Tolog Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
reviewed by Krista Celo

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a piece of a memorial moment in American history that depicts prejudice and racism, a child’s innocence, and the valiant perseverance of a man who risked everything to take a stance for what he believes in. Narrated by a young, white girl with the name of Scout Finch, this book follows her outlook and behavioral stances she takes against the racism and discrimination in her hometown Maycomb, Alabama. The story takes place between 1933 and 1935, which follows the ongoing racism present throughout the southern states in America. At the beginning of the story, Scout Finch is nearly six years old, which displays how she was forced to mature at such an early age. Scout Finch is a bold character, which helps her judgments and decisions that she makes throughout the story. Scout lives with her brother Jem, her lawyer father Atticus, and her housekeeper Calpurnia. 

During this era in small southern towns, times were nearly always bad for the black population. In 1933, the South was strictly segregated involving the discrimination between the white and black people. When Mayella Ewell (a white woman) accuses Tom Robinson (a black man) of rape, many of the white population already consider Tom to be guilty. This gives readers a small glimpse of the racism present throughout these times, and the problems that arise further on into the story. Atticus takes to defending Tom Robinson in the case, believing that Tom is a truthful man who had no intentions with Mayella, and because he desires to set a precedent for his children to follow in standing up for what you believe in. Atticus knows that he his heavily fighting a battle he is destined to lose, however he is determined in setting a bigger precedent among the community to follow. These events are explained through the eyes of Scout, and the decisions and evaluations she makes throughout it that shapes the person who she turns out to be in the end of it all. This story revolves around the Finches and their hardships while undergoing the case involving Tom Robinson, as well as the ridicule and mockery they receive from the rest of the white community. Through the eyes of Scout, readers are able to see the lessons she learns from Atticus and her experiences, and her numerous attempts throughout the book to master them. 

I was very fascinated by Harper Lee’s writing and how she was able to portray each character in a different way. I believe that each character had a significant role to play, which in all contributed to the whole storyline. I loved how I was able to read through the perspective of a young girl, Scout, giving me a glimpse of the lessons Scout learned which shaped her to become the resilient girl she becomes in the end. Harper Lee is easily able to portray each character in a way that leaves each reader wanting more. I would recommend reading this book to anyone who is enthralled with the fascination of the portrayal of perseverance and fortitude through each battle.