To Kill a Mockingbird Study Guide

Introduction to the Novel

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a novel written by Harper Lee and was first published in 1960. The story is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, and is narrated by a young girl named Scout Finch. The novel addresses issues of racism, social injustice, and moral growth as seen through the eyes of Scout and her brother Jem.

Characters

• Scout Finch - The protagonist and narrator of the story
• Jem Finch - Scout's older brother
• Atticus Finch - Scout and Jem's father, a lawyer who defends Tom Robinson
• Boo Radley - A reclusive neighbor who becomes a central figure in the children's lives
• Tom Robinson - A black man falsely accused of raping a white woman
• Calpurnia - The Finch family's African American housekeeper
• Mayella Ewell - The accuser in Tom Robinson's trial
• Bob Ewell - Mayella's abusive father

Themes

The novel explores various themes, including:

• Racism and Prejudice
• Injustice and Morality
• Loss of Innocence
• Empathy and Understanding

Discussion Questions

1. How does the town of Maycomb reflect the social attitudes of the time?
2. What role does empathy play in the novel?
3. How does Scout's understanding of morality evolve throughout the story?
4. Discuss the symbolism of the mockingbird in the novel.

Essay Topics

1. Discuss the significance of the title "To Kill a Mockingbird" in relation to the characters and themes in the novel.
2. How does the trial of Tom Robinson reflect the broader social and racial dynamics of the town?
3. Explore the theme of empathy and its role in the development of the characters.

Further Reading

If you enjoyed "To Kill a Mockingbird," you may also like:

• "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee
• "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
• "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker