To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird Journal Entries Project

Steffanie Trout
Hypocrisy
An example of hypocrisy that really stood out in the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” was Mrs. Gates. In the beginning of the novel she told her class about the evil things Hitler is doing in to the Jews in Germany, then later Scout overhears her talking about Tom’s conviction and she says that the black folk in the community needed to be kept in their place. For this she is a hypocrite. She acts as though she believes in freedom and justice, but when it comes to people of color she believes that they do not deserve any rights.

Self-Control
In “To Kill a Mockingbird” there are many situations that make me believe that Bob Ewell lacks self-control. He cannot keep a job and tends to spend all his money on alcohol. He is a disgrace, drunkard, who even beats his children. Through my eyes and in my opinion, he is a perfect example of what some would call “white trash”. He has no morals, as well as being a liar. He accuses Tom Robinson of sexually assaulting his daughter, Mayella, when he knows that Tom is innocent. He spits in Attics Finch’s face, and attacks Jem and Scout. When he attacked the children he had no idea that Arthur Radley would be there to come to their defense. Bob Ewell loses his life because of his lack of self-control.

Courage I think that Mrs. Dubose showed true courage in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” because she can look at herself and recognize her flaws, then try to fix them. She is addicted to Morphine and decides that she wants to die free of her weakness. Through this she even went through withdraws that are difficult to survive “Her head moved slowly from side to side. From time to time she would open her mouth wide, and I could see her tongue undulate faintly. Cords of saliva would collect on her lips; she would draw them in, and then open her mouth again. Her mouth seemed to have a private existence of its own.” She accomplishes her goal, although she needed help from Jem. It takes true courage to be able to face and concur an addiction, such as drugs.

Integrity
Atticus Finch is one of the most honest and moral characters in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”. As a lawyer Atticus represents something that everyone working in the justice system should. He is fair, does not hold grudges, and can look at all situations from many points of view. “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets.” and this is also how he acts in the courtroom. As a parent he teaches his children moral guidance. He is a man of his word and is full of respect. Atticus tries to look at everyone as an individual, even those who are outcasts to society. He sees the good in everyone and is committed to making his children feel and act the same way.

Confidence
Jem Finch shows a lot of confidence in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird when it comes to his father’s Tom Robinson case. Jem does not fully understand the racisms that is going on around him because of his father keeping him protected from it since birth. This also explains why Atticus was nervous when the court case comes, as he knows Jem is going to be exposed to complex problems, one being racism. Jem knows that the case should be thrown out of the courtroom because, unlike the white jury, Jem does not see color as a factor in the judgment of a human being. Jem believes that the evidence presented in the case clearly demonstrates Tom Robinson’s innocence, and he is correct in his views. Jem is confident and believes that Atticus is going to win and is very surprised and confused when his father loses the case.