Boo, prejudicial mistruths which have forced Boo into the reclusiveness of his own house. They are warned byAtticus to give him his privacy, but they finally come to see that Boo is a kindly man who only wants be their friend. Atticus gives Scout a good lesson on tolerance when he tells her to give Miss Caroline a second chance.

"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."

As the trial approaches, Jem and Scout both begin to experience the racial prejudice that envelopes most of the town. Scout refrains from fighting Cecil Jacobs when he claims Atticus "defended niggers," and Atticus warns her not to use the "N" word since it is "common." But she can't hold back when her cousin Francis calls her a "nigger-lover."

This time, I split my knuckle to the bone on his front teeth.

The children get another lesson in racial prejudice from the angry, old Mrs. Dubose, but Jem learns to be tolerant toward her when Atticus forces him to read to her each day as punishment for destroying her prize camellias. The theme of courage also arises concerning Mrs. Dubose: Atticus's punishment is meant to show Jem the difference between the old lady's real courage and the supposed bravery shown when a man wields a gun (as seen by Atticus when he kills the mad dog in Chapter 10).

"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."

One of the prominent themes Harper Lee explores throughout her classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird concerns prejudice. In the small southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, the majority of white community members are prejudiced against black citizens and practice racial discrimination by adhering to the racist Jim Crow laws. The primary conflict in the story involves Atticus's valiant defense of a black man in front of a prejudiced jury and audience. Tragically, Tom Robinson becomes a victim of racial injustice and succumbs to the community's prejudice.

In addition to examining racial prejudice, Lee also explores other forms of prejudice. Characters like Boo Radley, who do not conform to Maycomb's social standards, become victims of prejudice. The judgmental citizens view anyone out of the norm as dangerous, ignorant, and strange. Boo Radley is unfairly judged and labeled a "malevolent phantom" simply because he remains secluded in his home. Lee even explores class prejudice as Aunt Alexandra refuses to allow Scout to play with Walter Cunningham Jr. because he is poor.

Harper Lee also examines the theme of courage throughout her classic novel. Atticus teaches Jem and Scout an important lesson on "real courage" during their interactions with their ornery neighbor, Mrs. Dubose, in chapter eleven. After Mrs. Dubose passes away, Atticus explains to his children that she was the bravest person he's ever met and defines "real courage" by saying,

I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. (115)

In addition to exposing his children to "real courage," Atticus also acts as a positive role model and demonstrates courage by valiantly defending Tom Robinson. Atticus understands that he has no chance of winning the case, and yet he defends Tom to the best of his ability anyway. Atticus reiterates the importance of following one's own conscience and exercising integrity in the face of adversity, which corresponds to his lesson on courage. The children also witness Atticus stand up to a lynch mob and withstand a massive amount of peer pressure to drop the case. The Finch children internalize Atticus's lesson on courage, and Jem follows in his father's footsteps by bravely defending Scout during Bob Ewell's vicious attack.

Since To Kill a Mockingbird has thirty-one chapters, you are actually asking about what themes are important to the book as a whole. First, we need to recall that a theme is the "big idea" behind a work of literature—the primary message an author wants you to take away from the story. Identifying the themes of a book can help you as a reader understand it better, as well as identify what you learned from your experience with the story.

One theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is that people are often very different from what we presume them to be. Many characters in the book have preconceived notions about what other residents of Maycomb are like. For example, Scout and Jem have a flawed perception of Boo Radley because of the neighborhood legends about his allegedly violent nature. In actuality, Boo is a kind, gentle person who attempts to forge a relationship with the children and ultimately saves their lives. Atticus states that the remedy for judgmental thinking is to show empathy toward others; as he explains in chapter three, "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."

Another theme is the consequences of social inequality. To Kill a Mockingbird deals heavily with both racism and poverty and the ways these social distinctions affect Maycomb. For example, the Cunningham family earns a reputation for being so economically disadvantaged that they are unable to repay debts; as a result, people ridicule them rather than giving them much-needed help. The conviction of Tom Robinson also shows the destructive role of racial discrimination. The fact that an all-white jury convicts him even after the compelling evidence Atticus presents reveals that the prevailing attitude of racism is too strong to outweigh simple facts or logic. Ultimately, Tom is convicted solely because of his race, and his conviction leads to his death.

These are just two of the numerous themes found in the book. Try making a list of the things that you think are important about To Kill a Mockingbird, other issues the book deals with, or things you thought about as you read it. More than likely, you will be able to see other big ideas from the book emerge from your brainstorming.

To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of events that mold the lives and values of the people of Maycomb—particularly those of Jem and Scout Finch, the children of a well-off lawyer named Atticus Finch. Atticus is the model of fairness, sympathy, and understanding, and he serves as the children’s moral advisor throughout the book. The children’s innocent belief in human goodness is challenged during the trial of a black man as they come to an understanding of the racism that surrounds it. One of the main ideas in the novel is the loss of innocence in the face of hatred, ignorance, and prejudice. In chapters 16 through 22, the children are exposed to the trial and conviction of Tom Robinson, whom they understand to be an innocent man.

The novel also explores the idea of injustice by showing the children’s fascination with Boo Radley, a neighbor who hides from society in his home and who is feared and distrusted by everyone in Maycomb. Like Tom Robinson, Boo Radley is harmless and innocent, yet unfairly judged. Therefore, the main ideas conveyed though the events that occur before and after the trial of Tom Robinson are the loss of innocence, the existence of racial injustice, and the coexistence of good and evil.

That's quite a question, and it certainly cannot be given in great detail here. However, here is a quick breakdown.

• CHAPTER 1:  General background information and introduction of Dill.
• 2:  Scout's first day at school.
• 3:  Atticus teaches his lesson about "climb into his skin and walk around in it."
• 4:  Boo's gifts arouse the kids' curiosity.
• 5:  Same as Chapter 4.
• 6:  Jem loses his pants in the Radley raid.
• 7:  More gifts from Boo; the knothole is sealed.
• 8:  Snowfall and Maudie's house burns.
• 9:  Christmas at Finch Landing.
• 10:  "One-Shot" Finch and the mad dog.
• 11:  Mrs. Dubose's lesson.
• 12:  Church with Calpurnia.
• 13:  Aunt Alexandra arrives.
• 14:  The runaway Dill appears.
• 15:  The kids rescue Atticus from the lynch mob.
• 16-22:  The trial of Tom Robinson. 

There is no single theme in the first half of the novel, but most of author Harper Lee's main themes can be found in the pages of Part One of To Kill a Mockingbird. The theme of prejudice begins to raise its ugly head as the trial of Tom Robinson draws near. Scout has to deal with gossip about her family and the "nigger-lover" insults that are hurled at her. Scout learns about tolerance while having to deal with her inexperienced teacher, Miss Caroline. Guilt and innocence are shown through the changes in her perspective about Boo Radley and how very little of Miss Stephanie's gossip proves to be true. Through Miss Caroline, Scout discovers that people can possess both the traits of knowledge and ignorance. Scout is able to witness two entirely different types of courage when Atticus picks up a gun once again to kill the mad dog; and when Mrs. Dubose battles her addiction to morphine. And there are many instances of how one of the novel's primary themes--the loss of innocence--affects all of the children in the story.

In chapter two of To Kill A Mockingbird, the theme is that of a Maycomb education and how society works in Maycomb. Although the new teacher at Scout's school has an education of her own, Miss Caroline is not educated about the people and their behavior in Maycomb. Scout tries to educate Miss Caroline as to the way people act in Maycomb. Miss Caroline does not appreciate Scout's sincerity. She punishes Scout by spanking the palm of her hand with a ruler. The other students laugh and disrupt class. Miss Caroline is insecure, so she tries to reinforce her authority by spanking Scout. 

Scout was only trying to teach Miss Caroline about the pride of Walter Cunningham. When Walter refused Miss Caroline's charity, Miss Caroline insisted he take her quarter since he had no lunch money of his own. Walter's pride was bruised. He refused to be treated like a beggar. Clearly, Miss Caroline has so much to learn about the people of Maycomb. Nonetheless, Miss Caroline is defensive when Scout tries to be the teacher.

