The tagline on the cover of the Warner Books edition of Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, says “The Timeless Classic of Growing Up and the Human Dignity That Unites Us All.” The tagline encapsulates the appeal of the novel but doesn’t hint at the complex issues surrounding the novel.
Easy to Read
To Kill A Mockingbird is a classic piece of American Literature, one that decades of American children have read during their school career. It is easy to understand why teachers select Harper Lee’s novel for their reading curriculum. The story is easy to read and understand. In addition, it deals with one of the most persistent issues in American history and culture, that of racism. As a result, it is an ideal book for teachers who struggle to engage students.
Meandering Plot
Scout Finch, the young motherless daughter of a small town attorney, narrates the story. Scout, and her brother Jem are allowed to do as they please. Neither of the children likes school because it is populated with teachers and illiterate students. The two Finch children live for summer when their friend Dill comes to visit.
The novel is episodic, which disturbs many readers who prefer a straightforward plot. However, Lee does loosely thread the various episodes together using the ubiquitous Boo Radley, the Finch’s next-door neighbor. Little is known about Boo, the details of his youth are legend and the details of his present life are unknown. As a result, he is a source of intrigue for Scout, Jem, and Dill, who tell stories and create dramas about Boo.
All the episodic threads of the novel are held together by a climactic moment, which occurs after the racially charged trial of Tom Robinson. At that moment, Boo steps out of the shadow and draws tight the thread that has been woven through each episode.
Feel Good Story
While, Harper Lee, does deal with racism, gender issues, poverty, violence, and death in the novel; To Kill a Mockingbird has a sentimental even romantic feel that doesn’t allow for true darkness and sorrow to enter it. The characters are likeable, even enjoyable, and in the end almost everyone does the right thing. It is this sentimentality that both wins the novel its legions of fans and increases the distaste of those who dislike it.
A Book Everyone Reads
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a book that everyone reads. It is a book that everyone should read. For many who read it, it will be a gentle reminder of the past and of the issues that American’s have confronted and will continue to confront. Many will love it. For readers who demand more from their literature, the book will be an easy read, one that allows them to converse with those who love it. Reading it will allow them to remove it from the list of culturally relevant books that they must read.
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Warner Books, Inc. 1982. ISBN 0-446-31078-6
 |
