Introduction
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee tells the story of Atticus Finch and his family as they struggle against racism and injustice in early 21st-century America. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” is what the protagonist tells his daughter, Scout, to explain that things are not always as they seem. The quote is essential to the story because it shows that the accused, such as Tom Robinson in the book, are sometimes innocent and teaches Finch’s daughter compassion and tolerance. In summary, To Kill a Mockingbird proves that it is essential to give people the benefit of the doubt and try to understand them on a deeper level.
Reflection
I remember being in the same position as Scout when I was a kid, not understanding many of the complexities of this world. I used to judge criminals quickly and thought it weird how there were specific professions to protect murderers and thieves. Finch’s quote was so impactful for me because I immediately remembered my childhood and saw myself in Scout, learning about how things are sometimes different from what they seem (Lee 45). Today, I understand that people might be wrongfully convicted, and there are all kinds of situations that might force others into crime and life hardships.
Conclusion
There are many injustices in this world, but it is essential to try to understand other people and see things from their perspective. Some individuals might be forced into crime, and some might be wrongfully accused. If we cannot look past our differences and try to understand each other, the truth might never be found. In summary, the quote is essential to the story because it reveals the injustice of wrongful conviction and teaches Scout how unfair the world might be.
Work Cited
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. McIntosh and Otis, Inc., 1960.