Again, in chapter three, we see the theme of how people in Maycomb are educated. We learn how Maycomb society works. After Scout fights with Walter, Jem makes peace by inviting Walter home to eat lunch. When Scout ridicules the way Walter eats his lunch, Calpurnia teaches Scout to respect people and their differences. The theme of prejudice versus tolerance is evident when Calpurnia disciplines Scout for ridiculing Walter Cunningham for pouring syrup all over his food. Calpurnia teaches Scout a lesson in respecting all people, no matter how different they may be, definitely a theme in chapter three. Scout definitely learns valuable lessons on her first day of school. In fact, she learns more than she had anticipated, especially since Scout felt she already knew so much. 

Chapter three concludes with the popular quote of Atticus. He tells Scout she is not to judge another person until she has walked around in his skin:

"First of all," he said, "if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. 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."

A theme is a unifying or dominant idea found within a text. For chapter three in To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout learns a couple of lessons about tolerance and respect from  Calpurnia and Atticus. First, Calpurnia teaches Scout to be a good hostess by tolerating company. Because Scout criticized Walter Cunningham for drowning his vegetables in syrup, Calpurnia teaches her that it is not up to Scout to look down on other people simply because she has more education, opportunities, and privileges. More specifically, Calpurnia says the following:

"Don't matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house's yo' comp'ny, and don't you let me catch you remarkin' on their ways like you was so high and mighty! Yo' folks might be better'n the Cunninghams but it don't count for nothin' the way you're disgracin' 'em--" (24-25).

Next, Atticus teaches Scout about tolerance because she doesn't understand why her teacher, Miss Caroline, doesn't want her reading with her father. She also doesn't understand why her teacher smacked her in class for simply telling the truth. After her horrible experience with her first teacher, Scout decides that she doesn't want to go back to school ever again. She figures that since she already knows how to read, her father can educate her like his father did. Atticus doesn't have time for that, though, because he's a lawyer and needs to work every day. As a result, he helps Scout by saying the following:

"First of all. . . if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You n ever really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" (30).

Atticus tells Scout to consider her teacher's point of view and experience and maybe it will help her to feel differently towards the situation. This skill helps Scout to learn how to deal with people with more kindness and tolerance, rather than getting angry, throwing fits, yelling, or beating people up.

Several of the main themes of the novel are covered in Chapter 5. The theme of tolerance is found late in the chapter when Atticus demands that the children "stop tormenting that man"--Boo Radley. Atticus tells them that "What Mr. Radley did was his own business," to stop playing their "asinine game," and that the Radleys' privacy is more important than the children's curiosity about Boo. Atticus also gives Jem a lesson in the differences between guilt and innocence when he catches Jem in a lie. When Atticus asks Jem what he is doing with a note attached to a fishing pole, Jem answers "Nothing." Atticus catches his son in a previous fib when he corners Jem into revealing that the children had been, according to Atticus, "putting his (Boo's) life's history on display for the edification of the neighborhood." Atticus's lawyering tactics left Jem gaping at "being done in by the oldest lawyer's trick on record." The theme of knowledge vs. ignorance can be found in the words of Miss Maudie, who sets Scout straight about Boo. The rumors that Scout and Jem have picked up on the street are "three-fourths colored folks and one-fourth Stephanie Crawford." Maudie assures Scout that Boo is still alive and she remembers that as a child, Boo "always spoke nicely to me, no matter what folks said he did.

Harper Lee explores the theme of bravery in chapter 6 by depicting the children's failed attempt at seeing Boo Radley and Jem's decision to return to the Radley yard to retrieve his pants. When Jem and Dill initially begin walking toward the Radley home to peek through the window, Scout attempts to stop them but chooses to tag along after Jem criticizes her for "gettin’ more like a girl every day!" Scout demonstrates bravery by following Jem and Dill on their mission. All three children demonstrate courage by entering the Radley's backyard and sneaking to the side of the house.

At this point in the story, the children view Boo Radley as a "malevolent phantom" and believe the terrifying rumors about him. Unfortunately, Dill cannot get a look at Boo, which prompts Jem to walk onto the porch to look through the back window. Nathan Radley ends up hearing Jem on the back porch and steps outside wielding a shotgun. The children immediately sprint out of his yard as Nathan fires his rifle into the air.

Later on, the children join the crowd gathered outside of the Radley home and Atticus asks Jem why he is not wearing any pants. Dill once again demonstrates bravery by telling Atticus that they were playing strip poker. Dill understands that gambling will get them into trouble but knows that he must stick up for his friends. That night, Jem decides to return to the Radley yard to retrieve his pants because he does not want to let Atticus down. Despite Scout's pleas, Jem demonstrates bravery by risking his life to retrieve his pants.

Overall, Harper Lee examines the theme of bravery by depicting the children's attempt to get a look at Boo Radley, Dill sticking up for the group in front of Atticus, and Jem returning to the dangerous environment to retrieve his pants.

Chapter 6 of To Kill a Mockingbird is centered around the concept of fear.

Jem and Scout walk across the street in order to say good-bye to Dill, who will be returning home and starting a new school year. The boys talk for a short while, then Dill suggests to Jem that they go for a walk. When Scout seems troubled by this action which will take them closer to Boo Radley, Jem says "You don't have to come along, Angel Mary." Then, he tells his sister that they are not going to do anything.

However, the boys do put actions to work. They decide to look into the window of the Radley house. But as Jem tries to peer inside, he hears another sound on the porch and a shadow moves over him. Terrified, Jem jumps off the porch and opens the gate for Scout and Dill. But, just then they hear the roar of a shotgun. Terrified, the children hurry back across the street. Jem, then, tells the others his fears, "We better go down there. . . They'll think it's funny if we don't show up."

Shortly thereafter, Atticus asks Jem where his pants are, but Dill tells Atticus that he won them because they were playing strip poker by the fishpool. When Atticus asks if they were playing cards, Jem interrupts and declares that they were only playing with matches because he is afraid of what the consequences will be if he admits to playing cards and gambling. Atticus then scolds the children, and he orders Jem to retrieve his pants. Of course, retrieving these pants presents Jem with the dilemma of returning to the Radleys' property, and he is afraid.

During the night Jem decides that he will, indeed, retrieve his pants that are caught on the wires of the Radley fence because he is more afraid of Atticus's catching him in his lie than in risking his safety at the Radleys' house.

Chapter 6, then, reveals several fears: The fear of the Radleys by all the children, Jem's fear of Atticus's knowing that he has been to the Radleys' and peered inside, and his fear of Atticus's learning that he has lied to him.

One main theme that emerges from this portion of To Kill a Mockingbird is the idea that people are not always what they seem.  Earlier in the text, Scout and Jem describe their neighbor, Boo Radley, as a madman shut-in, who once stabbed his own father with a pair of kitchen scissors.  Accordingly, they treat Boo like the monster at the end of the block, daring each other to touch the door of his house before running away.

Yet in these chapters, we get a glimpse of a Boo who might, in fact, be quite different from the way he has been described.  Jem loses his pants after ripping them on Boo's fence and comes back later to find that the pants have been mended.  Scout stands, watching Miss Maudie's house burn down, and realizes only later that someone has put a blanket around her.  That someone is Boo.  Thus, the "people are not always what they seem" theme moves to the forefront in these chapters.  This is an idea that will also be explored in the plot line around Tom Robinson.

A main theme to emerge from these chapters is that things are not always what they seem. First, the frightening Boo Radley is turning out to be a pretty decent human being. Jem envisioned him early on as:

about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that's why his hands were bloodstained—if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off. There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten, his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time.

Boo may be a recluse, but he repeatedly shows himself to be a kind and thoughtful person. He leaves presents for the children in a knothole of a tree, he mends Jem's pants, and in the unusually cold weather during Miss Maudie's house fire, he places a blanket around Scout's shoulders to keep her warm when she isn't looking.

The reader can easily see that Boo is a kind-hearted man, probably amused by the children's interest in him. But the young Scout is slower to recognize he's not one to be scared of. When she realizes the blanket came from Boo, Jem does a scary Boo imitation, and Scout writes:

My stomach turned to water and I nearly threw up when Jem held out the blanket and crept toward me. “He sneaked out of the house—turn ‘round—sneaked up, an’ went like this!”

If it takes Scout a long time to understand Boo's not a bogeyman, that suggests it takes adults a long time too to get over racial prejudice.

Scout is also sure Miss Maudie must be devastated to have her house burn down, only to find out the good-hearted woman sees it as a liberation. That also reinforces that we can jump to conclusions that are wrong when it comes both to people and events.

