Tolog Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
reviewed by Grace Sadahiro

Taking place during the early 1930’s and Great Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee focuses on the lack of ethnic justice and the demolition of innocence in the small town of Maycomb County, Alabama. The Great Depression is the time of the most widespread and worldwide depression of the twentieth century. The novel focuses on Atticus Finch, Jean Louise (Scout) Finch, Jem Finch, Tom Robinson, Mayella Ewell, Bob Ewell, and Boo (Arthur) Radley. In Maycomb County, black people deal with racial problems and segregation, while Boo Radley faces misjudgement and criticization without being accustomed with. 

Atticus Finch, a lawyer and father of Jean Louise and Jem Finch, is appointed to defend the black man accused for the rape of Mayella Ewell, Tom Robinson. Mayella is the daughter of Bob Ewell, an alcoholic and abusive man. People of Maycomb County denounce this act, but Atticus promises to protect Tom the best he can. Others taunt Scout and Jem Finch, the children of Atticus Finch, for their father’s actions of being a “nigger-lover”. Scout wants to stand up for herself by fighting, but her father tells her not to. The community also disdains Boo Radley. Rumors spread about his acts as a teenager and about him being a horrible man. Not until Boo Radley saves Scout and Jem’s lives does the community realize he is a true hero and is not who they thought he was. This underestimation and recognition of one person shows just how easily people can judge a book by its cover. Despite what occurs during Tom’s trial, Bob Ewell is still humiliated. Before Atticus could attempt to change the verdict, Tom is shot and killed.