Fathers and daughters. Racism and reality. Family and phantoms. Accusations and disingenuousness. Lust and lies. Rape and righteousness. And rites of passage.
Simplicity is the only way I can describe To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s so fervently ingrained in me that Scout is the simplest of characters who teaches us complex lessons about life in her innocence, that I can only think of one other character in literature that comes close, but even he has a wordliness to him that I can’t put him in her class.
Nope. Don’t bother asking me in the comments who he is. I’ll tell you later.
The only novel ever written by Harper Lee and published in 1960 just prior to the apex of the Civil Rights movement, it’s a book that has had its fair share of criticism. Not for nothing, either. Lee accurately portrays events that happened all over the United States at the time when race issues were spurious at best in the media. Her reasons for not publishing another novel are, according to her, quite simple. In a rare interview she basically said that she said what she had to say. I adore the decisiveness of that statement.
The narrative style appeals to me and has since I first read it. It is the only book in my collection that I re-read every year. Every. Single. Year. I can pick it up just about anywhere and start to read and I’m instantly involved in the story. Having seen the movie version too many times to count, I also happen to read it in my head with a southern accent and Atticus Finch is, without a doubt, Gregory Peck. I can’t even think “Atticus” without thinking of Peck’s portrayal of him.
I think it’s also the history of the southern towns that Lee depicts that appeals to me. It can be just about anywhere and you would find similar characters and situations, though I caution many of my students who decide to read it that they must stick with the beginning chapters of the book where she describes life in those towns to appreciate what will happen later on in the story. They have all returned to me and said, “Hey. You were right about that beginning part.”
Even though there is simplicity in making a 9-year old girl named Scout the narrator of an important novel, there is genius in it as well. We hope for her, root for her, and ultimately, look up to her for making things simple. For taking Boo by the hand. For being a sassy tomboy who doesn’t understand why she must wear dresses. For teaching us that standing up for people is SO RIGHT that nothing else need be considered.
There is no doubt that Tom Robinson, the black man falsely accused of rape, should be found innocent*. And in a moment of shock and disgust at the jury’s finding of him, I plainly weep at the minister who turns to Scout as her father sadly leaves the courtroom and calls her by her Christian name to show honor to her father and quietly utters, “Stand up, Jean Louise. Your father’s passing.”
My favorite chapter, by far, is chapter 11. I don’t want to like the racist Mrs. Dubose. I want to hate her. She embodies such ugliness that by the time I get to the end of the chapter I am in tears for bothering to have compassion for this woman, but Jem, Scout’s brother, shows us how if, for nothing else, than pity.
For no other reason than I can, I’m simply adding two of my favorite quotes from the book. Take away from them what you want:
Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.
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.
To Kill a Mockingbird is anything but simple. And it should be anything but banned.
*edited when I realized my faux pas.
September 26, 2006 @ 5:33 am | Filed under Books I Love | Permalink |
Caffeinated Librarian Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 6:28 am
Bravo, Lady.
VENTL8R Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 6:52 am
One of the best books I read in HS and thought the movie was spot-on. Peck was dead-on for Atticus. Didn’t realize it was banned at one time.
Learned something new, guess I can go home for the day!
Beth Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 7:18 am
I saw this as a play-in-the-round. It was fabulous. I read the book as well.
I should read it again, because I can hardly remember it.
Jessica Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 7:20 am
My son just did this for his high school play last year (he was Dill); we read the book together and watched the movie in preparation. It became a very important part of our family discussions and I cannot imagine it not being present for generations to come.
When the play was performed, they held nothing back - the “N” word was shouted, Mayella Ewell was deemed “a whore”…it was jarring and perfect - appropriately shining a light on ignorance and hatred.
I, too, love Peck’s performance of Atticus (the man *is* Atticus) and was a bit doubtful about who they would cast in a high school to stand in such shoes. They found a young man, a senior, who was so amazingly unbelievable that I wished I had been able to film his performance. He had that necessary charismatic presence and quiet conviction that we would expect of Atticus. I was so glad that my son got to be a part of this.
Jennifer Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 7:30 am
I am embarrassed to say, I have never read this book. Although I have heard of it. You have inspired me to pick it up! Thanks Kelly for showing your passion for books!
Jennifer
alice Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 7:52 am
I really love this book too. It’s probably one of the only ones from high school I actually remember ready. Love the movie too. I make my kids watch it every time we catch it on TV.