Chapters 7 and 8 of Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird are filled with coming-of-age experiences for Jem and Scout. The story is called a bildungsroman, which means the development and education of the protagonists are part of the central theme. Jem and Scout are still learning about Boo Radley and Jem seems to know more than his sister. He's learning that Boo might be more of a friend than a ghost because they've been finding gifts in the Radley's tree (knothole); and Jem found his pants mended after getting them caught and forsaken on the Radley's fence. Jem therefore decides to write a thank you letter to whomever has been leaving them gifts in the tree, but he suspects that it is Boo and really wants to show his appreciation. However, just before they want to give him the letter, Mr. Nathan Radley fills the hole up with cement claiming that the tree is dying. This is a life lesson to the children that sometimes, just when we are about to achieve a goal or get what we want, it is stripped away from us and we are left with disappointment. Scout cries and Jem tells her not to worry, but their friendship and communication with Boo has been stopped.

Next, in chapter 8, the children are enjoying their friendship with Miss Maudie and their first experience with snow falling in Maycomb. Unfortunately, Miss Maudie's house is claimed by a house fire during the night. While the kids are watching the fire in front of the Radley house, Boo wraps a blanket around Scout. They discover it later and Jem says to her, "Boo Radley. You were so busy looking at the fire you didn't know it when he put the blanket around you" (72). Ironically, the kids lose a second chance to communicate with Boo. They were so close, yet so far away! But they experience another minor disappointment. In each case, too, there is an element of irony that keeps them from achieving their goals. 

Even though there are unexpected outcomes (irony) and disappointment in these two chapters, there are other themes of hope and love that can be sensed. For instance, when Scout cries about the knothole being filled with cement, her brother sweetly comforts her with love and hope by saying, "Don't you cry, now, Scout. . . don't cry now, don't you worry" (62).

Then, when Scout talks to Miss Maudie after the fire, Maudie says the following:

"Don't you worry about me, Jean Louise Finch. There are ways of doing things you don't know about. Why, I'll build me a little house and take me a couple of roomers and--gracious, I'll have the finest yard in Alabama" (73).

It's interesting to note that both Maudie and Jem tell Scout not to worry, which can be a theme as well. When times get tough, difficult, or disappointing, don't worry. 

Chapter 8 deals with the superstitions and fears people have when they cannot explain the things they don't understand. Adults as well as children feel the need to be able to explain the unknown, and this is why Mr. Avery blames children who misbehave for the bad weather, since it rarely snows in Maycomb. Scout and Jem have heard all of the superstitious rumors surrounding Boo Radley, and up to now, these rumors have guided their beliefs about the Radley house and Boo Radley. The end of the chapter foreshadows that the children will soon learn that Boo Radley is nothing like the gossips of Maycomb have made him out to be.

The theme of race is addressed through the symbol of the "snowman" that Jem creates.  Note how color is used here to reinforce the symbolism of race.  The snowman is really made up of balls of black mud and just covered with a thin veneer of white snow.  This is interesting to compare to what Atticus has always told the kids, color doesn't matter when judging someone.

Another theme involves that of helping each other out.  When Miss Maudie's house catches fire and begins to burn, everyone in Maycomb seems to turn out to help - even fire departments from across Alabama come to help.  The pinnacle of this is, of course, when Boo secretly puts the blanket around a shivering Scout standing by and watching the events unfold.

It is interesting to note too, given the initial theme of racism, how willing the community (well, the white members anyway) is to come together to aid Miss Maudie, but how few are willing to come out and aid Tom Robinson - or Atticus for that matter - when they need help later in the novel.

Note, too, Miss Maudie's determination the next morning after the fire to carry on and rebuild her house.  This is another theme that is vital to the novel.  For it is Atticus, after the Robinson trial, who is determined to stand up for what is right.

The first link is a summary of the chapter.  The final link is a discussion of the themes of the novel.  See if you can apply any additional ones to the chapter.

In chapter 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird, evidence can be found to support a theme of courage. The chapter begins with Scout fighting Cecil Jacobs because he insulted Atticus's decision to righteously defend Tom Robinson. Although she is unsure of what Cecil means, she is prepared to defend Atticus. Scout's method of dealing with conflict is to fight. However, her father encourages her to fight by using her head instead of her fists. Scout must learn that it takes courage to walk away. Atticus models courage by taking the more difficult path and choosing to defend Tom Robinson, even though it means his family will face difficulty as a result of his choice.

Another theme in the chapter is one of fairness. Atticus plans to give Tom Robinson the best defense he can provide. Although he is aware that Maycomb County is racist, he hopes circumstances will be fair to Tom because he has a right to be heard. Scout provides a lesson in fairness to Uncle Jack, after he punishes her for hitting Francis. He does not hear Scout's side of the story before doing so. For this reason, Scout declares that Uncle Jack "ain't fair." After listening to Scout's reason for hitting Francis, Uncle Jack agrees that he should have heard both sides before making a judgment. This is just what Atticus hopes for Tom, as well.

The theme of social realism is the dominant theme in this chapter. The complicated workings of family is shown with Scout's interactions with members of her family. The differing reactions on the issues of prejudice are show, as well. Francis, Scout's cousin, has an angered reaction to Atticus taking Tom Robinson's case, and Scout has an argument with him over it. Scout also gets into a fistfight over the issue at school, and gets spanked by Uncle Jack. Aunt Alexandra and Uncle Jack try to stress to her the importance of being a lady.

All of the interaction causes Uncle Jack to doubt his need for kids and family. This chapter shows the complicated workings that exist within a family. Atticus's decision affects everyone in the family, and they all have something to say about it.

The theme of prejudice is also apparent in the chapter. Atticus's controversial decision to defend a black man accused of attacking a white woman causes an uproar in the town.

(I can’t read the image you uploaded, so I hope this answers your question completely.)

Chapter 10 is a pivotal chapter in To Kill a Mockingbird because we learn more about Atticus, because we get insight into the meaning of the novel’s title,  and because Jem and Scout learn several lessons. Jem and Scout are having some problems with their classmates at school because of Atticus’ involvement in the Tom Robinson rape trial.  Scout, however, has promised Atticus that she won’t fight anymore. Scout has to show restraint against the cruel words of her classmates.  This could be one theme we see—keeping promises and showing courage even when pushed to one’s limit.  Jem, however, thinks Atticus is a “dud” of a father; he won’t play with Jem in an annual football game, he won’t teach Jem and Scout how to shoot their BB guns, and he’s just boring!  However, Jem’s respect (another theme) grows when Atticus shoots a rabid dog that has wondered into town.  Atticus is known as “Ol’ One Shot Finch in the community for his dead eye skills with a shot gun.  After Atticus shoots the dog, Jem finds a newfound respect for his father and wants to be like him.

The most important theme in Chapter 10 is one of caring for and protecting the innocent.  In this chapter, we understand the reason for the title of the novel. Miss Maudie tells Scout and Jem that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they are beautiful creatures that only sing for our enjoyment.  The mockingbird represents the innocent in the story, people like Boo Radley and Tom Robinson.  Therefore, the most important theme to be recognized in Chapter 10 is that of protecting the innocent.

Other themes could include:

Appearance v reality—Atticus appears to be one way but, in reality, is the opposite.

Racism—the derogatory comments of Scout and Jem’s classmates show their racist views.  The rabid dog is a symbol of racism as well.  It is “diseased” and rabid, much like those who believe in being superior to others in the story. 

One of the main themes throughout the novel deals with relationships amongst family members and the importance of maintaining those relationships despite adversity. In Chapter 14, Aunt Alexandra expresses her displeasure with Calpurnia and tells her brother, Atticus, that he needs to let her go. Atticus stands up for Calpurnia and argues with his sister by telling her that Calpurnia is here to stay. Later on in the chapter, Jem gets on Scout's nerves, and she ends up losing her temper and punching him. The two continue to fight before Atticus breaks them apart. After the fight, Jem and Scout acknowledge each other by saying, "Night" before they go to bed. Atticus ends up smoothing things over with his sister, and the two recognize that despite their differing opinions, they both want what is best for the family.

Another theme throughout the novel deals with the social caste system of Maycomb County and the prejudiced feelings toward members of the lower castes. In Chapter 13, Scout describes how Aunt Alexandra judges individuals based on their family's history and social status rather than on merit and character. Alexandra is a member of the upper class and views individuals from the lower castes with contempt. She maintains that each family has a specific "streak" passed down from generation to generation.

