Themes To Kill a Mockingbird

Innocence Children are innocent, simplistic, honest, and naïve Adults have become corrupted by the prejudices they learn from society

Innocence Atticus, unlike other Maycomb County residents, is not prejudiced He tries to teach his children not to be prejudiced Sometimes Scout and Jem act prejudiced, but this lessens as they mature

Decay of the Old South Decadence, decay, and death of the Old South – particularly slavery and attitudes towards black people

Decay of the Old South Southern gentility: Emphasis on family name and family tradition Good breeding People with background “quality” people Meaning of being a gentleman or lady

Ethical Society What is “civilized” society? Focus on what a Christian society should be Hatred and violence in Maycomb vs. the emphasis on religion in the county

Outcasts Individual versus society People who do not conform to society’s expectations for them References to birds = victims of society Stereotyping  people are ‘types’ not individuals

Reference Literature Online Reference Edition - http://lionreference.chadwyck.com/