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What are some themes found throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?

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.

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