On the most relevant themes throughout the novel is that of childhood innocence. In Chapter 14, Scout displays her innocence by asking Atticus what "rape" is. Scout is too young to understand the meaning of the word rape, and Atticus gives her the definition in an erudite manner which she does not understand. At the end of the chapter, Dill and Scout are having a discussion regarding where babies come from. Dill maintains that an old man rows his boat to a foggy island where he breathes life into the sleeping babies. Their discussion portrays their childhood innocence.

There are several themes shown in Chapter 15 of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.

A theme is a message, or life truth, which the author is trying to share with the reader, by way of a piece of literature. In this novel, there are a number of themes. Among them are "prejudice and tolerance," "knowledge and ignorance," "courage and cowardice," and a man's humanity—regardless of color.

The chapter begins when men from town come to Atticus' home—worried about Tom Robinson. In them we see the positive aspects of each of these themes: tolerance, knowledge, courage, and humanity.

The men come to Atticus's home—this indicates forthrightness about their actions. They do not sneak, but meet Atticus in a civilized manner. They are honest and courageous enough to speak to Atticus directly. And while there may be tension in the discussion, there is no danger. 

"...moving him to the county jail tomorrow," Mr. Tate was saying. "I don't look for any trouble, but I can't guarantee there won't be any..."

"Don't be foolish, Heck," Atticus said. "This is Maycomb."

"...said I was just uneasy."

"Heck, we've gotten one postponement of this case just to make sure there's nothing to be uneasy about...You can keep him one night, can't you?"...

Mr. Link Deas said, "Nobody around here's up to anything, it's that Old Sarum bunch I'm worried about...can't you get a—what is it, Heck?"

"Change of venue," said Mr. Tate...

...Atticus was saying, "you're not scared of that crowd, are you?"

Here we see the concern of Atticus' tolerant, respectful and honest neighbors of Maycomb. They do not let their personal feelings about Tom Robinson's race or alleged crime interfere with justice being served. They are taking precautions for his safety.

...they were people we saw every day: merchants, in-town farmers; Dr. Reynolds was there; so was Mr. Avery.

This group is very different than the one that visits Atticus at the jail. The mob shows up ready lynch Tom on the spot. As the men at Atticus' house had worried, here are men with no sense of justice—actions are fed by a mob's mentality—emotions are running high: men's minds made up on the spot.

...four dusty cars came in from the Meridian highway, moving slowly in a line...

Nobody got out. We saw Atticus look up from his newspaper...He seemed to be expecting them...

In ones and twos, men got out of the cars...lights revealed solid shapes moving toward the jail door...

"He in there, Mr. Finch?" a man said.

"He is," we heard Atticus answer, "and he's asleep. Don't wake him."

In obedience to my father, there followed what I later realized was a sickeningly comic aspect of an unfunny situation: the men talked in near-whispers.

"You know what we want," another man said. "Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch."

"You can turn around and go home again, Walter," Atticus said pleasantly."

The group has purposely distracted Mr. Tate, and has come to take Tom. They behave just the opposite of the men who met Atticus on his lawn. They are prejudiced, ignorant and cowardly. They have judged Tom guilty without a trial first because he is a black man accused by a white man, and also because they haven't thought about their actions. This does not happen until Scout interrupts with questions about Walter's family and life. She is able to get Walter to mentally step away from the mob—and to consider what he's doing—to recognize his humanity, and that of others: the Finches'...and perhaps the Robinson's.

One of the most important themes of chapter 22 is the loss of innocence. The trial of Tom Robinson has finally concluded. The verdict, as expected, was guilty, despite overwhelming evidence of Tom's innocence. Just as Tom's innocence is no more, so too the children have had their innocence suddenly taken away by this miscarriage of justice. Both Scout and Jem naively thought that the adult members of the jury would see sense and acquit Tom of all charges. However, that was never going to happen.

Jem in particular seems shattered by the verdict. He actually sheds tears over the sheer injustice of it all. He also tells Miss Maudie that he always thought that the people of Maycomb were the best in the world. Now, he no longer believes that. Jem's sudden contempt for the whole adult population of Maycomb is then heightened when he finds out about Bob Ewell spitting in Atticus's face. Miss Maudie may try to convince Jem that there are still genuinely good people in Maycomb despite Tom Robinson's conviction, but there can be no going back to his prior state of innocence, now irretrievably lost.

In an abstract sense, the themes of this chapter are the themes of the entire book; they are just given a different emphasis. That said, I'd say that the themes shown in this chapter are first of all the pain caused by racism, the different forms of cowardly hypocrisy, and how heroism can take different forms. The racism is shown in the gossiping, as is the hypocrisy. Ewell's spitting at Atticus is definitely cowardly, and Atticus' calm response is a kind of moral heroism. Likewise, Judge Taylor's choice of Atticus as a defender is a kind of quiet heroism; he's setting his town up to change.

Chapter 22 of To Kill a Mockingbird picks up after Tom has been convicted of rape. The key event in this chapter is that they discover that Bob Ewell threatened Atticus and spat in his face. Another important event occurs in chapter 24 when we discover that Tom has been killed in an attempt to escape from prison. The appeal Atticus hopes to bring before a judge will never happen, and justice will never be served for Tom. Atticus has the unenviable task of going to tell Tom's mother in chapter 25.

In chapter 27 we learn that Bob Ewell is still up to no good, and that he has not yet given up on avenging what he perceives as Atticus's attempt to humiliate his family in court. It is also announced that Scout will participate in a school pageant, dressed as a ham. This leads to a very important event in the novel, which occurs in chapter 28—Bob Ewell's fateful attack on the children on the way back from the pageant.

Besides the basic facts of the story, you could ask questions that explore the development of the characters. For instance, when Tom Robinson's friends fill Atticus' kitchen with food the morning following Tom's conviction, what does this show about their feelings toward Atticus, and what does Atticus' reaction show about him as a man?

How does Miss Maudie help Jem understand the citizens of Maycomb? What does their conversation reveal about Maudie's character?

After discussing Tom's conviction with Atticus, how has Jem's view of people changed, and what does this change in attitude suggest about Jem?

Why would Harper Lee include the episode with the ladies of the Missionary Circle in the novel? What does this scene suggest about these women?

How did Maycomb react generally to the news of Tom's death and to Mr. Underwood's editorial? What does their reaction say about the white citizens of Maycomb?

Why does Jem react with such anger when Scout tries to tell him about Miss Gates? What's going on inside Jem's heart and mind?

Besides exploring the characters in the novel, these questions will lead you to some of its main themes.

One theme for Chapter 24 could be couraqe in the face of adversity.  Miss Maudie stands up to Mrs. Merriweather for her hypocritical attitudes about helping those unfortunates in Africa while ignoring and looking down upon African Americans in Maycomb County.  Scout witnesses the hypocrisy of the Missionary Society that is designed to educate those in other countries and teach them Christian values.  However, the behavior of many of the members of the Missionary Society is anything but Christian towards the black people in their own community.  Scout hears Miss Maudie put Mrs. Merriweather in her place and learns about standing up for what is right.  The town's prejudice is apparent to Miss Maudie, and she is not afraid to speak against intolerance.

The physical confrontation sets up a crucial theme in the novel: Evil hides in the dark, trying to kill that which is good. Bob Ewell has told Atticus that he would seek revenge against him for defending Tom Robinson in the trial, but Atticus likely didn't foresee that Bob would seek out his children. In the dark, Bob has attacked Jem and Scout with every intention of killing them. Jem has been more badly injured, and Scout is scared at first that he has died. Bob Ewell personifies evil: he has no redeeming qualities in the story and only seeks to destroy goodness.

Another theme that emerges is this: When times are tough, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Boo Radley has lived as a recluse in his house for many years. It is clear through this scene that he has still been keeping an eye on the children who played games in and near his yard, and he knew they were in danger on this night. Boo hides himself in the woods and emerges just in time to save the kids from the danger of Bob Ewell. Boo kills Bob and takes Jem home to Atticus. After this heroic act, he doesn't emerge from his house again. His extraordinary bravery saves the kids's lives.

Many of author Harper Lee's main themes can be found in Chapter 28 of To Kill a Mockingbird. Bob Ewell's attack on the children and the subsequent appearance of Boo Radley represents the final act of Jem's and Scout's loss of innocence. The theme of courage and cowardice is found in the scurrilous decision by Bob Ewell to kill Atticus's children and the heroic actions of Boo to protect them. The theme of guilt and innocence is presented by Sheriff Tate's decision to call Bob's death self-inflicted, protecting the innocent Boo Radley of a public inquiry.

