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Everything You Need to Know About Analysing ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ for English | Summary, Context, Themes & Characters

One of the classics of American literature, ‘ To Kill a Mockingbird’ has been assigned to you for your English class and you need to conduct an essay analysis. Whether you’re looking for a summary of the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird or a quick refresher of the key characters or context, we’ve got you! 

You’ll also be able to download a copy of our analysed textual examples, as well as a sample paragraph so you can ace your tasks.

Let’s take a look together! 

To Kill a Mockingbird Summary Key Characters in To Kill a Mockingbird Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird Context Themes Explored in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird

Summary of To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel that centres around the Finch family and is told through the perspective of Jean (nicknamed Scout), within the town of Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus, Jean’s father, is a prominent lawyer and the family lives relatively comfortably despite the impacts of the Great Depression. 

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Scout, her brother Jem and their friend Dill spend the summer together where Dill eventually becomes fascinated by the Radley’s house where Boo Radley, a mysterious and ghostly figure that is the topic of much speculation and stories for the children of Maycomb .

Scout and Jem find gifts in the knothole of a tree on the Radley property, but Nathan Radley chases the children off the property and eventually seals up the knothole. When a fire breaks out, Jem tells Atticus that Boo is caused it. 

Access the To Kill a Mockingbird Downloadable Sample Paragraph and Examples of Analysis

The climax of the novel arrives when Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man who has been accused of raping a white woman. As a result, Scout and Jem get bullied by other children in their conservative, racist town.

At a pivotal moment, Mrs Dubose, the neighbour of the Finch family, harasses the children and Jem lashes out by destroying her garden.

As punishment, Atticus tells Jem to read to Mrs Dubose every day, explaining to the children that she is addicted to morphine and trying to overcome her addiction. Thus, despite the children’s initial indignation, Atticus teaches them an important lesson in empathy and perspective. 

When Tom Robinson’s trial begins, he is held in the local courthouse where a group of people gather planning to lynch him. Atticus confronts the group the night before the trial, where Jem and Scout sneak out of the house to join him.

Recognising one of the men, Scout gently asks him how his son is doing, unknowingly shaming him and causing the group the disperse. 

At the trial, the siblings choose to sit with the town’s Black citizens as Atticus presents clear evidence that Mayella and Bob Ewell are lying about the rape.

Atticus demonstrates that the injuries on Mayella’s face are wounds from Bob when he found her with Tom. However, despite the convincing evidence indicating Tom’s innocence, the all-white jury convicts him. 

Tom is killed later on when he tries to escape prison. Additionally, despite his success at the trial, Bob Ewell feels that he has been made a fool and takes revenge.

First, he harasses Tom’s widow before finally attacking Jem and Scout as they walk home from a party. However, the children are saved by Boo Radley who fatally stabs Ewell during the struggle.

Boo carries an injured Jem home and Atticus insists that Ewell tripped over a tree root and fell on his knife to protect Boo.  The novel ends with Scout walking Boo home and reflecting on the events of the novel and the complexities of humanity. 

Key Characters in To Kill a Mockingbird

Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch is the main character and we first met her when she is 6 years old, although it is narrated by an older Scout who is reflecting and looking back on her life. Through her, we learn about the town, her family and what it was like to live in the early 1930s during the Great Depression and the racial tensions that existed during that time.  

Atticus Finch Atticus Finch is a single father in To Kill a Mockingbird who is appointed as the defence lawyer for a Black man who is accused of raping a White woman. Throughout the novel, Atticus teaches the children about empathy and how to view situations from different people’s perspectives instead of judging them harshly. 

Jem Finch Jem Finch is Scout’s older brother who looks up to their father a lot. As an older brother, Jem accompanies Scout for a lot of her adventures and it is evident that the two are close. Being older, we watch Jem mature and often understand issues that Scout still does not. 

Tom Robinson Tom Robinson is the Black man who Atticus defends during the rape trial. During the trial, there is compelling evidence that Tom is innocent and that the Ewells falsely accused him of rape. Despite this, Tom Robinson is found guilty due to the jury’s racial prejudice. 

Boo Radley Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley is the Finch’s mysterious neighbour which the children in the town often speculate and make up scary stories about him. While he was a teenager, Boo was part of a gang of boys who caused trouble in Maycomb by drinking and gambling. As a result of this, he was locked in his home for many years and not allowed out. However, he has a soft spot for the children, leaving them gifts in the knothole of a tree and saving Jem when he is attacked by Bob Ewell. 

Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird

Mockingbird In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the symbolic significance of the mockingbird resonates deeply. It represents innocence and goodness . Atticus Finch’s advice to his children, Scout and Jem, to never harm a mockingbird metaphorically extends beyond the bird itself. The innocent characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are likened to mockingbirds, as they bring no harm but are subjected to cruelty and injustice due to societal prejudices .

The Radley Place The ominous Radley house and its reclusive occupants, particularly Boo Radley, symbolise the fear of the unknown . The town’s gossip and myths surrounding the Radleys serve as a reflection of the community’s prejudiced attitudes. Boo Radley, initially feared and misunderstood, eventually becomes a symbol of compassion and kindness, challenging the town’s preconceived notions.

These symbols intricately weave into the narrative, adding layers of depth to the novel’s themes of innocence, prejudice, empathy, and the complexities of morality and human behavior.

To Kill a Mockingbird is set in Alabama during the 1930s, allowing Harper Lee to explore the impact of racism and the Great Depression on people. While slavery had been abolished in 1890, most White Americans continued to hold racial prejudices against them.

Segregation laws meant that Black people were separated from White people. This is reflected in Maycomb where they live in a separate part of town and even sit in a separate area during Tom Robinson’s trial. 

Image sourced from Britannica

Additionally, Lee demonstrates the racism in America during this time through the town’s response to Atticus agreeing to defend Tom and his subsequent trial. From the children being harassed, the attempted lynching of Tom and finally being found guilty by the jury despite overwhelming proof of his innocence, the novel demonstrates how racism affected Black people in all aspects of their lives during this time. 

While the novel was set in the 1930s, Lee wrote it during the 1960s when the Civil Rights Movement was happening . The legal system continued to be discriminatory towards Black people, thus many of the racial themes that Lee explores in the novel would easily be recognisable to the public when the book was published.

The continued relevance of To Kill a Mockingbird during the 21st century can still be seen in the Black Lives Matter movement in America and ongoing racial injustices. 

Image sourced from Minnesota Historical Society

Themes Explored in To Kill a Mockingbird

As you read through To Kill a Mockingbird, you will encounter themes such as:

• Empathy and courage
• Loss of innocence 

The Complexities of Humanity

To Kill a Mockingbird explores the complexities of humanity and how both good and evil can exist at the same time within people. Told through the perspective of Scout between the ages of 6-9, readers are offered an opportunity to watch Scout mature while also learning alongside her. 

Social Prejudice

Themes of social prejudice are also strong within the novel, featuring various social outcasts from Mrs Dubose who is a morphine addict, Boo Radley and the Black citizens of Maycomb.

Through these characters, Lee is able to explore the different prejudices society often holds and encourages us to be empathetic to people we may think of as unpleasant or weird due to their differences or behaviours. Instead, we are encouraged to see a different point of view and “climb into his skin and walk around in it”. 

The Enduring Relevance of the Text

While To Kill a Mockingbird was set in the 1930s and written in the 1960s, many of the themes continue to remain relevant more than 50 years later. It is likely that your English classes will ask you to consider why we continue to study this book and what it teaches us about social prejudices.

While segregation may be a thing of the past, themes like racism’s impact on the justice system can still be seen in movements like Black Lives Matter. Additionally, while the book deals with racism specifically, social prejudices like how we interact with people from different backgrounds, those with a disability or LGBTQ+ people can also be examined through this book. 

Events to Keep in Mind

While Tom Robinson’s case is the climax of the novel, there are various characters and events that you should keep a lookout for as well!

From the children going to the Black church, their interactions with Mrs Dubose and Boo Radley — there are various events where the children build empathy and challenge their own opinions of other citizens in the town , providing an opportunity for the readers to learn alongside them too. 

How to Analyse To Kill a Mockingbird in 3 Steps

Usually, when students try to write their essay for To Kill a Mockingbird, or any other text, they’ll try to work on their thesis first when responding to an essay question — however, we recommend starting with your analysis!

Doing this will allow you to expand your knowledge of the text before thoroughly answering anything about it. Once you’ve analysed your text, then you can draw ideas from it and properly build your thesis.

We’re going to walk you through writing up an essay analysis for To Kill a Mockingbird in three simple steps!

Step 1: Choose your example

When picking an example ensure that you are able to identify a technique in the text.

Here, we have chosen to look at Atticus’s statement to the Court and jury at Tom Robinson’s trial:

“We know all men are not created equal in the sense some people would have us believe – some people are smarter than others, some people have more opportunity because they’re born with it, some men make more money than others, some ladies make better cakes than others… But there is one way in this country in which all men have been created equal… That institution, gentlemen, is a court.”

This is quite a long quote from To Kill a Mockingbird, so remember when you’re actually writing up your analysis for your essay, you don’t actually need to include the complete quote — just excerpts.

