PINKU'S PERCEPTION
To kill a mockingbird
_________________________________________________________________
Harper Lee | 1960
“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”
― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Key Points:
This story presents main themes such as racial injustice, moral growth, societal norms, and the impact of stereotypes. Characters like Scout, Atticus, and Boo Radley play crucial roles in representing these themes.
Racial Injustice: Central to the narrative is the unjust trial of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
Moral Growth: The story follows the moral development of Scout Finch as she confronts prejudice and learns about empathy.
Southern Culture: Set in the 1930s South, the novel portrays the societal norms, racial attitudes, and complexities of the region.
Prejudice: The mysterious neighbor Boo Radley represents the unknown and challenges societal perceptions.
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
-To kill a mockingbird, Chapter 3 page 30
Plot summary:
This story is about Scout Finch, a six-year-old girl, who narrates the story in Maycomb, Alabama. She lives with her older brother Jem and their widowed father Atticus, a lawyer. The kids befriend a boy named Dill during summer, who made them feel intrigued by their mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley whose reputation is bad since he has always been hidden at home. Atticus (Scout’s father) defends Tom Robinson, a black man unjustly accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Despite societal disapproval, Atticus persists. During Tom's trial, Scout, Jem, and Dill witness the harsh realities of racial injustice. Despite the evidence that showed that Tom was not guilty, the jury convicts Tom, and he is shot while trying to escape. Atticus humiliates Mayella's father, Bob Ewell, who was giving false accusations to Tom. Ewell seeks revenge, attacking Scout and Jem. Boo Radley, the mysterious neighbor, intervenes and saves the children showing that he was not a bad person. Boo, after walking Scout home, disappears. The story ends with Scout imagining life from Boo's perspective as he was always a victim of prejudices.
Connections between the story and my world
When I was reading the book, I thought about how Ecuador used to be in the past. It was noticeable the racial injustice and different ways of discrimination that were present mainly in the High Lands and in the Amazon Region. For instance, it was really difficult for indigenous or low-socioeconomic status children to feel welcomed in schools. Furthermore, the prejudices and false stereotypes were always present among the society.
In the past...
Connections to my own experiences,
or to real-life events
"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."
To kill a mockingbird, p. 21
This part of the novel reminded me of how several indigenous peoples all over the world are being impacted by the oil drilling and mining companies. While our children in the communities, much like the innocent mockingbirds, are contributing to the harmony of the world preserving the Amazon's ecosystem, oil drilling and illegal minery are poisoning them with mercury to death.
Connections to my own experiences,
or to real-life events
“Why does he pay you like that?” I asked.
“Because that’s the only way he can pay me. He has no money.”
To kill a mockingbird, p. 21
When I read this dialogue, I had to think of the people from the Amazon community where my grandparents live. My father is a lawyer as well, and sometimes he accepted wood, bricks, or other materials as a payment so he could help people who didn’t have enough money to afford his service.
Analysis of my own culture and the culture found in the story.
Similarities:
-
Close-Knit Communities:
In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the fictional town of Maycomb is portrayed as a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. This sense of community and interconnectedness is often a characteristic of smaller towns and communities, which can be found in various forms in Ecuador.
Ecuadorian communities, especially in rural areas, often share a similar tight-knit structure where people rely on one another for support and maintain strong social bonds.
2. Respect for Elders and Tradition:
Respect for elders is a recurring theme in the novel. Characters like Atticus Finch instill values in their children, emphasizing the importance of respecting their elders and upholding traditions.
In Ecuadorian culture, particularly among indigenous communities, there is a profound respect for elders and a strong emphasis on passing down traditions and cultural values from one generation to the next.
Analysis of my own culture and the culture found in the story.
Differences:
-
Legal System and Justice:
"To Kill a Mockingbird" explores the theme of racial injustice within the legal system. The trial of Tom Robinson highlights the deeply racism and prejudice that can affect the pursuit of justice.
In Ecuador, people face unfair treatment because of differences in race and ethnicity. However, the problems with unjustice in Ecuador is often more linked with the socio-economical status. This issue can affect how fair the legal system is in a way that's different from the racial problems shown in the novel.
2. Urban vs. Rural Dynamics:
Much of the novel is set in the rural South, portraying the dynamics of a small town. Urban-rural distinctions and their associated cultural differences play a significant role in the narrative.
Ecuador, with its diverse landscapes, experiences urban-rural dynamics too. However, the dynamics and cultural differences between urban and rural areas in Ecuador may be shaped by factors such as economic opportunities, education, and access to resources.