"There's a black boy dead for no reason, and the man responsible for it is dead. Let the dead bury the dead this time, Mr. Finch."  (Chapter 30)

The theme of hypocrisy can be found when the inept Colonel Maycomb, for whom the town is named, is once again celebrated despite the disaster he brought "to all who rode with him in the Creek Indian Wars." The theme of superstition vs. reality is found during the children's conversation about "Haints and Hot Steams" as they make their way in the spooky darkness to the school. And, as usual, the lack of any African Americans present indicates that the town is continuing its observation of racial segregation (the theme of prejudice and tolerance).

In Chapter 28, positive and negative themes are dramatized. The positive is where we like to focus: Scout and Jem were very brave as they walked home along, and their choice to proceed despite their fears shows us what bravery can be like—and that it is available to everyone, even children.
The negative themes are deceit and cowardice. Bob Ewell acts on these themes, seeking to kill Scout in the night—an adult attacking a child, a man attacking not the man he's angry at, but that man's child, etc. His actions show the depths that humanity can sink to.

What a rich novel. There are so many themes you can choose from and support well with textual evidence. Here are some ideas:

People are inherently good—or evil. You'd need to decide where you land on this debate, but you could support either one well with textual evidence. On one hand, you have the Ewells and the town in general, who send an innocent man to his death based on racial prejudices. On the other hand, you have Atticus, Miss Maudie, and Boo Radley, who help people even when it's not expected or even frowned upon. I tend to think that Lee makes a stronger case for the innate goodness in humanity, but I'm a bit of an optimist that way. With Bob Ewell's death at the end, you could make an argument that good (represented by Boo here) will always win over evil in the end.

Growing into an adult requires a loss of childlike innocence. Before the trial, Scout and Jem spend most of their days lost in innocent games with Dill and concocting mysterious stories about Boo Radley. And suddenly, the trial changes everything. Since Jem is older, this seems to affect him most, and he really struggles with how the town could have convicted Tom when Atticus clearly proved his innocence. Thankfully, Atticus provides a great support in helping Jem interpret what has happened.

Careful and thoughtful parenting can overcome lots of life's hurt. Atticus isn't the most traditional parent. After all, his children call him by his first name. But when it matters, Atticus is always there for his children. When Scout can't understand why her teacher forbids her to read, Atticus smooths things over. And when the children want to know about the trial, Atticus explains things to them in ways they can understand and process. He is warm and attentive, and he really provides them with the foundation they need to avoid melding into the racist attitudes of their small town.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people. The most prominent example of this, of course, is when Tom is killed after he's imprisoned unjustly. But we also see that Atticus is met with anger and hostility for taking Tom's case; this is particularly true after the trial when Bob Ewell threatens to kill him. And the kids are almost murdered by Bob Ewell at the end of the novel; Jem suffers a broken bone in the attack. Sometimes people are just cruel—but there is still hope that goodness will persevere.

There are a number of themes explored by Harper Lee in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Among them:

LOSS OF INNOCENCE.  This theme primarily involves the three children--Jem, Scout and Dill--who are exposed to a number of life-altering experiences over the course of the novel.

RACIAL PREJUDICE.  Although the Tom Robinson trial is the prime example, there are other obvious examples of the intolerant attitudes by white Maycomb citizens toward their African-American neighbors. The church group, who pretends to offer aid to the Mruna tribe in Africa while scorning their own black neighbors, is just one such case.

COURAGE VS. COWARDICE.  The children show great courage in standing up for their beliefs under duress, while Boo Radley shows his own bravery when he comes to the rescue of the children. Bob Ewell is the most obvious example of the coward, a man who preys on children in order to seek revenge against Atticus. The jurors, who refuse to accept the evidence before them at the trial, are another example.

KNOWLEDGE VS. IGNORANCE.  The author seems to group Scout's various teachers among the ignorant members of the town. Miss Caroline tries to forbid Scout from reading with her father, and Miss Gates spouts her defense of the Jews in Germany while spewing her own bigotry against Maycomb's African-American community. Dolphus Raymond explains to Dill that he is too young to understand all the hatred around him, but that he will understand it better when he becomes older.

To Kill a Mockingbird is political in that it presents us with a picture of a rigidly hierarchical society. As well as the deep racial prejudices that exist in Maycomb, there's also a good deal of class prejudice. Aunt Alexandra's rampant snobbery reflects the general belief that some people in town are inherently bad simply by virtue of their ancestry. The Ewell clan, the disgrace of the town, have always been bad—so the theory goes—and (what's more) always will be. They are nothing but down and dirty "white trash," the lowest of the low in white society.

At the same time, it's possible to be poor and respectable in Maycomb. This dubious honor is afforded to the Cunninghams who, despite not having two cents to rub together, do at least pay their way in the world, even if it's with green turnips. And that's certainly more than can be said of the Ewells.

At the other end of the social scale, you have the case of Dolphus Raymond who chooses to spend most of his free time with African Americans. Ordinarily, this would be frowned upon in this racially-segregated town. But because Dolphus comes from a good family, he gets a pass for such eccentric behavior, illustrating once more the extent to which Maycomb is very far from being a classless society.

Race and class politics are near the core of Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

To help us identify the political issues in the text, we can pose questions like:

• "How do the issues in the novel reflect or comment on social policies?"
• "What specific issues and attitudes presented in the novel reflect issues affecting the culture at large?" 

Reading the novel a half-century after it was published, a student is challenged to imagine the world as it once was and to understand the social issues that existed at the time. Yet, this is one of the most compelling qualities of Lee's novel. It clearly portrays the moral values and political values that informed a situation of racial discrimination and which also fueled sensitivities about class. 

While on one level, To Kill a Mockingbird can be read as a novel that is very literally and non-politically about prejudice (i.e. committing to judgement before attaining all the facts), it directly engages with issues of race politics, racist judicial bias and racism in general. Thus the novel uses the story of Tom Robinson as a political platform, making observations providing an overt commentary on the issues of race and justice .

"Maycomb County is a depiction of the 'Old South' where blacks are still barely citizens, and where fear and suspicion reign over understanding and respect" (eNotes). 

The story also places Atticus in a position to make a politically oriented decision about whether or not to adequately defend Tom Robinson in court. 

"Atticus is openly addressed as a 'nigger lover' because he wants to find justice, even if that justice finds Tom guilty" (eNotes).

In presenting Tom Robinson as a political being, subject to the impersonal and systemic race bias of the South, Harper Lee does more than tell a story against a political background. She explicitly makes politics an integral element of her novel. 

Again, the novel's political elements can be seen as fitting inside a broader moral perspective put forward in the novel. Taking a stance against racial prejudice is only one example of the ways the novel decries prejudice of all sorts. Equality is, to a significant extent, an undercurrent of the novel relating to class and race specifically. But there is a somewhat deeper philosophy at work that must be considered when we include Boo Radley in our considerations of the novel's moral perspective. 

Regardless of color and class and regardless of rumor and hearsay, people should be allowed to be judged (if judged at all) by their actions alone. 

“I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.” 

The universal theme in To Kill a Mockingbird is the Coexistence of Good and Evil.

Since they are raised in a loving and kind environment by an educated and good man of sterling values, Jeremy and Jean Louise Finch grow up believing in the innate goodness of mankind. Having a more mature perspective, their father believes that good and evil both surely exist, but he feels that what is good prevails in most people.

It is this belief in the goodness within that Atticus counts when he defends Tom Robinson. Furthermore, it is with this belief that Atticus appeals to the jury to find Tom Robinson innocent of the charges against him. But when the jury returns a guilty verdict, Atticus knows that the evil of racial bias has taken precedence over the jurors' consciences. Indeed, there may have been a number of jurors who truly have felt that Tom is innocent, but public opinion overrides the stirring of their consciences. 

Because Jem was so certain that the jury would find Tom Robinson not guilty, he is disillusioned by the guilty verdict, and he feels that the jury system is greatly flawed. In fact, he becomes convinced that juries should be abolished because men are untrustworthy and evil. While Scout, too, is greatly disappointed in the verdict, she still retains some faith in mankind and the judicial process. She, therefore, does not become as pessimistic as Jem.

Fortunately, it is the true goodness of Boo Radley that restores Jem and Scout's faith in mankind. 

