The Theme Of Goodness In To Kill

A Mockingbird Essay, Research Paper

The Theme of Goodness in To Kill a Mockingbird

What is goodness? The American Heritage Dictionary defines goodness as ?the state or quality of being good?. In Harper Lee?s novel To Kill a Mocking Bird goodness is a significant theme. This theme brings out the sense of optimism and thoughtfulness in the book. The following paragraphs prove that in fact goodness is a principal theme in To Kill a Mocking Bird.

A chief illustration of goodness is Miss Maudie Atkinson. She is the caring neighbor everyone likes. She does kind favors for the children such as bake pound cakes for them. She is the children?s friend especially Scout?s when Jem and Dill would leave her out. Miss Maudie never laughs at the children except when they mean to be funny. Miss Maudie always has an optimistic outlook on life. Even when calamities like her house burning down occurred, Miss Maudie looks on the bright side of things.

Tom Robinson performs an act of goodness that ends tragically in the novel. He does various chores for Mayella on numerous occasions and not once does he accept money from her. He knew she is poor and money isn?t the reason he was helps her. He is helping her because he feels sympathy for her. Unfortunately for Tom, Mayella uses his goodness to take advantage of him.

The final model of goodness is Atticus defending Tom Robinson. Judge John Taylor appoints Atticus to the case knowing he, unlike some lawyers, will do a quality job. Atticus not only defends Tom well, but also is not a hypocrite. He says the same things in his house that he says on the street. This makes Atticus a prime example of goodness in the novel.

These are a few of the many examples of goodness in To Kill a Mocking Bird. This essay and its examples identifies some of the major effects goodness have on the novel?s theme and its readers.