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Natalie Hof

Ms.Woelke

Pre-AP Language Arts

25 May 2019

To Kill a Mockingbird in schools

Many people of a variety of generations have read and experienced the best selling novel

“To Kill a Mockingbird”, but unfortunately future generations may not get this luxury. There is

strong controversy over the topic of if Harper Lee's notorious novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”

should be allowed to serve in the schools curriculum, and school systems are starting to take

notice. As a student myself, I believe that the novel should stay in the schools curriculum as it

gives insight into life during the Great Depression without censorship and teaches different

lessons about oppression. With the major events that are portrayed that are common to the time

period, it helps ensure that history doesn't repeat itself in today's modern society.

In the novel, there is a focus on the injustice that Tom Robinson received from the jury,

due only on the fact that he is a black man, even after proven innocent. This lesson “explores the

themes of racial injustice, gender roles and the loss of innocence” which allows the adolescence

of our school systems to mature, develop their own viewpoint and draw connections towards

modern day conflicts (Source A). Due to the injustice that Tom Robinson faces, there is a prime

example of how not to treat others in today’s society, which is a major lesson that the youth of

today needs to know. For example, in the book, there is a tremendous amount of proof that tom

is not guilty, but the jury overlooks all of this evidence, and focuses on the fact that a black man

was accused of raping a white woman. To the jury, this is all the evidence that they need in order
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to reach a verdict, which was that Mr. Robinson was guilty. This series of events allows the

reader to gain a proper perspective on how the world is today and gives the reader the

opportunity to learn the lesson that you shouldn't judge people on their skin color or appearance,

in order to prevent the continuation of racial injustice. Another example of the injustice towards

Tom Robinson is shown through the behavior of the citizens on Maycomb. In the novel, the six

year old Scout “ quickly comes to realize the role that racism and inequality play in Macomb

everyday” (Source B). This shows how these topics mature students, instead of keeping them as

sheltered children. If the adolescence of today's society don't receive prime examples of

problems in our world, they will never get to develop their own opinions on the situation.

Atticus’ character demonstrates many life lessons that the are developed through the

story. In the novel, Atticus says “You never really understand until you consider things from his

point of view” (Source B) The is is a very present within the story, and even though the

perspective is from a young girls point of view, the reader can understand and connect with all

the characters in the story. This permits the reader to broaden their perspective and ensure that

they consider the perspective of everyone involved, not only their own. This allows the reader to

be more aware of others feelings and mindset, which in turn makes them more morally correct,

because they become more open minded towards different conflicts. Another lesson that the

novel teaches is that you should pursue to have the moral level of Atticus Finch; Tom Robinson's

lawyer. Atticus “risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime”

(Source D). This provokes the reader into becoming more morally stable, due to the example that

Atticus set when he went out of his way to do the right thing. Most lawyers in Maycomb
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would've let Tom Robinson take the punishment, without putting effort into Tom Robinson's

defense, which is common for the town. Due to the actions of Atticus, this influences the reader

to fight for what's right, even when the views and opinions are opposing those of a community.

The topics discussed in the book is a main concern of the people protesting for the book

to be banned from schools. Some will argue that some of the themes are “too complicated for the

eighth grade”. This is because the they believe that material of a man being falsely accused of

rape is too mature for the youth in today's schools. These opinions are also due large to the use of

profound language throughout the story. This causes a concern for parents because they believe

that their children isn’t mature enough to be exposed to such material. I believe that the mature

topics and language helps “prepare students for ‘ the real world’” (Source B). This is because it

exposes the children to common issues that occur in society today. This enables the students to

become less sheltered and allows to mature their views on racially biased topics, such as the

stereotypes set towards Tom Robinson throughout the story.

In conclusion, the beloved novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, should continue to be taught in

schools. The major controversial topics that occur towards Tom Robinson allow the reader to

determine their stance on racial topics. Atticus Finch has a very important role throughout the

book, as he is he voice of reason and is able to provide the students with valuable life lessons.

The uncensored view of the book is able to give the reader insight on important topics through

our society and is also able to give a new sense of maturity to the student