Tolog Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
reviewed by Francesca Legaspi 

Harper Lee’s timeless novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, tells the story of an innocent child being exposed to the harsh realities of the world, a noble man fighting against society for his beliefs and justice, and the issues of facing discrimination and injustice that had engulfed America during the 1930s. An innocent white girl named Scout Finch, who is exposed to the issue of racism at the early age of 6, takes the reader with her through her journey in which she is forced to mature and develop at a young age so that she may overcome the boundaries of racism. The story’s plot revolves around the conflict between the characters Mayella Ewell, a white woman, and Tom Robinson, a black man. During this time period of American history, black people were often discriminated against, especially in southern areas, such as the town of Maycomb, Alabama, where the story is set. As a result, when Mayella Ewell accuses Tom Robinson of rape, Tom’s fate is almost certainly decided, until Scout’s father, the lawyer Atticus Finch, takes up the case and decides to defend Tom in the case against Mayella’s claim. 

While Atticus is constantly harassed for defending a black man, he stands by his decision to defend Tom because he knows that Tom is a good, honest man who committed no real wrong. Atticus knows it is highly unlikely that he will win the case, but continues to fight despite the odds because he believes in setting an example of justice not only for his kids, but for the entire community as well. 

However, while her father is sure of his actions, young Scout, still only a child, is left unprepared to respond to the sudden ridicule, jeers, and taunts that she and her family now face. Although she struggles to deal with her new responsibilities, she soon shows her development in the story as she takes on new challenges and experiences, as well as learns the true meaning of justice and morality from her father. Viewing the story from Scout’s perspective, the reader is able to see the importance of the moral lessons she learns, along with the progression of Scout’s growth, despite her loss of innocence due to the sudden push for her to mature.

As a freshman in high school reading this novel, I found it extremely interesting to read because of how well she tells the story and utilizes each character perfectly. I loved how Lee showed Scout’s development in each hardship she faced, and clearly showed how she had changed for the better after every single one. Lee gives each character in the novel a specific purpose, which perfectly ties the plot together and each shows her own personal views on the issues of racism and tolerance in unique ways. Overall, I certainly recommend everyone to read this influential and timeless novel by Harper Lee, due to its especially since it’s a renowned classic in American literature! I’m confident that anyone who chooses to read this book will come out of it with not only a greater appreciation for the novel, but a great appreciation for literature as a whole!