To Kill A Mockingbird: Chapters 7-12: Themes
Over the chapters we have already analysed we have been able to identify many different themes that link the chapters together. The first of these is parenting. Atticus displays good parenting skills throughout the chapters. In chapter 9, we learn that Atticus is instilling moral values in Jem and Scout. By standing up for what he believes in and by going against what everyone else thinks in the town, he shows them that in order to get justice, you just have to have courage and belief in yourself. By continuing with the Tom Robinson case, Atticus not only displays a good role model for the kids, showing them to do what they believe is right, but he also highlights to them the prejudice in the town. Even the family turn against Atticus, because they’d rather match in and follow the rest of the town than have justice. Aunt Alexandra talks of Atticus to Scout saying how “it’s bad enough he lets you all run wild, but now he’s turned out a nigger lover we’ll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb again. He’s ruinin’ the family”. However, Atticus uses all his courage to stand strong and follow what he believes is right. Even though the rest of the town see that what Atticus is doing is wrong, in actual fact he’s the best role model that Scout and Jem could possibly have in their lives. However, the news that Atticus is defending Tom Robinson is now circulating in the town. Atticus tells the children to stand down from fights about it and be the better person, again instilling good moral values in them. In chapter 11 we find that Scout doesn’t understand Atticus’ actions and why he continues with what