Kimberly Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 8:09 am
Holy moly, I went to that site and have read about 90% of those books, not Captain Underpants, but my kids loved those books. I am such a reader I had read everything on the sophmore reading list before I got to high school Now with school I don’t get to read much for pleasure. I still can’t get over How to Kill a Mockingbird and Of Mice and Men being challenged books. Bizzare. I knew about Harry Potter being a serious upset for some conservative christians. A 76 year old lady in my church got so mad at the literary guild people for trying to ban Harry Potter she took it home read it and reported back that is was nothing more than a fairy tale which they had all read as children. It was great!
Dana Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 8:27 am
Mocha, you’ve brought me to tears with this post. I love it so. I read “To Kill a Mockingbird” for the first time in 10th grade. My literature teacher Mrs. Holborn was so wonderful and loved this book so much that I was excited to read it. And I fell in love with it. And I actually took the book home to read it and never brought it back. My first criminal offense, I cried and confessed later and Mrs. H told me that because I loved it so much I should keep it. I still have my hardcover school copy and I read it every so often, too.
Colleen Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 8:39 am
Delurking to say, good call. I love that book and I love to read another’s description of books they are passionate about.
Yenner Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 10:03 am
I could not agree with you more!! This is one of the few books that I read in high school that I really care to read again. My husband never had to read it (must have been banned at his school) and he can’t understand why I watch the movie every time it is on TV! I have tried to get him to read it but he is one of those men that refuses to pick up a book unless it has to do with repairing engines or something.
This was such a wonderful post!
Tali Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 10:41 am
Hello! I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now and I really enjoy it. Just wanted to comment and say that To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my super-favorites. I fell in love with Scout, Jem, Atticus, and Boo in the 8th grade and haven’t stopped loving them since.
JoAnn Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 10:43 am
I know I read it in high school as well as other books on that list. I think I still have some at the house that are highlighted and pages bent over. Sometimes the ignorance of people amazes me, I believe in standing up for something you believe in, but not even taking the time to read a book or make your own decision on an issue, just going with the “pack”. Bull shitake! I will grab my kids when they get here and see what they’ve read and actually suggest some of those books. Hey maybe the “rebel” thing will get them reading even more!
Have a great one Mocha! And thanks!
Jenni Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 11:16 am
You’re talking about your favorites from the banned book lists this week? Um, yeah, I’m on my way over with a big ass bottle of wine and a big ass stack of my own favorites. I already love your blog, but this week I might have to tackle you to the ground and lick your face over and over again. Sound okay to you?
Elizabeth Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 11:17 am
We have this book at home but I’ll admit that I haven’t read it since high school. You’ve inspired me to pick it up again.
Tanilan Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 11:35 am
Only you can make someone want to pick up a book they haven’t read in so long, again. I read this in high school,and saw the movie a billion times before that (I love old movies). If only all the literature teachers in the world were like you, I think our children would come out of school with a better appreciation for the written word. Bravo Mocha!
P.S. I have never read Fahrenheit 451, but I started it this morning (while procrastinating…still working on AR). So far I love it. It really makes you think from the very beginning.
jeankfl Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 11:36 am
This has always been one of my favorites! Gregory Peck is how I always see Atticus in my mind as I read..Thanks for this subject this week, Kelly, it brings back a lot of brain cells.
Jean
mizangie Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 11:56 am
Mockingbird - State bird of Texas. Great state, great bird, great book, great movie, great post.
I’m great-ful. (Ugh)
-S. Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 12:44 pm
This is a banned book? No way! I learned so much from it. It was required reading in Jr High. I can’t wait until my kids read it so I can read it again and discuss it with them and rent the movie. Wow - if it is so banned, then I will be buying it soon and we will be reading it, my oldest prince and I. He is 13 now and quite ready to read it.
-S.
Erin Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 12:58 pm
To Kill A Mockingbird is amazing. Just thinking about it touches my heart. I read it for the first time in freshman English in high school, and it blew me away. Thanks for reminding me of it - I haven’t read it in a few years and I need to re-read it. Like Dana, I convinced my teacher to permanently lend me the copy that I read, simply because I felt so bonded to it, and another, newer copy of it would just not be the same. I still have it, on my ‘favorite books’ shelf of the bookcase. Thanks for the reminder of one of the most elegant, gripping, meaningful stories ever put on a page - I’m going to start reading it again today.
Betsy Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 2:42 pm
This is my absolute favorite book of all time. I read it every year, as well, and my students are bowled over when I challenge them to open it to any page and read a single sentence- I can summarize what is happening in that passage. That is how much I love this book. And no matter how many times I read it, there is always something new revealed to me with each reading. How many books can do that? it ages with you- as you experience the different stages in life, there is a character you can identify with.