We’ve got a list of 50 quotes that you should check out from To Kill a Mockingbird!

Step 2: Identify your technique(s)

Ensure that the technique you choose for your quote supports your analysis or helps you to build your argument.  

To enhance your response, you want to discuss techniques that have a lot more depth — you should keep an eye out for any literary techniques such as metaphors, similes and motifs!

For the above quote, there is repetition, cumulative listing, inclusive language and allusion. 

Step 3: Write the analysis

When writing the analysis, focus on the effect of the technique and how it supports your argument. In this case, we are going to analyse how the quote addresses the theme of racial prejudices. 

The opening of “we know all men are not created equal” subverts the American declaration of independence , as Atticus utilises cumulative listing to demonstrate all the ways in which men and women are not equal.

However, he also reminds the jury during this trial that the law is a “way in this country in which all men have been created equal”, alluding to the American Declaration of Independence and the core values of the nation . Analysis for this quote may look like: 

Atticus, aware that the jury is likely to find Tom Robinson guilty despite strong evidence of his innocence due to the racial prejudices the White jury is likely to hold tries to challenge this t hrough the inclusive language of in “we know all men are not created equal”, Atticus presents the jury and the defence as being on the same side. Furthermore, the allusion to the core American values when he states “in this country there is one way all men have been created equal”, creates an appeal to both the jury’s sense of justice and core American values. 

Need to write a Feature Article on ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’? Look no further than this incredible in-depth guide to help you ace your writing!

Need some help analysing other texts?

Check out other texts we’ve created guides for below:

• All the Light We Cannot See
• Lord of the Flies
• The Meursault Investigation
• In Cold Blood
• Pride and Prejudice
• Jasper Jones
• Romeo and Juliet

Read also: how to write a feature article for English ! 

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Tiffany Fong is currently completing a double degree in Media and Communications with Law at Macquarie University. She currently contributes to the university zine, Grapeshot where she enjoys writing feature articles, commentary on current affairs or whatever weird interest that has taken over her mind during that month. During her spare time, Tiffany enjoys reading, writing, taking care of her plants or cuddling with her two dogs. 

• Topics: ✏️ English , ✍️ Learn

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Home ➔ Free Essay Examples ➔ To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Themes and Sample

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Themes and Sample

To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee (and sometimes shortened to TKAM), appeared on the shelves of bookstores in 1960, and instantly became a classic of American literature. That’s why writing essays about it is a common task that students of many schools receive.

Below, we will take a look at three major themes (or motifs) that you can explore in your paper. You will also find a Mockingbird essay sample that should give you a clearer idea about this assignment.

On to the Themes in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Harper Lee’s novel shows us our past and lets us see how the situation has changed since that time. The story is written from the perspective of a child who becomes a witness to a collapse of morals. She sees how human lives are unfairly and thoughtlessly ruined due to set social standards. She lives through it at such a young age but doesn’t lose hope for good to come and change things for the better.

To Kill a Mockingbird explores the darker side of the human being, but as it is narrated by a little girl named Scout, it gives hope for the better. Perhaps this hopeful tone attracts more and more readers and makes it one of the most influential books in American culture.

In To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee demonstrates what it was like to be white and black men in the pre-Civil Rights Movement era. Thus, modern readers can see how American society has revolutionized and changed their opinions and attitude towards those who look differently.

The plot of the book takes place in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the early 1930s, the years of the Great Depression.

The whole story is narrated by a little girl Scout, Jean Louise Finch, who ages from 6 to 9 years old. Her widowed father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who also raises Scout’s older brother Jem — Jeremy Finch. Jem, Scout, and their friend Dill Harris are curious about the life of Arthur “Boo” Radley, who lives nearby and never leaves his house. Kids, under the impression of scary stories about Boo, think he is a monster.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most popular themes that students write about in their TKAM essays.

Racism as the Major Theme

When writing a To Kill a Mockingbird essay, you have plenty of topics to choose from, but racism is one of the most prevailing TKAM themes that is written about.

In her novel, Harper Lee shows a society that is staggeringly unfair towards African Americans. To Kill Mockingbird stereotypes are all about racism and inequality in the American South. In the 1930s, black people were still enslaved. They were not allowed to co-exist with whites on equal footing.

Several characters become victims of racism: Calpurnia, Tom Robinson and his family, and also Scout (the white girl was accused of being a “nigger-lover”).