One of the universal themes that is explored throughout the novel concerns the protection of innocent individuals. When Jem and Scout are playing with their air rifles, Atticus tells them that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Mockingbirds are harmless birds that sing beautifully but cannot defend themselves against hunters. Mockingbirds also symbolize innocent, defenseless beings. Throughout the novel, several characters are considered symbolic mockingbirds. Both Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are innocent beings and symbolic mockingbirds. Atticus illustrates the importance of protecting innocent beings by valiantly defending Tom Robinson in front of a prejudiced jury. Mr. Underwood writes an editorial comparing Tom's death to the slaughter of innocent songbirds (mockingbirds). Also, Sheriff Tate protects Boo Radley from the community's limelight by claiming that Bob Ewell fell on his own knife. Scout metaphorically applies Atticus's earlier lesson by stating that accusing Boo of Bob's murder would be similar to shooting a mockingbird. The title of the novel also applies to the universal theme of protecting innocent beings. Lee explores the importance of protecting innocent, harmless people who cannot defend themselves against others.

The universal theme in To Kill a Mockingbird is coming of age.

A universal theme is one that applies to almost everyone, and every situation.  Universal means it applies to everyone.  Many universal themes are related to conflict in some way.  This book’s universal theme is related to Scout’s growth from a child to an understanding of the adult world.  Coming of age means growing up.  Although there are not a lot of years going by in this book, Scout grows up quickly over a short period of time through the conflicts related to Tom Robinson’s trial and Boo Radley’s isolation.  She learns about race and racism, and about class and discrimination.  She also learns about redemption and justice.  At the end of the book, she is a far different girl than at the beginning.

Love and family relationships constitute a major theme of To Kill a Mockingbird. Most of the book is about the close relationships among the members of the Finch family. Atticus, as a single parent, struggles constantly to be a good father to Jem and Scout.

Examples showing their loving family relationship occur when Atticus negotiates with Scout over returning to school and when he fails to punish Jem for sneaking onto the Radley property (despite the fact that Jem is obviously lying about his activities that night). Jem's love for his sister is evidenced when he breaks his arm while defending her from Bob's attack.

Examples involving women's social roles (highly contrasted by class) pertain to Mayella Ewell and Aunt Alexandra Finch. Mayella, who has been physically abused by her father, Bob Ewell, takes out her misery by accusing Tom of raping her. Scout resists Aunt Alexandra's lessons in family pride and her pressure to behave like the ladylike Jean Louise, steadfastly clinging to her overalls and solving problems with fistfights. After Tom is killed, however, while the ladies are attending the aunt's missionary society meeting, Scout finally understands the strength of her friends and decides to emulate them.

Heroism is a constant theme in the book as well. Atticus instructs his children about the meaning of courage through the example of Mrs. Dubose and her struggle to overcome addiction. The children believe their father is a hero for shooting the rabid dog, but he says that this was the easy kind of heroism. Arthur Radley proves himself a hero near the book's end, as he overcomes his agoraphobia and comes forward to defend the children.

Typically, a hero is someone who exudes courage.  To Kill a Mockingbird has many heroes.  In my opinion, one of the greatest heroes is Atticus Finch.  Atticus decides to defend Tom Robinson, a black man who is unjustly accused of raping a white woman (Mayella Ewell), even though he knows he has no chance of winning his case.  In the 1930’s, Alabama was a very racially segregated place, where many inequalities existed. 

Atticus also teaches his children about respect and about the true definition of courage.  He explains that if he did not take on Tom’s case, he couldn’t hold his head up – meaning that he couldn’t live with himself.  He teaches his children to always do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.

An essay about Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird could focus on a several key characters or themes, for this is a complex novel that presents a portrait of reality through eyes of a very unique young girl. Let's look at some possibilities for essays about this novel.

We will start with Scout, the story's narrator, who is just getting ready to start first grade when the novel opens. She is an intelligent girl, but she is far from perfect. In fact, she can be quite difficult at times. You might write a delightful essay about how Scout grows and learns throughout the novel. Think about how and why she changes from beginning to end.

Atticus is another major character. He is a lawyer and politician, but his children come first in his life. Atticus strives to always do the right thing as he sees it no matter how hard that might be or what consequences may arise from it. You could create a good essay about Atticus' philosophy of parenting or about his motives for taking on Tom Robinson's case and pursuing it as he does. Think about what drives Atticus in his life.

Boo Radley is arguably one of the most maligned characters in the story. The children are terrified of him, yet he grows to love them in his own way and is willing to do whatever he must to save them from the hands of Bob Ewell. You might choose to focus an entire essay on Boo, looking at why he is a recluse, his reasons for interacting with the children, and his courage to come to their rescue.

As for themes in this novel, we cannot overlook issues of race and discrimination and the efforts on the part of some characters to overcome that discrimination while others pursue it, sometimes unthinkingly, sometimes quite deliberately. You could look at the reasons for racial prejudice as expressed by the characters and then delve down into the real reasons why African American characters are treated as they are. You might also look at the story from an African American perspective and discuss what African Americans do (or not do) to overcome the prejudice they face. Other themes include appearance versus reality, coming of age (for both Scout and Jem), right versus wrong, and justice.

The quotations you choose to include in your essay will depend on your topic and thesis. If you choose to focus on appearance versus reality, for instance, you might quote Atticus, who explains to Scout, “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.” If you choose to focus on race issues, you might quote another gem from Atticus: “As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it - whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash.”

A key point in To Kill A Mockingbird is the evil of killing or harming an innocent person. Both Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are "mockingbirds" who do good in the world and harm nobody, but community prejudice works against them. Key points in the novel occur when both men are treated unjustly or show their true worth.

In Robinson's case, he is accused of rape after trying to help Mayella Ewell. The racial codes in the South at the time ensure he will be found guilty of the crime whether he did it or not simply because he is Black. The word of a white person is always believed over the word of a Black person. A key point is his trial, in which Atticus shows his kindness and tries to offer him an adequate defense, as well as his subsequent conviction despite his innocence.

Although he is just as good-hearted as Tom Robinson, Boo is also subjected to prejudice because he is so reclusive. Scout, in particular, buys into all the stories of him as a frightening bogeyman. These blind her to the obvious acts of kindness Boo does for her, such as draping a blanket over her shoulders on the cold night of Miss Maudie's fire. Another key point in the novel occurs when Boo saves Scout and Jem's life as Mr. Ewell tries to kill them.

In the end, Scout learns, largely through Atticus, the life lesson of judging people by the content of their souls, not their reputation, race, or outward appearance. This is the point Harper Lee is trying to make: that people should be evaluated by who they are as individuals.

The three most important themes in To Kill a Mockingbird are inequality, moral education and family. There are plenty of other themes we could go into, but these three are the most profound. 

The inequality in the book starts from the very beginning of the novel. We see that there is inequality where Boo Radley is concerned. The whole town just gossips about him and his family. Atticus tries to put a stop to it, but to no avail. When Tom Robinson is accused of the crime, the whole town turns against him. Because he is a black man, there is no way he will ever get a fair trial in Maycomb. Atticus does everything he can and proves that Tom is innocent, but the jury and the town itself, convict him anyway. 

Moral education is extremely important to Atticus. He tries his very best to teach Jem and Scout the rights and wrongs of morality. He tries to show them that you never judge someone until you know all the facts and you never treat someone badly just because of the color of their skin. He wants his children to have high morals, and the best way he can teach them this is to show them. He lives what he preaches and his children learn from him how to treat people.

The theme of family is one of the major themes of the novel. Although Jem and Scout fight sometimes and don't always see eye to eye on things, they are always there for each other. They might not always understand Atticus, but they have the most respect for him. Atticus will do anything for his children and will go to any length to make sure they are safe. Because he loves them so much, he teaches them how important it is to treat people fairly and with kindness. 

"When they saw him, why he hadn't done any of those things...Atticus he was real nice." His hands were under my chin, pulling up the cover, tucking it around me. "Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.

This quote sums up all the themes in the book. This one quote represents everything Atticus stands for and all that he has taught Jem and Scout.

The main theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is expressed in the title. Atticus Finch tells his children that it is wrong to harm someone who does nothing wrong, such as a songbird. This connects to two related theme: the importance of empathy and compassion and the necessity to seek justice for all, although it is hard to do. Another primary theme is that racism negatively affects everyone in a society, not just the people who are discriminated against.

Regarding empathy, Atticus often talks about seeing another person's perspective or, as he phrases it, walking in their shoes. The quest for justice, and failure to get it, is shown mainly through Tom Robinson's trial and conviction.

