quotes in tkam
Quotes in To Kill A Mockingbird
Injustice/Justice Discrimination/prejudice Courage Social Class Empathy and Understanding Loss of Innocence/coming of age Gender
“malevolent phantom…dined on raw squirrels.”
context and meaning: all the town rumours about boo radley are discussed through scout’s narration making him out to be unpredictable and violent based on community gossip.
themes: injustice, prejudice, innocence and lack of empathy.
language features: characterisation, adjectives, metaphor, symbolism.
“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.”
context and meaning: Atticus giving Scout the crucial piece of moral advice that governs her development for the rest of the novel after not understanding her teacher’s actions.
themes: empathy, prejudice, growing up, morality.
language feature: symbolism, characterisation, metaphor.
“Sometimes it’s better to bend the law a little in special cases. In your case, the law remains rigid.”
context and meaning: atticus explains why scout has to go to school even though the ewells do not. they live an impoverished life but sometimes rules have to be changed to reduce their suffering in other ways (e.g. allowing them hunt out of season because the father spends money on alcohol instead of food—this was so the children can still eat)
themes: equity/equality, class hierarchy, empathy, growing up
language feature: foreshadowing of boo radley’s actions, contrast, metaphor. connotations of words like ‘bend’ versus ‘rigid’.
“He ain’t company, Cal he’s just Cunningham-” ‘Yo folks might be better’n the Cunninghams but it don’t count for nothin’ the way you’re disgracin’ ‘em’
context and meaning: Scout criticizes Walter Cunningham when he visits for lunch, prompting Calpurnia to reprimand her for her prejudice against his family. The quote highlights Scout's naivety and the societal attitudes toward class in Maycomb. Calpurnia’s response points out that while some families may have more wealth or status, this does not justify looking down on others. It emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their background.
themes: innocence, respect, empathy and social class.
language features: dialogue and contrast (the juxtaposition of scout’s view and Calpurnia wisdom highlights the disparity in understanding and social class.)
“she loved everything that grew in gods earth, even the weeds.”
context and meaning: miss maudie and her garden can be seen as symbols of tolerance because she cares for everything that grows, including the ‘bad’ parts. this reflects her acceptance and appreciation of all life. one quote from the excerpt that supports this is: "she loved everything that grew in god’s earth, even the weeds." this demonstrates her general acceptance of life in all forms, showing a tolerant attitude towards nature and, symbolically, towards people
themes: empathy and understanding
language features symbolise tolerance and mrs maudie’s acceptance of others.
“why, one spring of nut-grass can ruin a whole yard.”
context and meaning: the nutgrass weed miss maudie insists must be pulled up symbolises intolerance toward things that could spread and cause harm, much like destructive or harmful ideologies. miss maudie says, “why, one sprig of nut grass can ruin a whole yard. look here. when it comes fall this dries up and the wind blows it all over maycomb county!” this suggests that certain harmful elements, like intolerance or prejudice, if not addressed early, can spread and affect everyone around.
themes: empathy and understanding.
language features: symbolism for mrs maudie’s thoughts on prejudice.
“someone had filled our knot-hole with cement.”
context and meaning: scout and jem finch discover that the knot-hole in the radley house where they have been receiving the treasures from boo radley, has been filled with cement. this marks a turning point in their relationship with boo, as it signifies the end of their secrete communication and a loss of connection between the finch children and boo.
themes: innocence and loss.
language feature: imagery (the description of the knothole filled with cement evokes a strong visual, emphasizing the finality of the action) symbolism (the knothole itself symbolizes connection and understanding, while the cement represents isolation and the interruption of innocent relationships) metaphor (for the barriers society places between individuals, particularly those who are different or misunderstood)
“shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
context and meaning: Atticus teaching moment about preserving innocence and not harming those who bring goodness into the world.
themes: innocence, morality and empathy/understanding.
language feature: metaphor (bluejays symbolise individual or actions that are harmful, while mockingbird represent innocence and goodness)
“If you shouldn’t be defendin’ him, then why are you doing it?” “The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this country in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or jem not to do something again.”
context and meaning: Atticus's commitment to justice and moral integrity. He believes that defending Robinson is not just about the case at hand but about standing up for what is right and setting a moral example for his children and his community.
themes: moral integrity, racial injustice, innocence, and courage.
language feature: direct dialogue.
“simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win”
context and meaning: Attics explains to scout, why he’s defending Tom Robinson, despite knowing that they are unlikely going to win the case. Atticus acknowledges that prejudice and racism has deeply rooted themselves in Maycomb for generations – as stated in the phase “licked a hundred years before”. However, Atticus continues to insists on the importance of fighting for justice regardless of the outcome (which is why he’s defending tom robinson)
themes: courage and moral integrity (Atticus believes that standing up for justice is important, even when success is unlikely. It emphasises the idea that true courage is pursing what’s right, even against overwhelming odds).
language feature: metaphor (“licked a hundred years before, uses a metaphor to represent being defeated or disadvantage by longstanding history of prejudice.)
“you aren’t really a n*****- lover, then are you?” “I certainly am. I do my best to love everyone…it’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name, it shows you how poor that person is…”
context and meaning: This exchange likely occurs after Scout encounters racism in their community. Atticus’s response emphasizes the importance of loving others despite societal prejudices. By identifying himself as a "n*****-lover," he challenges the negative connotations of the term and highlights the morality of compassion.
themes: empathy, morality, understanding.
language feature: contrast (between love and hate)
“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…”
context and meaning: Atticus Finch is imparting a lesson to his children, Scout and Jem, about the nature of courage. He contrasts the idea of physical bravery—such as wielding a gun—with moral courage, which involves standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. This lesson is especially poignant in the context of the racial tensions presented in the novel.
themes: empathy and understanding, courage (emphasizes that real bravery is about integrity and moral conviction rather than physical strength or weaponry), morality.
language features: contrast of courage (of stereotype courage “man with a gun” or moral courage)
“She was the bravest person I ever knew.”
context and meaning: The quote is situated within the narrative when Jem and Scout learn about Mrs. Dubose’s fight against her addiction. Atticus encourages Jem to understand that true courage is not the absence of fear but the resolve to fight against it, even when the odds are stacked against you. This moment occurs after Mrs. Dubose’s death when Atticus explains to Jem that she fought to free herself from her addiction, demonstrating her moral courage.
themes: empathy and understanding, courage, and morality.
language features: dialogue, and characterisation of both atticus and mrs dubose for demonstrating moral courage.
“Cal, why do you talk n*****-talk to the folks when you know it’s not right”
context and meaning: occurs when Scout observes Calpurnia, the Finch family's African American housekeeper, speaking in a different dialect when she is at church with her Black community. Scout questions Calpurnia about why she uses a different way of speaking with her own people compared to how she talks at home. This interaction highlights Scout's naivety and her struggle to understand the complexities of race and culture in her segregated Southern town.
themes: innocence, racial discrimination and segregation.
language feature: contrast on how Calpurnia talks at home and in a black community.
“Aunt Alexander fitted into the world of Maycomb like a hand into a glove, but never into the world of jem and me.”
context and meaning: aunt alexander has arrived at the finch’s home - The quote illustrates Aunt Alexandra's strong connection to the traditional social fabric of Maycomb, emphasizing her adherence to societal norms and expectations. The simile of like a hand fitting into a glove suggests that she is perfectly suited to the town’s values, which include a focus on family lineage and social status. However, her inability to connect with Jem and Scout signifies a generational and ideological gap. The children’s world is more innocent and open-minded, contrasting with Aunt Alexandra’s rigid views.
themes: social class and prejudice
language features: simile
“You’ve got everything to lose from this, Atticus. I mean everything”
context and meaning: The quote conveys a sense of urgency and gravity regarding Atticus's commitment to justice. It emphasizes the profound personal and social costs he faces: his reputation, safety, and the well-being of his family are all at risk. This statement reflects the high stakes involved in challenging entrenched racism and the moral dilemmas that arise from standing up for what is right.
themes: prejudice, courage, moral integrity.
language features: dialogue.
“hey, mr cunningham.”
context and meaning: This line occurs during a crucial scene when Scout, Jem, and Dill confront a mob gathered at the jail where Tom Robinson is being held. The mob intends to lynch Tom, creating a tense and dangerous atmosphere. In this moment, Scout spots Mr. Cunningham, a local farmer and one of the mob members. Her innocent greeting, “Hey, Mr. Cunningham,” serves as a pivotal intervention, breaking the tension and reminding the mob of their shared humanity. scout’s simple, friendly address highlights her naivety and innocence, contrasting sharply with the mob's violent intent. By recognizing Mr. Cunningham as a neighbour, she disrupts the mob mentality, prompting him to see her as a person rather than just a symbol of the situation. This moment underscores the power of personal connections and the potential for empathy to challenge prejudice and hatred, illustrating how a child's perspective can provide moral clarity in the face of societal conflict.
themes: innocence, courage.
language feature: characterization (this moment reveals scout’s character as innocent and untainted by the racial prejudices that dominate the adult world, emphasizing her role as a moral compass throughout the novel.)
