subscribe to this pageStabler, Scott. “To Kill a Mockingbird.” St. James Encyclopedia of Pop Culture. 2002. 31 Mar. 2006. <http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_tov/ai_2419101241#continuev>
This article mostly provides a brief summation of the plot and themes of To Kill a Mockingbird. The author talks about the success of the book and film, and the effect on the prejudices of the south. To Kill a Mockingbird explores the race relations and racism in a small southern town, and the attempt to overcome that racism for truth. The article also provides a short, summarized biography of author Harper Lee, a direct descendent of Robert E. Lee. There is a good chance that the book is based on Harper Lee’s own life, as her father was also a lawyer in a small southern town. Harper Lee always said to write about what you know, and most likely she followed that advice herself.
The article talks about the various themes in the work, such as ignorance versus knowledge, cowardice versus heroism, children versus adults, and courage versus cowardice. The dispute between Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell also concerns the “stereotype of race cohesion,” which Atticus attempts to end. Boo Radley and Tom Robinson both represent an attack on innocence, and Tom Robinson’s murder represents the continuing racism of the South. The article explores other themes and symbols as well. The book and film are a universal success because of the various themes on which they touch.
Call#: Van Pelt Library PS3562.E353 T6 1960b
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1960.
This was the original work by Harper Lee from which the film To Kill a Mockingbird was adapted. The film follows fairly closely to the book, containing all the same characters and plot elements. Both very successful, they convey the atmosphere of a small southern town in Alabama, in which racism is still a glaring problem, even in the judicial system.
Despite their apparent similarity, a few differences do exist. While the film does not change any plot elements from the book, it does spend less time on certain aspects. For example, the book seems to lend a little more focus to the daily lives of Jem and Scout, particularly at their school. While both works ultimately contain the overarching theme of racism in the town, the written work also explores other interactions between characters, and the relationship between the children seems to be explored further. In particular, the “romantic” relationship between Scout and Dill receives some attention in the book, whereas the film leaves this part out entirely. Also, the relationship of Scout to her brother Jem receives less attention, though the film covers it to some degree.
While a fantastic film, the book seems to take the themes and explore them at a deeper level. Of course, a film must be condensed into a reasonable timeframe. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird provides extra background information, more plot elements, and for some, a more exciting experience than does the film.