THEMES & NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

The following are a list of themes and narrative techniques that can be associated with the text.
Try to justify / provide an explanation for how EACH is evident in the novel.

THEMES IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

THEME EXPLANATION / JUSTIFICATION

Prejudice (Racial) 1. This is evident mostly through the outcome of the
trial with Tom Robinson and Mayella Ewell.
2. Evident in the manner of address of whites to
blacks...black men are referred to as ‘boy’, hence
showing their perceived inferiority to whites.
3. Segregation was evident in the location of the
black community in relation to the whites. This is
further advanced by the Jim Crow Laws.
4. It was considered inappropriate, by the
Maycombians) to for a white man to have intimate
relations with a black woman as in the case of Mr.
Dolphus Raymond.

Prejudice (Social) 1. The entire community of Maycomb had a social

hierarchy based on family, class, wealth and race.
2. Mr. Raymond was not fully accepted by Maycomb
society because of his intimate involvement with
the blacks and his ‘supposed’ alcohol addiction.
3. The Ewells were considered ‘white trash’ because
they did not live up to the ‘typical’ standards of
Macomb (education, jobs, father was an alcoholic).
They lived beside a dump.
4. The Radley’s were victims of social prejudice
because they lived contrary to the social
expectations of Maycomb. The community ‘made
up’ stories about them; especially ‘Boo’ Radley.
Justice vs Injustice 1. The trial of Tom Robinson is evidence of the fact
that true ‘justice’ was not extended to the blacks,
but rather ‘injustice.

Family Relationships 1. Single Parent with the father being the surviving
parent and primary caregiver (Atticus and his
children VS Bob Ewell and his children.)
2. Dysfunctional Family Structures (Dill and his
mother, The Radleys, Dolphus Raymond and his
inter-racial family structure, Calpurnia’s un-
orthodox ‘motherly’ role in the Finch Family.)
 3. Extended family unit and family traditions
(Atticus, Aunt Alexandria, Uncle Jack, Cousin
Francis).

Family Traditions & Expectations 1. Aunt Alexandria’s constant attempt to dictate /

influence Scout’s behaviour.
2. Her attempts to convince Atticus to live up to
family traditions and expected behaviours.
3. The Cunninghams as a generation of farmers VS
The Ewells who have always been ‘White Trash’.
Parenting 1. Atticus’ consistent teaching and disciplining of his
children.
2. Mr. Radley (Senior) and his control / managing of
‘Boo’s’ behaviour.
3. Dill’s mother and her ‘hands-off’ parinting role
that causes him to always want to seek refuge in
Maycomb.
Childhood Experiences
Childhood Innocence
Maturity
Moral Education
Community Spirit
Fairness & Equality vs Inequality
Superstitions & Beliefs
Courage
Power & Authority