The pervasive racism in the 1930s United States and the damage to all is shown throughout the book. The jury's conviction of Robinson shows some of the effects on black people. The hatred in Bob Ewell is a good example of negative effects on the white people. He uses racism to justify beating his own daughter and physically attacking two young children.

Both people and politics are explored in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. In regards to the exploration of people, the novel makes poignant statements on what defines a father and a friend. Atticus Finch, the father of the protagonist Scout, defines what it means to be a good father and role model to his children. Atticus believes that a person must do what is right, even if the surrounding community disagrees. He teaches his children to love all people and give chances to others in life. Another statement the novel makes about people revolves around friendship. Scout learns what it means to "turn the other cheek" and accept others as friends, because of the lessons she learns from her father. Scout also learns not to "judge a book by its cover," so to speak. This lesson is taught through the character of Boo Radley. Boo is the neighborhood recluse. Because he is never seen, the neighborhood makes up rumors about the kind of person Boo is. Scout, over the course of the novel, learns that Boo is not what the neighborhood or community says he is. She learns that people must make up their own minds about others around them—not allow themselves to depend upon the rumors and stereotypes passed around by people who do not know the truth.

The novel also makes important statements on political ideas. The most obvious political commentary the novel makes relates to prejudice. Many of the secondary characters have an issue with another character because of his or her race or social status. These political statements are examined, for example, through the trial of Tom Robinson and dinner with Walter Cunningham. The trial illustrates the deep racist dividing lines which run through the community. Tom has been accused of rape, and Atticus represents him in the trial. Both Tom (a black man) and Atticus (a white man) are treated poorly and questioned because of their "roles" in the novel.

There are several themes in "To kill a mockingbird", which are all intertwined. Essentially, the novel is a portrayal of the structure of southern society, and the barriers that exist between the various classes. There are four basic "classes". There are the well-to-do whites in Maycomb, of which the Finch family is a part. Then there are those poorer (rural) whites like the Cunninghams, who are a step down the social ladder. The difference between these two classes is shown in the scene where Walter Cunningham goes home to lunch with the Finches. The lowest of the white classes is portrayed by the Ewells, who are really on the lowest level of white society. But even lower than that are the black people. The novel explores how each of these classes has a set of prejudices which entrench the alienation of one class from the others, with the black people of Maycomb bearing the brunt of it all.

While there are many themes in almost every novel, there is usually one dominate one.  In To Kill A Mockingbird, it would be lessons learned growing up.  This broad theme includes many of the important life lessons Scout and Jem learn as they mature.  For example, Jem learns that most of the people of Maycomb do not share his father's opinions regarding race.  Before his family is threatened, Jem believes that his neighbors are "good" people who will support Atticus and find Tom innocent; however, most of the Finch family's neighbors are angry when it becomes apparent that Atticus intends to actively defend Tom Robinson.  It is only with Miss Maudie's help that Jem comes to understand that there are "good" people in Maycomb, like Judge Taylor who appoints Atticus to the case because he knows Atticus will work on Tom's behalf.  Scout comes to understand one of her father's most important life lessons: you never really understand a person until you walk around in his/her skin.  Scout learns to understand the actions of difficult people like her teacher Miss Caroline, Aunt Alexandra, the Cunningham family, and even the malevolent Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose.  Furthermore, when Scout stands on the Radley porch and views Maycomb from Boo's point of view, she better understands him and why he chooses to remain in the safe isolation of his home.  Most importantly, the children come to understand the significance of Atticus' warning that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.  When the children receive rifles for Christmas, Atticus tells them they can shoot at other birds, but not mockingbirds, for they do no harm; they simply make beautiful music.  That basic description can be applied to both Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.  Tom helps Mayella Ewell because he feels sorry for her, and that act of kindness leads to his death.  Boo Radley risks his life to save Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell's vicious attack.  Sheriff Heck Tate says that exposing Boo's heroic deed will thrust him into the limelight, thus shattering his safe life of obscurity.  Because they have matured and witnessed the ugliest side of human nature- hate, discrimination, envy, etc., they immediately understand the profound significance of this statement.  In fact, Scout comments that there is not much else for them to learn.  Thus, To Kill A Mockingbird is a novel about the lessons learned growing up.

There are several themes throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The duality of human nature is an important theme throughout the novel. Characters in Maycomb display both positive and negative attributes. Typical Maycomb community members are helpful, polite individuals who are prejudice against African Americans. Atticus attempts to teach Scout and Jem that every human has both good and bad characteristics. Atticus' life lessons fit into another theme throughout the novel, which is the importance of a moral education. Atticus teaches his children about courage, respect, perspective, and the various rules of society that help his children grow into virtuous individuals. Harper Lee contrasts the importance of a moral education with the broken Maycomb school system. Another important theme in the novel is social inequality. Throughout the novel, the social class system of Maycomb is examined. Educated white community members are at the top of the social class in Maycomb, while the Negroes occupy the lowest rung of society. Characters such as Aunt Alexandra, explain the social class system of Maycomb in detail and discriminate against the lower classes. Alexandra displays her contempt for the lower class by forbidding Scout to play with Walter Cunningham Jr. African American's living in Maycomb are victims of prejudice. The verdict of Tom Robinson's trial is evidence of the prejudice found throughout Maycomb's community.

To help you with your homework, let's look at a chapter, determine the theme, and find some quotes to show this. Then you can follow the example for the rest of the book.

In chapter eight, Miss Maudie's house catches on fire. The neighborhood comes to help, but it is too late. The house collapses. Scout and Jem talk to Miss Maudie the next day and are puzzled by her lack of despair.

"You ain't grievin', Miss Maudie?" I asked, surprised. Atticus said her house was nearly all she had.

"Grieving, child? Why, I hated that old cow barn. Thought of settin' fire to it a hundred times myself, except they'd lock me up."

This shows the theme of overcoming hardship. Miss Maudie is strong in the face of hardship.

Miss Maudie puzzled me. With most of her possessions gone and her beloved yard a shambles, she still took a lively and cordial interest in Jem's and my affairs.

She must have seen my perplexity. She said, "Only thing I worried about last night was all the danger and commotion it caused. This whole neighborhood could have gone up."

Miss Maudie shows a concern for her neighbors. Although she lost everything, she remains positive and strong.

Here's another example. Let's take a look at chapter 15, when Scout, Jem, and Dill surprise Atticus outside the jail where Tom is held. Some men arrive, presumably to lynch to Tom, but Scout does not know that. She jumps out into the circle and "thought he would have a fine surprise, but his face killed [her] joy."

This shows Scout's innocence. We see more of her innocence in this passage:

"Don't you remember me, Mr. Cunningham? I'm Jean Louise Finch. You brought us some hickory nuts one time, remember?" I began to sense the futility one feels when unacknowledged by a chance acquaintance.

"I go to school with Walter," I began again. "He's your boy, ain't he? Ain't he, sir?"

Mr. Cunningham was moved to a faint nod. He did know me, after all.

"He's in my grade," I said, "and he does right well. He's a good boy," I added, "a real nice boy. We brought him home for dinner one time. Maybe he told you about me, I beat him up one time but he was real nice about it. Tell him hey for me, won't you?"

Atticus had said it was the polite thing to talk to people about what they were interested in, not about what you were interested in. Mr. Cunningham displayed no interest in his son, so I tackled his entailment once more in a last-ditch effort to make him feel at home.

Scout's attempt at conversation eventually leads to the men leaving, saving Tom and Atticus for the night. Therefore, this chapter exemplifies the theme of childhood innocence.

I hope this helps you find themes and quotes in the other chapters!

Wow!  That is a huge undertaking because there are 31 chapters in To Kill a Mockingbird!  I can’t do this assignment for you, but I can give you a few suggestions. First of all, read the chapter summaries enotes has available to refresh your memory.  As you read the summaries, see if you can find a theme present in each chapter summary.  Next, check your book and see if you can scan the chapter for a quote that goes with that theme.  You can also review the list of themes provided by enotes as well. 

You will find that many themes will repeat themselves throughout the novel, and here are a few you can expect to see:

• Innocence
• Racism, prejudice
• Effects of poverty
• Respect and acceptance
• Fitting in
• Superstition
• Bravery and cowardice
• Overcoming obstacles and hardships
• Growing up/rite of passage/coming of age
• Ignorance

Good luck!

