Part 4 of Book Analysis: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Author’s Intent: Shining a Light on Injustice
Harper Lee didn’t just write To Kill a Mockingbird to tell a gripping story—she wrote it to make readers squirm, think, and face uncomfortable truths. By setting the novel in the racially charged South of the 1930s, Lee holds up a mirror to systemic injustice. Through Atticus Finch’s moral courage and the heartbreaking tragedy of Tom Robinson, she shows us just how destructive ignorance and prejudice can be.
Now, here’s the kicker: Lee published this book smack in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. And yet, the issues she tackled—racism, inequality, and moral failure—still linger today. In some parts of the world, these injustices are as blatant as a flashing neon sign, while in others, they creep in more subtly, just beneath the surface.
What really makes this book hit hard, though, is Lee’s choice of Scout as the narrator. Seeing the world through the eyes of a curious and brutally honest child gives the story a unique punch. Scout’s innocence is like a bright spotlight that makes the corruption and bigotry around her even more jarring. It’s genius, really—using a child’s voice to challenge readers to question their own biases and the society they live in.
For this blog, I want to share my thoughts on this book, discuss how it relates to Martin Luther King Jr., and explain why you should absolutely read his essays on civil disobedience. Trust me, there’s so much to learn from both Lee and King—they’ll make you think, maybe squirm, and hopefully grow.
Relevance Today: The Fight Isn’t Over
Even though To Kill a Mockingbird is set nearly a century ago, its themes are just as relevant today. Issues like racial injustice, empathy, and the fight for equality are still central to societal discussions. The parallels between the 1930s South and today’s struggles remind us how far we’ve come—and how far we still need to go. Discrimination hasn’t disappeared; it just looks different. Around the world, minorities are still treated unfairly, as if that’s just how things are supposed to be.
Even in the United States, where civil rights have made progress, discrimination lingers. It might be based on gender, race, age, abilities, religion, or ideology—sometimes it’s subtle, but it’s still there. Open your eyes, and you’ll see it everywhere, even if it’s not as blatant as it once was. After reading The Kite Runner, I dug into global oppression, and sadly, injustice isn’t confined to one place or one group. It’s a worldwide issue.
In a world that often feels divided, this novel’s message of understanding and standing up against injustice is a powerful call to action. Atticus’s lessons about courage and empathy encourage us to step up in our own communities, whether by calling out prejudice, supporting marginalized groups, or just being kinder to others.
Here’s the part that hits me hard: I know injustices are happening worldwide and around me, but I don’t do a darn thing about it. Unlike Atticus or Martin Luther King Jr., I don’t have that kind of moral courage. And that’s why this book stings a little—it challenges me uncomfortably and necessarily.
Critical Reception: A Lasting Legacy
When To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960, the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum in the United States. The book hit a nerve, addressing social issues that were at the forefront of people’s minds. Critics praised its powerful storytelling and unflinching exploration of societal injustices, earning Harper Lee the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. However, not all feedback was glowing. Lee faced significant criticism, which many believe contributed to her hesitation to publish another book for decades. Still, To Kill a Mockingbird has cemented its place as one of the top 10 most extraordinary works of literature.
Of course, with great acclaim comes controversy. Over the years, the novel has been banned in some schools due to its use of racial slurs and candid discussion of sensitive topics. In fact, this is one of the top 100 banned books in the United States. These debates, while divisive, underscore the book’s enduring power to spark meaningful conversations about race, justice, and morality.
Despite its challenges, To Kill a Mockingbird is still one of the most celebrated and studied novels in the U.S. I have to say, I love this book because it made me think a lot about moral courage—something I’m not exactly great at. Atticus Finch reminds me of Martin Luther King Jr., someone I really admire for standing up for what’s right and making such a big difference.
Personal Takeaway: Lessons That Stick With You
To Kill a Mockingbird isn’t just a book—it’s an experience that makes you think, question, and sometimes squirm a little in your seat. For me, it’s all about the way Atticus Finch embodies moral courage. His quiet strength in defending what’s right, even when it’s unpopular, is a lesson that sticks. It got me wondering: why is Atticus’s message so powerful, even in fiction? That question led me to think about Martin Luther King Jr.’s essays, particularly his writings on civil disobedience. The similarities between the two are striking.
Take Atticus’s approach to life—calm, rational, and unwavering. He faces threats, insults, and hostility without retaliating, showing that nonviolence is anything but passive. It’s a courageous, active stance aimed at transforming the hearts of others. King preached the same, emphasizing that nonviolence was a force capable of challenging injustice while maintaining dignity. Both men also believed in moral leadership. Atticus’s defense of Tom Robinson was deeply personal, a stand for justice in a society steeped in prejudice, even though he knew the odds of winning were slim. Similarly, King led with integrity, fighting for civil rights even when victory seemed distant.
Faith in Humanity and Sacrifice
Atticus appealed to the jury’s conscience, believing they had the capacity to rise above prejudice. King similarly spoke to the “better angels” of humanity, urging love and understanding over hatred and fear. Both men paid a price for their beliefs—Atticus risked his safety and reputation, while King faced multiple challenges such as imprisonment physical attacks, and ultimately gave his life for the cause.
And then there’s the way Atticus teaches empathy. His advice to Scout—“Climb into someone else’s skin and walk around in it”—is simple but profound. Imagine a world where everyone practiced that. He didn’t just talk about empathy; he lived it, showing how understanding another’s perspective can lead to fairness and kindness. King also educated through essays, speeches, and actions, challenging people to see beyond racial and societal divides.
Call-to-Action: Let’s Dive Deeper
If you’ve got time, I highly recommend reading Martin Luther King Jr.’s essays. They’re just as inspiring and thought-provoking as Atticus Finch’s quiet, heroic actions in To Kill a Mockingbird. Both remind us that courage, empathy, and education are powerful tools for change. Once you do that, read this book again.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! How did the book resonate with you? What lessons stood out? Share your insights and join the discussion as we continue to learn from this timeless classic together!