As an adult, I now appreciate the role of Atticus Finch way more than I did as a teenager. I see his heartbreak more clearly, his struggles more compassionately. There is so much that is unsaid with the role of Atticus, but any adult can fill in those blanks.
Like you, I encourage readers to pay attention to the first few chapters. To anyone, student or adult, who is embarking on the journey of Mockingbird, I always tell them to reread the first couple of chapters. It all comes together with the rereading of those chapters.
Oh, I love this book. I believe that will be my weekend read. I wonder what things I will find this time.
Julie Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 3:09 pm
What a spectacular splash she made with her one book. I love, love, love this book. I think it’s awesome you wrote about it.
Gillian Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 3:14 pm
One day last year I was waiting for a bus and overheard a teenage boy raving about “To Kill a Mockingbird” to his friend. It touched my English-Major heart. Why do they insist on banning books that get children EXCITED about reading? Wonderful post!
Annette Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 5:23 pm
Mocha,
For me, “To Kill a Mockingbird” ranks right up there with “Sula” and “Huckleberry Finn.” (Could they have cast a better Atticus then Gregory Peck?)
I’ve read the book in every season of my life — as a middle schooler, a college student and an adult. Each time, its themes, plots and characters did what classic literature is supposed to do — make you think, long after you’ve turned the last page.
BIg Mike Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 5:25 pm
I’ve felt the direct effect of burning books. I was 13 and my mother confiscated and burned a bunch of magazines I got from a senior at school. I set my education back years.
dragon-mum Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 5:29 pm
Okay, That’s it. I’m going to the library ASAP. I have never read To Kill A Mockingbird or Farenheit 451. Now is as good a time as any. And you all have inspired me to get my arse into gear and read Mockingbird. Wonderful post Kelly. I love how passionate you get about the things that you are into. It’s infectious. I must admit though, the differences in required school reading between australia and the USA is enormous.
Love Yvonne
Ami Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 5:50 pm
I recently re-read this book, yet again, and it always amazes me that I can find some new nugget of wisdom and fall in love with it more every time I pick it up. As for book banning, I have never been able to understand why people want to force their own opinions on the masses instead of worrying about the junk in their own back yards. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book. I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of your posts this week! (Not that I don’t always wait with baited breath for new posts from you…)
ali Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 9:30 pm
this is the one book i read in high school and remember feeling like i was missing some greater point, i have been wanting to re-read it for a long time and just haven’t picked up a copy, i will now though!
Mocha Momma Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 10:11 pm
I can’t believe this post:
1) brought out so many lurkers (hi, lurkers! welcome to the dark side!)
2) made Dana cry
3) brought BIG MIKE out of hiding (hi, BIG MIKE! I’ve missed you!)
4) connected so well with people who love this book
5) got me an offer to be licked (thanks, Jenni! I’ll take it!)
Now. Go read. Enjoy. Tell me about it later, mmkay?
DrumsNWhistles Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 11:23 pm
I’m so excited!!! Someone else who reads To Kill A Mockingbird every year. Me too — it’s my first celebration of summer. The kids get out of school; I pull out my worn-out copy and start reading.
Besides the “hitcha in the gut” themes in the book, Harper Lee is the most delicious Southern writer I’ve ever read. Every word drips mood and setting.
Banning it is a crime. A despicable crime.
DnW
Janice Said,
September 27, 2006 @ 7:27 pm
I re-read Mockingbird this summer…every time I do it is as fresh and good as the first time. Harper Lee still captures my attention.
Mocha Momma » “All right, then, I’ll go to hell” Said,
September 29, 2006 @ 5:58 am
[...] The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is still required reading in most high schools despite the fact that it continues to be challenged. To my knowledge, no one has ever successfully banned it in my district and I have yet to hear about a fight breaking out in Senior Lit. because someone’s senses were so offended by reading about Jim and Huck floating down the Mississippi. [...]
I finished « Sassymonkey Reads Said,
September 30, 2006 @ 6:58 am
[...] I can’t really think of anything to say that Mocha Momma didn’t say earlier this week when she posted about To Kill A Mockingbird for banned books week. [...]
Anonymous Said,
October 21, 2006 @ 7:34 am
whilst savagely soughting out ‘TKAM’ quotes on the .net for an english essay [due tomorrow-and yet to be finished], i stumbled upon your analysis on the novel. just wanted to let you people know. excellent book by the way.