Ultimately, To Kill A Mockingbird is the story of humanity learning to understand each other.  As a reader, we see the world through the eyes of all children, who enter this world as the most pure of human beings.  The realization of life's hard lessons is taught through Scout and Jem Finch as they watch their father and community struggle with the Depression, racism, and the justice system of the Old South.  We see the remnants of the old stereotypes toward blacks, women, and anyone who is considered to be an "outsider" (Boo Radley).  It is a great book to teach young people about how NOT to be.

Harper Lee's classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is about a young girl named Scout Finch who lives in Alabama in the 1930s. Her father is a lawyer who has taken on the case of a black man, Tom Robinson, who is wrongly accused of the rape of a white woman. This is a very controversial case in a very racist town, and throughout the course of the trial, Scout and her brother Jem learn very important life lessons from their father's role in this case. The book speaks strongly about prejudice and racism, and is considered a masterpiece and a classic for the way it deals with these themes through the growth of a young child.

A major theme in this novel is prejudice, and not just racial prejudice.  This is a small town in the 1930s south, and despite the fact that there are some liberal folks there who believe people should be treated equally (Atticus and Miss Maudie, for example), there are still an awful lot of people who think blacks have their place and should just stay in it.  During the trial of Tom Robinson, it is shown that even though progress has been made (think of how hard Atticus worked to defend Tom), they still have a long way to go when there is overwhelming evidence to acquit Tom of the rape charges against Mayella Ewell - and yet the jury still finds him guilty.

I said above that the book isn't just about racial prejudice.  It's also about intolerance of any kind.  Boo Radley is someone who Scout and Jem learn to respect and treat the way they would want to be treated, even though he and his family is vastly different from their own.

Check the link below for more information about the themes of this great book.  Good luck!

To Kill A Mocking Bird is the story of a small, rural town in the South during the 1930's. It tells the story of black man who is falsely accused of raping a white girl and the white lawyer who is willing to defend him. It shows the struggles this lawyer and his family face as he defends a black man against a white girl.

There is a second story that runs through the book surrounding a character named Boo Radley. Boo was placed under "house arrest" by his father many years ago and the town has many suspicions about the strange occurrences in town being his fault. 

The summaries available here on ENOTES will provide you with many details for your summary.

Another key theme of the novel is hypocrisy. We see this in a number of areas, but mostly we see it in the ways that Christianity is represented.

One clear example of this is the tea party that Aunt Alexandra hosts for the Missionary Circle. The good Christian women of the church are talking about the progress being made by their missionaries in Africa, but when the conversation turns closer to home, Miss Merriweather talks about her own Black servant in a patronizing and mocking manner. She then goes so far as to say that some people in Maycomb (and by "some people" she is referring to Atticus) think that they are helping the "negroes" but really they are just "stirring them up." She says this IN the Finch house while eating the food that Atticus has bought for the party. That the women are perfectly content to send aid to Africa, but talk ill of the people who hail from Africa, is hypocritical. To partake in a party hosted by a Finch and eat the food purchased by the Finches, only to complain about them in their own house is also hypocritical. 

The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate that while the Christians of Maycomb may see it as their duty to be good to their neighbors, they are very picky about who they actually identify as their "neighbors." Their actions are often hypocritical throughout the novel, as they claim to be fair people and yet many of the same people would like to see Tom convicted.

The biggest and most obvious theme that runs throughout the novel gives the book its title, To Kill a Mockingbird.  Many characters in the novel are symbolized by the mockingbird. We are first introduced to this concept when Atticus tells Jem, “Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”  Miss Maudie further explains that because mockingbirds don’t harm anyone and are just hear to sing for us, it would be cruel to destroy them. 

Many characters represent the mockingbird through their loss of innocence. Boo Radley’s warm, child-like behavior in the novel shows how harmless and beautiful he truly is.  Both Jem and Scout are considered mockingbirds as well because they are innocent children who are forced to grow up in the turbulent time of racism and the Great Depression.  Tom Robinson is another mockingbird in the story. Unjustly accused of the rape of Mayella Ewell, Tom’s death embodies society’s sin of killing an innocent man.   

Throughout the story, the innocence of many characters is subjected to the sins of society through racism, violence, and oppression. Harper Lee’s use of the mockingbird as a symbol shows a theme of how society and man can destroy innocence.

Note: Some other characters considered mockingbirds could be Dill, Dolphus Raymond, and Mayella Ewell. 

Harper Lee explores several significant themes throughout her novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The most prevalent theme throughout the novel deals with prejudice. Lee depicts Maycomb's prejudiced feelings toward African Americans, Alexandra's prejudice towards people from society's lower-class, and the community's prejudice towards the Radley family. Another theme that Lee examines is the treatment of innocent beings. One of Atticus' most famous statements is when he tells his children that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Mockingbirds symbolically represent innocent beings like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Atticus is essentially teaching his children to stand up for innocent people and treat them with the utmost respect. Lee also explores the theme of childhood innocence. As the novel progresses, both Jem and Scout experience events that alter their naive perception of the world. They both lose their childhood innocence after witnessing Tom's wrongful conviction and react to it differently. Perspective is another significant theme throughout the novel. Early in the novel, Atticus teaches his daughter an important lesson in gaining perspective and viewing situations from other people's point of view. Scout takes heed to Atticus' lesson and begins to develop "perspective" which gives her insight into her community members. Lee includes themes concerning feminity, particularly Scout's ongoing battle with her Aunt Alexandra regarding how to behave like a proper Southern belle. Other themes Lee includes in her novel deal with the broken education and justice systems. She explores how the education systems impede learning and values a moral education throughout the novel.

This is a good request, but it is not something easy to do. To distill a book (a great one at that) in a sentence is nearly impossible. Moreover, people will differ greatly in their opinions. To be honest, every time I read it new ideas come into my mind and I see the book in a different way. In light of this, allow me to give a few sentences. 

To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming of age story of two children growing up in a racially charged southern town. 

Here is another attempt.

To Kill a Mockingbird is novel about the importance of courage and integrity to do the right thing in the face of great obstacles and opposition. 

Here is still yet another attempt. 

To Kill a Mockingbird is the reflection of a woman who grew up in a racially turbulent time and her ability to choose a better path through the guidance of her father. 

The main theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is growing up in a small town in the Deep South during the Great depression. Scout Finch is a very intelligent, sensitive girl, spunky. Everything that happens is seen through her point of view. This includes all the dramatic material about racial prejudice, judicial injustice, rape, and attempted murder. The novel might be called a feminine version of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. There was a murder and a murder trial in Mark Twain's book too, and there was a defendant who had been falsely accused of the crime. The biggest event in Harper Lee's novel is, of course, the trial of an innocent man and his defense by Scout's courageous father--but the main theme is nevertheless the inner life of a very young girl over a period of several years of boredom, growing pains, relations with juvenile peers, sporadic excitement, and tragedy.

To Kill a Mockingbird is the 1960 novel by Harper Lee that tells the story, through the first-person narration of Lee's young protagonist, Jean Louis "Scout" Finch, about growing up in the American South during the 1930s. Much of To Kill a Mockingbird is about Scout, her brother Jem, and their friend Dill and their efforts at making contact with their mysterious, unseen neighbor, Boo Radley, a recluse whose parents are deceased but whose brother, Nathan, is occasionally seen in the neighborhood. The challenge of seeing Boo provides the children with some of their summertime fun, but their efforts at maintaining contact with him is cut short when Nathan fills the hole in the tree in which Boo would surreptitiously hide small gifts for them.

The most important theme in Lee's novel involves the virulent racism endemic in the American South for much of this country's history. Scout's father, Atticus, is a lawyer who accepts the challenge of defending an African American man accused of raping a white girl. The plight of the defendant, Tom Robinson, provides most of the novel's drama. Atticus Finch is the rare citizen of Lee's fictitious town of Maycomb, Alabama, with liberal attitudes towards race relations. In fact, Atticus is portrayed as an especially wise and compassionate individual who understands the futility of his efforts at clearing an African American accused, even demonstrably falsely, of raping a white woman. Atticus's efforts allow for Scout's education on the humanity and inhumanity present in the world.

While Scout is the novel's narrator and central figure, it is Atticus who provides the story's moral compass as well as lessons on civility and manners, even under the most trying of circumstances. Indeed, the novel's title is derived from a lesson Atticus teaches his children about respecting the sanctity of life in the context of the children's learning how to operate firearms. Knowing that Jem and Scout will be tempted to shoot at birds, Atticus advises them,