The
ending of To Kill A Mockingbird was really bittersweet for me.
Throughout the novel we understood things as they were understood through
Scout's eyes. Our view of her world was limited by her own perception and
maturity. Arthur (Boo) Radley was a source of mystery and intrigue for Scout
and Jem. In the end, when Bob Ewell attacked them with the intent to kill, and
Arthur came out of his house for the first time (as far as we know) to
save the children, it felt very befitting. Arthur represented childhood fantasy
and now Scout’s idea of him has become more mature. He helped the kids get home
after they’d been badly injured. 2 years ago Scout would have shuddered at the
thought, but now she has grown to accept him. She even began wanting to have
conversations with him. I was sad that she never saw him after that night, I
wish she would have become his friend. I’m also sad that the book is over in
general, I feel like my childhood is well over too.
The theme of perspective was definitely emphasized in the ending of this novel. How do you think the theme lends itself to humanity? I believe her maturity depicts a coming of age. Although her innocence seemed to vanish, her humanity seemed to grow. In regards to the ending, I had foreshadowed a tragic conclusion in which a Finch would die. The appearance of Arthur Radley came as a surprise because his presence had diminished as the novel progressed.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I find it interesting how you become attatched to the characters in the novel. Your emotions toward the resolution make me envy the way you can engulf yourself in the world of reading. Truly admirable.
Omar, perspective was everything. When the narrator has a limited world view you are limited in your understanding of their world. In terms of humanity, perspective really emphasizes how we have to put our selves in one another's shoes, just like Atticus suggested. Trying to understand where someone else is coming from is definitely something you have to reconcile with your own humanity. It takes a lot to really empathize with other's perspectives.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with the statement that her humanity grew as her innocence shrunk. I think it's too simplistic of a generalization for Scout's character. As a child, it's not that you are inhumane because of naivety. It's all about perspective. Scout was as humane as she could be with her limited understanding of the world. As she grew up and her understanding expanded her "humanity" grew accordingly.
Before the court case she didn't have reason to call to question the ethical dilemmas involved. After, if she didn't we would have viewed her as childish, or inhumane.
Boo Radley's presence definitely started to fade, but I knew there could be no resolution without him. His importance was stressed too much to not have that wrapped up. It would have left loose ends. And I think that him being the Finch's saving grace is really an irony for the kids, but something the adults may have expected from him. It was like the pinnacle of Scout's maturation.
Lastly, becoming emotionally immersed in a book is great. It makes the message more impactful for me, and I feel like I have actually learned a great deal from the characters. I always feel a sort of melancholy when a good story comes to an end.
Katie, I too was sad when I read that Scout would never see Arthur again, because through his actions he's proved himself to be the type of friend worth having. I also hadn't considered how Scout's perception of him was linked to her own maturity.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say I was going to comment on this but then read the other comments and decided to give up because it seems everything to be said on this blog has been said.
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