When Tom Robinson, a black man and one of the Maycomb’s residents, is accused of raping a white girl, Atticus decides to take on his case even despite the Maycomb county community disfavor. Although Tom is innocent and Atticus provides evidence that a young girl named Mayella Ewell was attacked by her father, Bob Ewell, Tom is convicted. The only substantial evidence standing against Tom is the color of his skin, and the jury found him guilty. Later, Tom was killed during the attempt to escape custody.

Harper Lee tells this story to show how prejudice ruins lives and describes his death as “the senseless slaughter of songbirds.”

Racism is expressed in many other ways in the novel. White and black people live in different areas of the town; they are physically separated in the courtroom.

Throughout the novel, Scout reveals that white and black people are not equal. Scout and Jem were not allowed to give a visit to their black cook and housekeeper, Calpurnia, by Aunt Alexandra. Scout and Dill talk to Mr. Raymond, a white man who married a black woman and now pretends to be an alcoholic just to find an excuse for that.

Without any doubt, the To Kill Mockingbird theme of racism in the United States is the backbone of the novel and is discussed in essays the most. However, that might be why you should look for something else to cover.

Analysis of Kids’ Protest Against Social Pressure

The novel is also about the maturation of kids in an adult world and their protest against bias. Jem and Scout Finch take the road from innocence and blind faith in the community norms to knowledge and their own believes through valuable life lessons. Firstly, they judged people trusting communal bias towards people. Later, as they face the harsh realities of life, they change their minds. As Bob Ewell attempted to kill kids with the knife, Boo Radley, the person they thought was a monster, protected them from the assault. In such a way, they realized that he was a pure soul, even though the community had a different point of view.

Also, Harper Lee portrays Scout as a tomboy rather than a “proper Southern lady.” She is outraged by the attempts to alter her behavior to fit the social norms. In the 1930s, women were not given the same rights as men. They had to be graceful and delicate, and that’s precisely what Scout abhors. The girl loves to run around, jump, and play with boys rather than with girls. She often gets into fights and shows no interest in dolls, dresses, and other girlish things. For Scout, to adopt the social norms of being a lady means to replace the things she likes with what others expect her to do. And she is not ready to sacrifice her freedom.

Good and Evil

The conflict between good and evil is also a central theme in the novel that you can cover in your To Kill a Mockingbird essay . Atticus says that all people have these two sides, but usually, good prevails. He teaches it to his children and shares his wisdom with society when he was proving Tom Robinson’s innocence. Although racism is deeply rooted in people’s minds and hearts, he keeps trying to change the way the community treats colored citizens. He believes one day, white and black men will be equal.

As Scout narrates the story, we observe how kids change their minds towards good and evil, judging by the actions of people around them. From the very beginning, they believe all people are inherently good, and they stick to the beliefs of their father. During the trial over Tom Robinson, children are shocked. When the jury convicts an innocent black man, the faith in the good side of all humans shatters. Understanding that the evil is closer than she expected and the disappointment in what she believed to be the universal truth makes her feel great pain. Scout also keeps on thinking about racism, inequality, and unfairness but doesn’t lose hope in humanity’s goodness.

At the end of the novel, Jem and Scout are attacked by real evil, Bob Ewell. But they are saved by goodness, Bob Radley, and their faith has been returned.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel about courage and hope, portraying a society that is weak, unfair, and cruel. Racism and inequality are treated as a norm, and only a few people have the strength to fight against social bias. However, it suggests that you will never really understand a person until you are in their shoes. And doing something small to make the world a better place for everyone, despite race, gender, or any other trait, is worthwhile and deserves respect and admiration.

Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird — Essay Sample

Nelle Harper Lee effectively utilizes symbolism to illustrate abstract constructs, in her publication “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Accordingly, she uses the portrayal of typical life situations to suggest the underlying social concerns (“Symbolism”). Innocence, vulnerability, good, evil, and mystical ideas are thus articulated within realistic scenes through the facilitation of various characters that the author introduces to the readers.

The use of a mockingbird in the title is symbolic. Scout, in one of the interactions with Miss Maudie, learns that killing a mockingbird is sinful. The justification for sin, in this case, is that the birds are of value to humanity on account of their hearty singing. The author, therefore, presents a mockingbird as an embodiment of that which is good for humanity. Accordingly, the title of the publication is symbolic of its plot, where there is constant strife as evil forces seek to dominate at the expense of virtue and well-being.

Jem and Scout are depicted within the realm of vulnerability typically associated with children. Such a depiction of these characters is symbolic of innocence and fragility. The uncertainties related to their vulnerability illuminates the manipulative tendencies in a typical society where the least privileged members are prone to further ill-treatment by the powerful (Aderibigbe 1). Jem and Scout’s helplessness in certain situations also symbolizes the aggression and ruthlessness that harmful practices such as racism had fostered in Maycomb, to the disadvantage of a section of its members.