“Mr Cunningham’s basically a good man, he just has blind spots along with the rest of us”
context and meaning: This quote reflects Atticus Finch's perspective on Mr. Cunningham, whom he views as a fundamentally decent person despite his involvement in the mob that threatens Tom Robinson. Atticus expresses this sentiment after the mob disperses, acknowledging that people are often shaped by their circumstances and prejudices. The statement suggests that even well-intentioned individuals can harbor biases or make misguided choices under pressure. The meaning behind this quote emphasizes the complexity of human nature. Atticus recognizes that while Mr. Cunningham is a good man at heart, he is not immune to the flaws that affect everyone, particularly in a racially charged environment. This understanding illustrates Atticus's belief in empathy and the importance of seeing beyond one's immediate actions to recognize shared humanity.
themes: empathy and understanding.
language features: inclusive language.
“I am not, ‘t’s morbid, watching a poor devil on trial for his life. Look at all those folks it’s like a Roman carnival.”
context and meaning: Miss Maudie’s statement occurs during a conversation about the community’s reaction to Tom Robinson’s trial. She observes the crowd gathering to watch the proceedings, commenting on the inappropriate excitement surrounding what should be a serious matter—an innocent man's life is at stake. By likening the scene to a “Roman carnival,” she highlights the troubling nature of the public’s interest, suggesting that people are treating a grave injustice as mere entertainment.
themes: empathy, prejudice.
language feature: Imagery (the comparison to a “Roman carnival” evokes vivid imagery, suggesting a scene of chaotic entertainment, which starkly contrasts with the solemnity of a trial involving a man’s life.)
“Mr Finch, if you was a n***** like me, you’d be scared too.”
context and meaning: This line occurs when Tom Robinson is discussing his situation with Atticus, who is defending him against the charges of raping Mayella Ewell. Tom expresses his fears about being a Black man in a racially biased society, especially in the context of a trial where the odds are stacked against him. His statement is a powerful acknowledgment of the pervasive racism and fear that Black individuals face, particularly in the Deep South during the 1930s. The meaning of this quote highlights Tom's awareness of the systemic injustices that define his life. It underscores the reality that, regardless of his innocence, he is subject to societal prejudices that create an environment of fear. By addressing Atticus directly, he is illustrating how deeply ingrained racism affects not just individuals but the entire community.
themes: empathy/understanding, racial prejudice, fear
language features: dialogue
“I don’t care one speck. It ain’t right, it ain’t right to do ‘em that way. Hasn’t anybody got any business talkin’ like that – it just makes me sick.”
context and meaning: The meaning of Dill's statement emphasizes the purity of childhood and the natural moral compass that often opposes societal norms. His visceral reaction underscores how deeply unsettling he finds the injustice and cruelty directed at others, reflecting a growing awareness of the harsh realities of racism.
themes: empathy, compassion and innocence
language features: repetition (it ain’t right), imagery (it just makes me sick)
“cry about the simple hell people give other people – without even thinking, Cry about the hell white people give coloured folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people, too.”
context and meaning: Dolphus Raymond during a conversation with Scout and Dill. Raymond, a white man who prefers the company of Black people and lives on the fringes of Maycomb society, provides insight into the racial dynamics and prejudices of the town. He expresses his frustration with the unthinking cruelty that white people exhibit towards Black individuals, emphasizing their shared humanity. The meaning behind this quote is a powerful indictment of racism and the emotional toll it takes on both the oppressed and the oppressors. Raymond urges a recognition of the suffering caused by systemic prejudice, calling for empathy and a deeper understanding of the humanity that connects all people.
themes: empathy, racial injustice.
language feature: emotional appeal and repetition
“we’re gonna win scout. I don’t see how we can’t…he’s made it as plain and easy…you could’ve understood it even.”
context and meaning: This quote occurs during the trial of Tom Robinson, after Atticus Finch delivers his closing arguments. Jem is expressing his confidence in Atticus’s ability to convince the jury of Tom's innocence. His optimism reflects the innocence of childhood, as well as the hope that justice will prevail based on reason and fairness. Jem believes that the clarity of Atticus's arguments will resonate with the jury, showcasing his faith in the legal system. the meaning behind this quote emphasizes the contrast between Jem’s hopeful view and the harsh realities of racial prejudice in their society. While he believes in the power of truth and justice, the eventual outcome of the trial reveals the limitations of that belief in the face of systemic racism.
themes: innocence, hope
language feature: direct speech.
