~Death of innocence~ To kill a mocking bird. Review on To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee

"As you grow older, you'll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don't you forget it-whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash" ~ Atticus in To kill a Mocking Bird

This is the learning imparted by a progressive dad to his kids. Something that lies beneath the skin is what matters. He aspired to guard his kids from all the evils but his pragmatic mind was always alert to preach what he practice. He was not an activist but was a sensible and righteous human being.

The story was set in those days where in people were deprived of basic amenities during the great depression. Still, the social stigma based on the color of the skin was prevalent. Apartheid was the order of the day! “Nigger” was a term used to condemn those who have black skin.

But there was a naïve and innocent black man (Tom Robinson) who showed unmitigated temerity towards a white woman (Mayella Ewell). She was fancied by him and invited him for physical favor. He was vigilant enough to be within his limits but when he was forced, he escaped. But the white lady’s dad who caught this action red handed fabricated a socially acceptable story – A black man tried to molest a white woman. Well, if you remember the central plot of “A passage to India”, it is natural but of course there are hell lots of difference in the situations even if this twist is almost similar.

Now that, we have Atticus Finch,the white lawyer (Sorry to mention the color of the skin as it constitute the central theme of the novel) who took up the case to defend the black man. He is a widower with two kids Jem(Elder boy) and Scout (Younger Girl).The story is narrated through the eyes of these kids, [including their friend who joins them during summer camp (Nell)] to a great extent. The kids were eager in exploring everything around them --- their curiosity to know more about the recluse Boo Radley, the action of their Dad are aptly woven with the central theme of the novel. At times they are critical at their dad’s action – Scouthate her dad earning the title “Nigger Lover” but Atticusalways demonstrated his actions without imposing his thoughts.

Whether he will be able to save Tomfighting against all odds?

Whether there is a victory in failures also – provided you fight for right cause?

How well you can respond if someone spit on your face?

While we progress with the story, you will definitely identify few traces of courage and disbelief lurking in the fabric - all very old fashioned but looking into future a little like Brahm’s music accused of something similar to having one foot solidly planted in the romantic sensibility and other rooted in modern which was no longer modern for long. Everything will change with time and our past actions will find new reason. Yes, we are experts in to give talisman or meaning to everything. But that does not absolve from your past actions. This novel converts all the precious stones you possessed as philosophers stone! Shining but nonexistent!

Atticuswas trying to build a value system based on humanity without being vocal about it. He is the epitome of being sober. Silence can also bring in revolution – When Scoutrealized that “I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks” – that summarizes the vision of her dad! “Supreme utterance” – it is a literary delight to read such phrases!

Scout reaches at this judgment not because of any compulsion. She passed the acid test and watched her dad in action. On the other side, we have Boo Radleywho was undergoing solitary confinement for some misconduct during younger days. He is ostracized not on the basis of color but a evil judgment that forced him to be a recluse. His attempt to get associated with those who are leading normal life lead him to break the fetters and came out. Once when he got a chance --- He saved the precious life of two kids!What if he would have remained as a recluse?

In short, this novel is all about identifying the element of humanity and expression of free will. Harper Leethe lady who created this literary wonder is awarded with Pulitzer Prize. She did not write much and this remained as a single most famous novel from her side.

I strongly recommend everyone to watch the movie with the same title! Quite a few movies did justice to the original literary work and this is a classic example. Celebrated actor Gregory Peckwon academy award for best actor for this movie. I am left aghast with the performance of Mary Badham in the role of Scout. The courtroom scene of the movie is considered to be one of the most classic moments in the history of Hollywood.

Apartheid is unheard as of today but still we struggle with peripheral issues that need to be neglected. Apartheid needs to be understood in its wider perspective. Someone subjected to ostracism based on social status, conduct of forefathers, religion, caste ---- they are all innocent mockingbirds. If they don’t cause any harm, why do you kill them?

Finally --- when Atticus walk out of the court after the trial, the entire crowd greet him with reverence. Scoutwas sleeping and Rev. Sykeswake her up and told her “Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passing' – This is what even I want to achieve as a dad!