Boo Radley is symbolic of mystic ideas and superstitions harbored by this society. He is depictive of presumptions that people mistakenly embrace, which denies them the opportunity to experience the good in fellow humans and even situations (Thompson). However, in due course, the positive experiences that characterized Boo’s interaction with Scout and Jem yield a different orientation. The new light within which these children start to perceive Boo is symbolic of a transition from childhood innocence to the attainment of a sound, objective, and authentic moral perspective. Accordingly, as these children grow up, their personal experiences shape their sense of reality and their attitudes; hence they gradually discard some of the ideals that had been reinforced in them in early childhood.

Miss Maudie’s attitude is symbolic of strength and resilience in difficult circumstances. Even in the most unfortunate instance where her house is burnt down, she is calm and stable (Lee 39). Miss Maudie also refers to her gender as grounds for intimidation by the foot-washers. As such, she symbolizes the quest for gender equity, where she illustrates that considering women as inferior, in any given front, is a mistaken construct.

The disparity in class and status, coupled with a sense of social inequity, is symbolized by three families depicted by the author. These families are the Finches, Ewells, and Cunninghams. The Cunninghams are lowly within the society, whereas the Finches are rather wealthy. The Ewells, on the other hand, are an average family. The author’s depiction of such a community structure is symbolic of the social hierarchy, which defines the standards of living for each social class. The social hierarchy also influences the dispensation of public goods such as justice and opportunities, where often the systems in place work in favor of the rich while compromising on the good of the poor.

The author indeed elicits a rather vivid and realistic image of a typical society through symbolic illustrations. As such, strategic use of the literary style facilitates a smooth inclusion of subjects that are actually not featured in the publication. Equally, as the plot unfolds, the reader is empowered to deconstruct the associated connotations within this story.

• Aderibigbe, M. O. “Socio-Economic Inequalities, the Less Privileged and the Quest for Social Justice in Africa.”  Canadian Social Science , vol. 14, no. 5, 26 May 2018, p. 1.
• Lee, H. (1970). To Kill a Mockingbird . Woodstock, IL: Dramatic Publishing.
• “Symbolism.” Literary Devices, 3 Sept. 2017, literarydevices.net/symbolism/.
• Thompson, Brian. “Wrong Perceptions Are the Cause of All Afflictions — Zen Thinking.”  Zen Thinking , 7 Aug. 2016, www.zenthinking.net/blog/wrong-perceptions-are-the-cause-of-all-afflictions.

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To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

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The main focus of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) is that neighbors are, and always will be, the essence of a town and that they are important in many respects. Neighbors not only being those that live directly next to you but also those...

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Global Health and Education

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay: Scout Finch

To kill a mockingbird essay: character analysis and growth of scout finch, a great path to maturity: scout finch.

“A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably,” promoted Eleanor Roosevelt during her dedicated years as an advocate for the U.S.’s citizens.  As the First Lady, she, like many other good people in the world, had achieved the success of maturity and gave her life to the people.  Likewise, in the fiction book To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee concocted a brilliant masterpiece filled with themes about a young girl named Scout and connected her adventures to her own memories of growing up in the prejudiced South, specifically in Alabama, in the 1930s.  The story reflects a major meaning of life and maturity through the prejudiced death of an innocent black man, and the events before and after the case prove to be enlightening experiences for Scout.   Known as tomboy Scout, Jean Louise Finch transforms in the course of three years from an innocent child to a courageous young lady by learning to control her originally stormy temper, apprehending the prejudice and racism around her, and caring for others after absorbing different perspectives.

Character Traits of Scout Finch in the Beginning of To Kill A Mockingbird

How scout finch grows.

Furthermore, Scout matures as she experiences the harsh realities of prejudice and racism around her when she learns about Walter Cunningham’s lifestyle and encounters the unfair trial of Tom Robinson.  At the beginning of the school year, she previously hurts Walter Cunningham after she is punished by the teacher for trying to defend him.  At the same time, she is learning from her aunt, who comes to stay with Scout and her family to serve as her feminine role model.  When Scout suggests to her father that she wants to visit their cook’s home and play with Walter Cunningham, Aunt Alexandra erupts with disdain, “…she said, ‘Because-he-is-trash, that’s why you can’t play with him…’” (225).  In addition, Scout’s older brother calms her as she furiously reacts, “…and he led me away sobbing in fury to his bedroom” (225).  Scout considered everyone, including impoverished Walter, equally. When Aunt Alexandra disapproves of him, Scout sobs because the unfairness in the world angers her. She matures in her thinking and sees people as a big dysfunctional family, but everyone is still considered equal to each other.  Therefore, she views the world with equality in mind and knowing that it was unfair, which is further revealed in her reaction to the verdict of Tom Robinson’s trial.  He is wrongly accused of raping an impoverished and neglected white girl, and the society wrongly uses prejudice of black people to influence their conclusions, “A jury never looks at a defendant it has convicted, … not one of them looked at Tom Robinson” (211).  Scout is now aware of the prejudice around her.  In this, she displays insight of the world beyond her and how it affects equality.  Her instinctive guess of the outcome also shows her experience with the racism that exists between white and black people.  Unraveling the injustice in the world and experiencing it strengthens Scout’s mental and emotional growth .

