Friday, December 16, 2011

What are some examples of the coexistence of good and evil in To Kill A Mockingbird?

Although most characters in To Kill a
Mockingbird
are clearly on the side of good (Atticus, Miss Maudie) or evil
(Bob Ewell), a few are conflicted in their
morality:


  • Walter Cunningham,
    Sr.:
    once a member of a lynch mob that sought vigilante justice against
    Tom, Walter, Sr. became a more tolerant and empathetic man by the end of the
    novel.

  • Mrs. Dubose: once the
    vitriolic berater of children, Mrs. Dubose showed great courage in battling her morphine
    addiction

  • Aunt Alexandra:
    once a champion of Southern Aristocratic debutante values, Aunt Alexandra is more
    accepting and open-minded once the trial begins and she sees the effects of racism on
    her family



Even a few
institutions are places where good and evil
coexist:


  • Scout's
    school:
    Miss Fisher tries to teach the class to read while--at the same
    time--telling Scout she learned to read all wrong.

  • Maycomb County Courthouse:
    Atticus' closing statement urges equality for all.  Judge Taylor is an
    honorable man, but the antics of Mr. Gilmer, Mayella and Bob Ewell reveal that no real
    justice can befit Tom Robinson

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