To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Code of Conduct
In To Kill a Mockingbird there are two different codes that come into conflict. There is the older, archaic notions of Southern chivalry and class, held by most of the town of Maycomb.. It is a code defined by racial supremacy and maintaining the status quo. When Mayella Ewell confronts the men in the courtroom and challenges their honor, she is making it an issue of white against black. It is not a matter of right and wrong, but a matter of trusting the word of a white woman over that of a black man. And rather than seem like "nigger lovers," they take the side of the Ewells.
Perhaps no one embodies the old Southern code more than Aunt Alexandra. It is she who believes that her prestigious lineage makes her superior to most others. She sees herself as a lady, and that her families fine breeding leaves them separated from people like the Cunninghams, the Ewells, and any African American. Although she sympathizes with Tom's plight, she believes that Atticus should not take on his case. Aunt Alexandra's notions of right and wrong do not include all people equally, and the town operates the same way.
It is Atticus who is the standard of a new code. Atticus stands up for right, no matter the situation. When other put parameters around who they will help, Atticus stands by anyone in need, regardless of their race or social standing. And Atticus goes beyond just helping others, he takes the time to understand them. He points out to Scout that to truly understand a person you must get inside their skin and walk around in it for awhile. Atticus does this with all the people he associates with. Rather than writing people off as "trash" or social deviants, he analyzes people and comes to a greater understanding of them. Unlike Aunt Alex, Atticus' code requires understanding, sympathy and consistency among all people.
Contents
- Welcome!
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Chapter Summaries & Analysis
- Chapters 1 - 8:
- Chapter 1 Summary
- Chapter 2 Summary
- Chapter 3 Summary
- Chapter 4 Summary
- Chapter 5 Summary
- Chapter 6 Summary
- Chpater 7 Summary
- Chapter 8 Summary
- Analysis of Chapters 1 - 8
- Chapters 9 - 14:
- Chapter 9 Summary
- Chapter 10 Summary
- Chapter 11 Summary
- Chapter 12 Summary
- Chapter 13 Summary
- Chapter 14 Summary
- Analysis of Chapters 9 - 14
- Chapters 15 - 21:
- Chapter 15 Summary
- Chapter 16 Summary
- Chapter 17 Summary
- Chapter 18 Summary
- Chapter 19 Summary
- Chapter 20 Summary
- Chapter 21 Summary
- Analysis of Chapters 15 - 21
- Chapters 22 - 26:
- Chapter 22 Summary
- Chapter 23 Summary
- Chapter 24 Summary
- Chapter 25 Summary
- Chapter 26 Summary
- Analysis of Chapters 22 - 26
- Chapters 27 - 31:
- Chapter 27 Summary
- Chapter 28 Summary
- Chapter 29 Summary
- Chapter 30 Summary
- Chapter 31 Summary
- Analysis of Chapters 27 - 31
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Themes
- Code of Conduct
- Deceptive Appearances
- Racism and Acceptance
- Character Analysis
- Important Quotes