Character Development of Scout Finch

Conclusion: the growth of scout and her maturity.

Overall, Scout gains the power of knowledge and experience by learning to suppress her originally short temper, realizing the unfairness in society, and viewing the world thought others’ points of view.  Moreover, she learns to be more careful with her actions after she hurts her classmate Walter and realizes her mistakes while later, Scout is respectful with her aunt’s hypocritical missionary circle.  Scout also senses the inequality in the world with her aunt’s comments about Walter’s impoverished lifestyle and the prejudiced verdict of Tom Robinson.  Finally, Scout completes an essential step to her maturity when she learns from her misunderstanding of her aunt’s caring intentions, and she masters the art of understanding others, especially Boo Radley, after placing herself in his perspective of events.  Scout not only masters maturity physically but also emotionally, socially, and mentally.  Often, she makes mistakes that cause her to stop and consider them, and as a result, she matures by learning from them and improving herself for later events in the story.  Conquering her temper was a small step to advance into the adult world while protesting inequality and understanding others brings her to another level of maturity that is evident in many of her later actions.  Equipped with the knowledge and experience of controlling temper, disapproval of inequality, and the art of comprehending those around her, Scout, like other benevolent people, earns the honor of reaching true maturity after conquering obstacles.  Finally, achieving those aspects of maturity allows people like Scout to face society with confidence, respect, and kindness , allowing them to be ready for the real world.

Learn More about Jem Finch, Scout Finch, and Atticus Finch’s Character Analysis in Our Second To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

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Tagged as: analysis , college , education , essay , growth , harper lee , high school , learn , literary analysis , Literature , maturity , read , school , scout finch , to kill a mockingbird , university

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Athena is passionate about health, medical education, writing, running, dogs, and food! View all posts by Athena

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Your article is excellent. My class just started reading the book and I showed this all my students. Insightful read.

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A character analysis essay is a deep dive into the personality, motivations, and actions of a character from a literary work. It requires not only a thorough understanding of the character in question but also a clear, structured approach to presenting your insights. If you're a student looking to refine your skills in this area, you're in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to craft a compelling character analysis essay, complete with examples, outlines, and formatting tips.

Understanding the Character Analysis Essay

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of writing, it’s crucial to understand what a character analysis essay entails. This type of essay requires you to examine a character's traits, motivations, relationships, and overall role in the narrative. The goal is to paint a clear picture of who the characters are and how they contribute to the story's themes and plot.

Why is a Character Analysis Essay Important?

Character analysis essays are important because they encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the text. By analysing a character, you gain insights into the broader themes of the work, the author's intentions, and the human condition. Additionally, such essays help develop skills in argumentation, textual evidence, and structured writing.

4 Key Elements of a Character Analysis

When conducting a character analysis, it’s important to focus on a few key elements to gain a comprehensive understanding of the character.

• Character Traits : Identify the character's key personality traits, such as compassion, selfishness, bravery, or timidity. Consider what motivates them—whether it’s desires, fears, or ambitions—and how these traits and motivations evolve over the course of the story.
• Role in the Narrative : Determine the character’s role in the story, whether they are the hero, the villain, or another significant figure. Analyse their relationships with other characters, noting any conflicts, alliances, or influence on the plot. Also, consider their function in the story, whether they serve as a mentor, foil, or love interest.
• Backstory and Influence : Explore the character’s background, including their past experiences, upbringing, and significant life events. Understand how this history shapes their actions and decisions in the present, influencing their behaviour throughout the narrative.
• Symbolism and Representation : Consider whether the character symbolises a particular idea, theme, or social issue within the story. Determine if they fit into a recognisable archetype, such as the Hero, Mentor, or Outsider, and how this impacts their role and significance in the narrative.

How to Start a Character Analysis Essay

Starting a character analysis essay can feel daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process smoother.

