What is ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ all about?

If you are a reader or want to be a reader, chances are that you might have heard about this famous or infamous novel – To Kill A Mockingbird. They say that not many of those who pick it up get to finish it. And those who do, sometimes stay confused. You yourself might ask at one point - What is 'To Kill A Mockingbird' all about? If you're like me, you may have first read this classic novel in high school and wondered what all the fuss was about. It happens to all of us. When we pick up something strange, that strangeness sometimes makes us speak of it as hollow. But as I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the timeless themes and masterful storytelling that make this book a true American classic.

So, if you’ve read this novel and are not sure of what it is all about, here is a quick guide.

The Setting and Characters

This novel is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression. Simply put, it follows the lives of Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus. Atticus is a lawyer who defends a black man falsely accused of rape. As we read the novel, we see through their eyes the racial tensions and social injustices that plagued the South during this time period. So, in a way, you might think of it as fictional, in another way you also find it to be deeply rooted in a reality that actually happened.

The Themes

At its heart, this timeless novel is a coming-of-age story that deals with themes of racism, prejudice, and morality. It explores the idea of standing up for what's right, even when it's unpopular or goes against the norms of society. We also might have faced or might face similar scenarios in our lives where the crowd thinks otherwise than what we do. These phases are confusing and make us question things like orality, truth, virtue, etc. Not only this, Lee has rightly tackled the complexities of childhood innocence and the loss of that innocence as we grow older.

The Characters and Symbolism

One of the things that makes this book so powerful is the way Lee uses her characters and symbolism to convey her themes. The character of Boo Radley, for example, serves as a symbol of the fear and prejudice that can arise from ignorance and rumors. But what does the word ‘mockingbird’ speak of? If is somewhat related to mockery? Well, the mockingbird represents the idea of innocence and the harm that can come from destroying it.

The Legacy

Since its publication in 1960, this novel has become a beloved classic and an essential read for anyone interested in American literature. And when it won the Pulitzer prize, it got a new boost into the world. This has also led to its adaption into a successful film, and a play, and has even inspired a sequel, 'Go Set A Watchman'.

As for my personal epoch with the book, I remember reading it in high school and feeling a bit bored with it at first. But as we delved deeper into the themes and characters, I began to appreciate the book's nuance and depth. If you haven’t read this book yet, or any book yet, I’d suggest you to start reading for the many benefits it offers. Buy a light read from any books & magazine store around you or visit sites like eBay to find some fantastic books for you.

This book is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores important themes and issues that are still relevant today. Whether you're reading it for the first time or revisiting it as an adult, you sure will love the impression it will leave on you.