1. Themes
To Kill a Mockingbird

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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Reference
Literature Online Reference Edition -