1. Choose Your Character Wisely

The first step is selecting a character to analyse. Ideally, choose a character who plays a significant role in the story and has a complex personality. This will provide ample material to explore in your essay. If your instructor assigns a specific character, focus on understanding that character’s depth.

2. Read and Annotate the Text

To write a comprehensive analysis, it’s essential to thoroughly read the text with the character in mind. Take notes on the character’s actions, dialogue, and any descriptions provided by the author. Pay attention to how other characters react to them and how the character evolves throughout the story.

3. Formulate a Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It should present a clear argument about the character and offer a preview of the points you will discuss. For example, "In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch represents moral integrity and the fight against injustice, as demonstrated by his interactions with other characters and his role in the central conflict."

Creating a Character Analysis Essay Outline

An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay, ensuring that you cover all necessary points in a logical order. Here's a typical character analysis essay outline:

1. Introduction

Hook : Start with an interesting fact, a quote, or a question related to the character or theme. Context : Provide some background on the story and the character. Thesis : Statement: Present your main argument.

2. Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1: Character Description Physical appearance Key personality traits Initial role in the story

Paragraph 2: Character's Relationships Relationships with other characters How these relationships influence the character's development

Paragraph 3: Character’s Motivations What drives the character? How do their motivations align with their actions?

Paragraph 4: Character’s Evolution How does the character change over the course of the story? What events are pivotal in this transformation?

3. Conclusion

Restate the Thesis : Summarise the main points discussed in your essay. Reflection : Offer a final insight or question to ponder regarding the character and their significance in the story.

Character Analysis Essay Format

When it comes to formatting, adhering to the guidelines provided by your instructor is crucial. However, here are some general formatting tips:

Font and Size : Use a standard, readable font like Times New Roman, 12-point. Spacing : Double-space your text for clarity. Margins : Use 1-inch margins on all sides. Title : Include a title that reflects the content of your essay. Page Numbers : Number your pages, typically in the top right corner. Citations : Use appropriate citations (MLA, APA, etc.) for any quotes or references.

Writing the Character Analysis Essay Introduction

The introduction is your chance to grab the reader's attention and set the tone for your essay. Here's how to craft a compelling character analysis essay introduction example:

"Every great story is driven by its characters, and in Pride and Prejudice , Elizabeth Bennet stands out as a complex figure whose intelligence, wit, and independence challenge the social norms of her time. As we explore her interactions with Mr Darcy and her evolution throughout the novel, it becomes clear that Elizabeth is not just a product of her environment but a catalyst for change within it. This essay will delve into her character, examining how Austen uses Elizabeth to critique societal expectations and highlight the importance of personal integrity."

In this example, the hook is an observation about the role of characters in storytelling. The context provides a brief overview of Elizabeth Bennet and the novel, while the thesis statement presents the main argument of the essay.

Character Analysis Essay Example

To further illustrate how to write a character analysis essay, let’s consider a brief example focusing on Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby :

Thesis Statement

"Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic millionaire of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is a symbol of the American Dream's corruption, as his relentless pursuit of wealth and status ultimately leads to his downfall."

Body Paragraph

"Gatsby’s opulent lifestyle and grand parties are emblematic of his desire to be seen as successful and powerful, yet they also reveal his deep-seated insecurity and longing for acceptance. His obsession with Daisy Buchanan, whom he views as a status symbol, further illustrates his misguided belief that wealth and social standing can buy happiness and love. Despite his wealth, Gatsby remains an outsider in the old-money world he so desperately wishes to join."

In this example, the essay examines Gatsby’s actions, motivations, and relationships, linking them back to the broader theme of the American Dream.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While writing a character analysis essay, it’s easy to fall into certain traps. Here are a few to watch out for:

Over-summarising : Remember, your essay should analyse the character, not just summarise the plot. Ignoring textual evidence : Support your arguments with specific examples from the text. Lack of focus : Stay focused on your thesis and ensure each paragraph contributes to your overall argument. Surface-level analysis : Dig deep into the character’s motivations, relationships, and evolution rather than just scratching the surface.

Wrapping It All Up

Writing a character analysis essay is an opportunity to engage with a literary work on a deeper level. By carefully examining a character's traits, motivations, and evolution, you gain a richer understanding of the text and the author’s intentions. With a clear outline, strong thesis statement, and well-supported arguments, you can craft an insightful essay that reveals the complexities of your chosen character.

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More From Forbes

College admissions trends: ai, college essays and going international.

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Arush Chandna is the co-founder of Quad Education .