“she did something that in our society is unspeakable: she kissed a black man.”
context and meaning: This quote occurs in the context of the trial of Tom Robinson, where Atticus Finch is defending him against accusations of raping Mayella. The statement underscores the societal taboos and racial prejudices that define the setting of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. Mayella’s act of kissing a Black man is portrayed as a profound violation of the racial norms of their community, which views such an act as unacceptable and scandalous.
theme: racial injustice, gender
language feature: dialogue
“she is a victim of cruel poverty and ignorance.”
context and meaning: This quote is often spoken in reference to Mayella Ewell during the trial of Tom Robinson. Atticus Finch uses it to highlight her plight as a white woman living in extreme poverty. He seeks to elicit sympathy for Mayella by illustrating how her difficult life has shaped her actions and decisions, particularly her misguided attempt to seek affection from Tom Robinson.
themes: social class,
language feature: emotive language
“the evil assumption that all negroes lie… immoral…not to be trusted around are women.”
context and meaning: Atticus uses this statement to challenge the deeply ingrained racist stereotypes that underpin the accusations against Tom Robinson. He is addressing the jury, aiming to dismantle the prejudiced beliefs that have led to Tom’s unjust prosecution. By highlighting this "evil assumption," Atticus emphasizes that the charges against Tom are not only baseless but also rooted in a long history of racial prejudice and dehumanization, urging the jury to look beyond their prejudice and recognize tom’s humanity.
themes: morality, injustice/justice
language feature: emotive language.
“now don’t get so confident, Mr Jem, I ain’t ever see any jury decide in favour of a coloured man over a white man”
context and meaning: The meaning behind this quote highlights the harsh realities of racial injustice and the deeply rooted prejudices that affect the judicial process. It serves as a sobering reminder of the societal norms that often undermine the principles of justice and equality.
themes: racial injustice, innocence.
language feature: dialogue
“it ain’t right, Atticus.”
context and meaning: Jem’s youthful perspective underscores his confusion and disappointment in the face of the unjust events surrounding Tom Robinson's trial. His innocence highlights the harsh realities of the adult world, emphasizing the loss of childhood naivety as he begins to grasp the complexities of morality and injustice.
themes: loss of innocence
language feature: dialogue
“maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least that’s what they seemed like.”
context and meaning: This line captures Jem's initial perception of her hometown and its inhabitants. At this point in the story, his views Maycomb as a place filled with good people, unaware of the underlying prejudices and moral failings that will later be revealed. This sentiment is part of his childhood innocence, showing how he grapples with the disparity between appearances and reality.
themes: morality, loss of innocence
language feature: irony
“in our courts, when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white’s always win.” “doesn’t make it right.”
context and meaning: This statement reflects the grim reality of systemic racism in the 1930s American South, where the judicial system is inherently biased against Black individuals. It highlights the injustice faced by Tom Robinson, whose trial serves as a critical focal point in the narrative. The second part, "doesn't make it right," underscores a moral awareness that recognizes the unfairness of this situation, regardless of societal norms.
themes: racial injustice, loss of innocence
language feature: contrast (a white man’s word vs a black man’s word)
“the older you grow the more of it you’ll see. The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any colour of the rainbow, but people have a way of carrying their resentments right into that jury room.”
context and meaning: his statement is made in the context of the trial of Tom Robinson, where Atticus is emphasizing the importance of fairness and equality within the judicial system. He acknowledges that, despite the ideal that everyone should be treated equally in court, biases and prejudices often taint the process. The mention of "carrying their resentments" highlights how personal prejudices influence people's judgments, particularly in racially charged cases.
themes: racism, injustice.
language feature: metaphorical languages.
