accordingly, which I reckon is not practicable by children her age.

And the siblings’ dynamic I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. Their banter got me every time, and Jem is that protective elder brother who is always there to save your annoying ass from the trouble you create yourself. Scout is just, that typical second-born.

Another thing I like about the book is about the humour. Funny but very sharp at the same time. You can see how adults sometimes think so highly of themselves to the point they think they are the only one who are correct. It is comical, however, when it is told from the eyes of a child. The absurdity of supremacy of the whites above the blacks, how society discriminates and mistreats a man who fights for justice and what is right, how very unreasonable and foolish it is to take one’s anger and revenge on innocent children; you can find all of these in the book. And trust me, you will have a good laugh, at the same time feel like someone has slapped you in the face with two breads and calls you an idiot sandwich🤝🏻🙃

Favourite character: I like both Scout and Jean Louise Finch. Queen👸🏻

Favourite moment(s): I LOVE the scene at the court where the hearing takes place. And the other one will be when Atticus gets home for with the news of the death of Tom Robinson (the Negro). I love when Scout chooses to be intelligent and collected herself like Aunt Alexandra. They keep the smile on their faces and serve the guests like nothing has happened in their household. I love how they keep the secret behind close door safe. I guess that is the importance of being a 'lady'.

Anyway, read the book, people. I am currently 21 years-old when I read this book, and let me tell you there is no book too old for you to read, or you are too late to read one.

Swalk,

𝔣𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔦𝔩𝔶𝔞𝔫𝔞💜