To Kill of a Mockingbird - Book Report/Review Example

Conflicts and Struggles in “To Kill a Mockingbird” 1. There are external and internal conflicts among the characters as the trial progresses. One of the external conflicts is Bob and Mayella's accusation to Tom of the rape that he did not commit. Another external conflict is how almost the whole town does not agree with Atticus defending a black man in court. Atticus' external conflict then gets carried over to Scout and Jem, who creates a conflict with Boo. Th internal conflicts, however, are much more fascinating than the external ones. For on, Atticus has a big hunch that he will really lose the case, but has an inner hope that the town will get enlightened from their discrimination against an innocent black man. Even the accusers Bob and Mayella have their own inner conflicts, because they do know that they are accusing an innocent man. Mayella is shown to struggle to maintain her lies during the trial. Even the jury goes through an internal conflict, which is shown in their delay in issuing the verdict because they are obviously torn between discrimination and the truth. Scout and Jem struggle with the thought that Boo is a monster hiding inside the house they prowl on, while at the same time feel how wrong it is to judge people by personal prejudices. These kids are unable to understand how their neighbors can go against the evidence that Tom is indeed innocent and prefer to judge him as otherwise just because he is colored, while they (Scout and Jem) themselves cannot get past their prejudice on Boo. 2. This statement is all about justice and the justice system. It is a widely-accepted fact that people are really not born equal. Some may be richer, smarter, or do more good than others. But in courts, everyone should be equal. Despite the wisdom in the statement that “all men are crated equal,” this line cannot be really taken to the streets. The one place where any individual should be assured of this basic right is the court. 3. Tom Robinson is scared and sad and tired during the trial. He probably still tries to hope for some justice in a place where everybody should be equal. Mayella Ewell is scared because she knows the truth. She is torn between being scared of her father and the townspeople and being paranoid of Atticus' cross-examination. Bob Ewell seems to b enjoying all the attention, yet is as scared as Mayella due to Atticus' questions. Judge Taylor is sad with the jury's verdict, because despite the racial prejudice all around, he is a sensible man. He hints of his disappointment with the Ewells. Mr. Gilmer is the prosecutor, and he shows his contempt and rudeness towards Tom, that he does not show towards the whites in the courtroom. H even tried to ridicule Tom by hinting why a black man should feel sorry for a white woman. The jury, right from the start, is not expected to believe the story of a black man over that of a white woman. Yet, it still took them long to deliver their verdict because they know inside their hearts that Tom is innocent. Sheriff Tate understands that Tom will experience injustice, and he does not agree to it. However, as a sheriff, he does not want civil unrest, yet he shows his belief in a “higher law of justice” in his decision regarding Bob's death by the end of the story. The black citizens want justice for Tom. Everyone knows what kind of man Bob is, and they believe in Tom's innocence yet cannot do anything about it, being blacks. Scout feels proud of Atticus and sympathizes with Tom. She also sympathizes with Mayella, which furthers her anger at Mayella's father Bob. Jem firmly believes that with all the evidences presented, Tom would be found innocent. When the jury slammed their guilty verdict, Jem feels as if he is being physically attacked, flinching at the balcony as his faith in humanity crumbles down. Dill shares the same emotions as Scout, but he is shown to be angrier at the jury than at Bob. Atticus feels that the trial is not just about Tom, but about the whole bigotry happening. For him, it is about his belief in justice, and he tries to show everyone that even if he believes that the Ewell's are telling lies, he gives them the respect everyone deserves as humans. 4. I personally can identify myself with Sheriff Tate. Sometimes, with all that is happening around, the ideal concept of equality and justice cannot be absolutely applied, nor felt. There will always be times when people should do something to bring this ideal closer to reality, even if it goes against the letter of the law. 5. The novel is about racial prejudice. While it may not be as felt now as it was before, putting yourself in the other person's shoes before making judgments on the person will help one base opinions on a more solid ground. Every person has their own story to tell. This helps a reader deepen his or her experience of the novel because it gives the reader an inner view of what is going on with the person. Not only it answers the “what,” but also the “why.” It provides a better understanding of what prejudice really is. 6. Personally, I have always like the book more than the film adaptation. This is because every nuance of the character can be experienced in the book, unlike in movies where everything is shortened. However, for the courtroom trial scene, the most important aspects of the book version are captured in the movie. Even the way Gregory Peck (Atticus) took off his vest or loosened his tie is effectively captured, showing how he wants to stand in front of the jury as common and as equal as everyone else is. The parody of justice is also effectively portrayed in the movie, and that for me is very important. While I still personally choose the book over the movie, I cannot say that the movie adaptation is not as effective as the book. References Lee, H. (2010). To kill a mockingbird. New York, NY: Harper. Pakula, A. J., Mulligan, R., & Columbia TriStar Home Video (Firm). (2010). To kill a mockingbird. United States: Universal Home Video. Read More