How does one look beyond the
surface of a human being to find the “mockingbird” living deep inside? In Harper Lee’s classic novel, published in
1960, To Kill A Mockingbird, many characters show dreadful behaviors allowing
us to believe a mockingbird is absent from their being. I believe that all human beings are or have
at one time in their life been a mockingbird.
Unfortunately only the very young or the very accepting can find that
goodness. Harper Lee masterfully is able
to show many “mockingbirds” throughout her story, possibly even those who are
the least likely.
Mrs. Dubose, is to Scout and Jem as
far away from a “mockingbird” as can be.
Mrs. Dubose is cantankerous, to the point of evil. Mrs. Dubose says mean and hateful things
about Atticus, and seems to dislike everything about the Finch family. Each time Scout expresses her dislike of Mrs.
Dubose to Atticus, Scout is told to have patience and understanding. It is so hard to care for someone when they
clearly do not appear to like you. But,
Scout soon learns that not everything is as it appears. Mrs. Dubose is not concerned with being liked
and admired, she is fighting a battle most people would not attempt and she
wins. At this point Scout and Jem see
the true “mockingbird” within.
“A lady?
Jem raised his head. His face was
scarlet. After all the things she said
about you, a lady?”
Atticus says:
“She was. She was. …………..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. ………..She was the bravest person I ever knew.”
Mayella Ewell is the saddest of all
the “mockingbirds” in the story because she is trapped in the birdcage and
can’t get out. Mayella is trapped by
ignorance, poverty, and fear. Because of
ignorance and lack of education Mayella is forced to live the same life as past
generations. Because of poverty, Mayella
is limited on how much she can improve on her way of life. And, because of fear, Mayella’s hands are
tied, when asking for help could be her only way out. And, still, the “mockingbird” inside finds a
way to express itself. The geraniums are
Mayella’s way of having control of an uncontrollable situation. Only a person with a tender heart could
create the beauty of a healthy plant for all to enjoy, especially Mayella.
“One corner of the yard, though,
bewildered Maycomb. Against the fence,
in a line,
were six chipped-enamel slop jars
holding brilliant red geraniums, cared for as
tenderly as if they belonged to
Miss Maudie Atkinson……..People said they were
Mayella Ewell’s.
Boo Radley is the most obvious of
the mockingbirds. Scarred with stories
about Boo’s odd and sometimes violent behaviors, Boo is forced to remain
hidden. Somehow through actions, that at
first seem mysterious and frightening, Scout and Jem find the warmth in Boo long
before they meet him. Random gifts in the tree, Jem’s folded pants, and the
blanket draped in love on Scout’s shoulders are all signs of a true “mockingbird”. This “mockingbird” is receiving apparently
nothing for his gifts, or is he? Boo is
receiving the chance to watch Scout and Jem grow up as Boo observes them from a
distance. Boo’s most miraculous song is
sung when he saves Scout and Jem’s life.
Boo is not only rewarded for his efforts by Atticus’s appreciation, but
more importantly Scout’s love and acceptance.
Scout sees the “mockingbird” in Boo and walks in his shoes for a
while. Scout repays Boo for his kindness
by giving Boo her heart and her hand.
The most unlikely “mockingbird” is
Robert E. Lee Ewell. Bob Ewell is a
victim of alcoholism, ignorance, poverty and more importantly anger. For generations the Ewells have lived a life of
laziness, which brought them to the point Bob is today. Bob Ewell sees no way
out of a miserable situation so therefore Bob lashes out at the people closest
to him, his children. God did not make
this life for Bob. Bob chose his way of
life and can’t seem to climb out. Does
that mean a “mockingbird” does not exist in Bob, or is it because we as a
society cannot see what is good about Bob Ewell?
Do you believe in destiny? Do you believe when God closes a door, he
opens a window? I do. And because I do I can say that Bob Ewell was
a “mockingbird”. His last song was his
best song because his death brings life to his children. Possibly the ignorance and poverty stops with
his death. And without Bob’s death, Boo would not have been discovered as the
most obvious “mockingbird”. Life is
complicated, so obviously discerning who is evil and who is good is just as
complicated. Don’t judge anyone,
including Bob Ewell, until you walk in his shoes!
I believe that all human beings are
or have at one time in their life been a “mockingbird”. Looking, finding and accepting that is hard,
but worth it in the end.
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