“there’s nothing more sickening to me than a low grade white man who’ll take advantage of a Negro’s ignorance.”
context and meaning: Atticus expresses his contempt for individuals who exploit the vulnerabilities of others, particularly in the context of racial inequality. This statement likely arises in discussions about the injustices faced by Tom Robinson and the ways in which certain characters in Maycomb, like Bob Ewell, manipulate systemic racism for their own gain. Atticus's disdain reflects his belief in human dignity and equality, highlighting the moral bankruptcy of those who prey on the marginalized.
themes: morality, injustice, racism, empathy
language feature: dialogue
“Because – he – is – trash, that’s why you can’t play with him.”
context and meaning: Aunt Alexandra uses this statement to reinforce the social barriers she believes should exist, particularly in relation to Scout and Jem’s friendships. By labelling someone as "trash," she conveys her disdain for those she considers beneath her family’s social standing, particularly the Cunninghams or the Ewells. This moment illustrates her attempts to impose her values and class-consciousness on Scout and Jem.
themes: social class prejudice.
language feature: dialogue
“he likened Tom’s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters.”
context and meaning: Mr Underwood statement likely comes after Tom's death, reflecting public sentiment and the societal impact of the event. The reporter uses the metaphor to illustrate how Tom, an innocent man, was killed senselessly, just as songbirds, which symbolize innocence and beauty, are needlessly slaughtered. This comparison underscores the injustice of the situation and highlights the moral outrage surrounding Tom's death.
themes: racial injustice, innocence loss
language feature: metaphor: (The comparison of Tom's death to the slaughter of songbirds serves as a powerful metaphor for senseless loss.) Imagery: (The phrase evokes strong visual images, enhancing the emotional impact of the message.
Symbolism: (Songbirds symbolize purity and innocence, reinforcing the idea that taking an innocent life is a profound moral failure.)
“it made one down and about two more to go”
context and meaning: Bob’s revenge on Atticus after tom’s death.
themes: revenge.
language feature: foreshadowing
“Hey, Boo.”
context and meaning: This line occurs towards the end of the novel when Scout, having grown and changed through her experiences, encounters Boo Radley in person. The use of “Boo” reflects her recognition of his humanity and her understanding that he is not the monster she and others in Maycomb had imagined. This moment signifies a shift in Scout’s perspective and the breaking down of the barriers of fear and prejudice that had surrounded Boo.
themes: innocence loss, empathy and understanding.
language feature: Symbolism: (“Boo” symbolizes the misunderstood and marginalized individuals in society, illustrating the journey from fear to understanding.)
“I can’t live one way in town and another way in home”
context and meaning: Atticus says this in response to the societal pressures he faces as he defends Tom Robinson. He is expressing his belief in the importance of consistency in one’s values, regardless of the setting. Atticus understands that to uphold his moral beliefs, he must act with integrity both in his personal life and in public, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. This statement reveals his commitment to justice and the ethical dilemmas that arise in a prejudiced society.
themes: morality, social justice.
language feature: contrast (town and home)
“Well, it’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?
context and meaning: Scout makes this statement in relation to the idea of harming Boo Radley or, metaphorically, anyone who is innocent and vulnerable. It reflects her growing understanding of the moral lesson that Atticus has taught her: that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, symbolizing the idea of protecting those who do no harm to others. This line indicates her internalization of this lesson and her recognition of Boo as an innocent figure who deserves protection rather than prejudice.
themes: innocence, and coming of age.
language feature: metaphor (shooting a mockingbird)
“I had never seen our neighbourhood from this angle.”
context and meaning: This statement reflects a moment of realization for Scout, where she begins to understand the complexities of her community and the people within it. It signifies a shift in her perception, highlighting how her experiences have changed her understanding of the world around her. This newfound perspective often represents a deeper awareness of social dynamics, prejudice, and the importance of empathy.
themes: growth, empathy and understanding.
language feature: imagery (the phrase evokes a visual shift, suggesting that Scout is seeing not just her physical neighbourhood but also its social landscape in a new light.)
“Atticus was right… Just standing on the Radley porch was enough.”
context and meaning: This moment occurs after Scout finally meets Boo and realizes that he is not the frightening figure she once imagined. Standing on the Radley porch symbolizes her newfound perspective and understanding of Boo as a kind, protective person rather than a source of fear. It reflects her appreciation of the lessons Atticus taught her about empathy and seeing the world from another person's point of view
themes: growth, empathy and understanding.
language feature: metaphor (Standing on the porch serves as a metaphor for gaining insight and understanding, symbolizing a broader view of life.)
“Most people are, scout, when you finally see them”
context and meaning: Atticus says this to Scout as she grapples with her experiences and perceptions of the people in their community, especially following the events of Tom Robinson's trial. This statement underscores the idea that people often have complexities and depths that may not be immediately apparent. It suggests that, upon closer examination, most individuals possess both good and bad qualities, challenging Scout’s initial black-and-white views of morality and character.
themes: empathy and understanding, moral growth.
language feature: dialogue