Last year was a landmark year for college admissions. The Supreme Court’s end on affirmative action took center stage and conjured up the most confusion and uncertainty among colleges and students alike. But the year was also marked by other key developments—the first-ever rise in undergraduate enrollment since the pandemic, a dramatic bump in early admissions, finally ending the year with a thud—a series of events leading to the ousting of Harvard University President Claudine Gay on January 2, 2024.

With these developments at the altar, 2024 is looking no less than a beast of a year for college admissions. After all, it will be the first year where applications go through the admissions process without affirmative action. And other trends too will either make an entry or continue to have a significant impact this year. Let’s find out what’s in store in 2024.

Colleges And Universities Warming Up To AI

With the onset of AI, one of the biggest concerns was students using it to whip up their college application essays. But at the other end of the spectrum, we are seeing an increasing number of colleges and universities using AI in their admissions review process. In 2023, 50% of admissions offices in higher education reported using AI for reviewing applications, according to a survey from Intelligent . For 2024, 80% of officials in higher education said they would integrate AI into their review process this year. What’s AI being used for? Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Pennsylvania developed a “ series of artificial intelligence tools that can scan through essays in college applications, picking out evidence of key personal traits.” These may include leadership and perseverance. According to the co-author of the study, these tools are not currently deployed at any institution but when done under the right conditions, have the potential to recognize applications that might have all the required traits but can still go unnoticed when evaluated by humans.

Those currently using AI, according to the Intelligent survey, report using it for reviewing transcripts and recommendation letters. Other popular reasons for using AI are reviewing personal statements, weeding out student essays written by AI, and conducting preliminary interviews with applicants. This confidence in using AI in admissions grew even in the short time between early and late 2023. So, it might be safe to say that admissions officials will continue to get comfortable with using AI while still having some reasonable ethical concerns.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Wednesday, August 14

Starbucks ceo is tossed out like a poorly made latte, twisters and its marketing campaign storms the box office.

Universities can include an ethical component in the AI courses/curriculum, using an interdisciplinary method to ensure some semblance of rigor and an organized approach to this relatively new technology. Universities can partner with the government and industry to incorporate federal/industrial guidelines that should be implemented across all AI developments in the education space.

Students Striving To Write More Authentic Essays

The Supreme Court’s ruling to end affirmative action has caused a great deal of consternation among people of color in the nation. While there is no box to tick on applications anymore, students are left wondering if they should talk about race at all in their essays. As for university leaders, it means that they have to work harder to ensure a diverse campus—one that is reflective of real-time America. One way to do this for universities is to focus on varied aspects of the application to get a holistic picture—leadership, extracurricular activities, academics, community service and so on. At my company, even before the Supreme Court’s decision, we have encouraged students to represent their most authentic selves in their essays. What that means is if a student’s race, religion or culture has influenced who they are today, they should write about it but never lean on it as a sole indicator of any trait or quality. For example, if a student did not learn English in school and took the onus of teaching themselves to the level where they are an award-winning debater today, they must talk about it without worrying whether it provides an insight into their race because it highlights magnificent qualities valued by admissions officials.

Colleges and universities should consider including supplemental questions that spur this thinking among students and allow them to evaluate students holistically.

American Students Looking Outward

Many of our admissions consultants have recently observed an increased interest among students to explore destinations like Europe for their higher education—the reasons being a parallel academic experience at a fraction of the cost, reach and the added element of adventure. For example, while an undergraduate degree at Harvard costs a whopping $54,269 annually, Cambridge University’s tuition ranges from £25,734 to £39,162 annually . Students also save one year’s worth of tuition, as programs are typically three years long compared to four years in the U.S. Cambridge’s acceptance rate is also higher than Harvard’s 3% at 10%.

U.S. higher education must address the numbers of students who are defecting to colleges and graduate programs outside of the U.S. by determining if it is due to the higher costs of education or due to the perceived quality of higher education in the U.S. This research should/must include an assessment of relative cost to value: What is a degree worth when compared with the cost of paying off loans, etc. And how are global institutions keeping their costs competitive. Second, if the deflection is due to high costs, our U.S. campuses must work with the government to subsidize the cost of public colleges and universities while also ensuring that the degrees granted at each institution will provide a career path that will make students self-sufficient upon graduation.

Final Thoughts

In my experience as the founder of an ed tech business, I can say that college admissions never fails to excite. Tasked with the job of shaping students’ futures, this industry is constantly developing and presenting exhilarating challenges. Since the pandemic, many developments in this space have been monumental and will most likely continue to be so in the coming years. This year is promising to be another mega year with trends like a deeper integration of AI, thought-provoking college essays, the many implications of the end of affirmative action, students’ ever-intriguing aspirations around what they seek from the college experience and many more. It’s a year to watch out for.

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