Kill a Mockingbird the Book

¶ … kill a Mockingbird

The book "What's in a Name? Some Meanings of Blackness" by Henry Louis Gates and the story "To Kill a Mocking bird" by Harper Lee share the same sentiments when it comes to theme and issues raised.

Both of the books are considered as two of the most noted readings of all time. These books have transcended time and space for both are able to reach millions of readers. At the same time, these books are able to enlighten the minds of the many regarding the various social issues concerning the people.

With regards to the theme, both books talk about racism and acceptance. It is the major characters who promulgate the idea of racism existing in the society and how different people of different class and race long for social acceptance. Like for example in Lee's novel, the character Atticus has built a whole value system around the idea that a person must examine and respect who people are and where they come from. This includes even the most unpleasant characters like Bob Ewell and Mrs. Dubose (http://www.homework-online.com/tkamb/themes_racism-acceptance.asp,2006).

Moreover, both of the books imply that there are two different codes that come into conflict. There are the older, archaic notions of Southern chivalry and class. This is a code defined by racial supremacy and maintaining the status quo. This specific code is what separates the blacks from the whites. With an unseen line and a silent understanding, there seems to be a division between the whites and the blacks, the former becomes the superior while the latter becomes the inferior. Meanwhile, the second code is the new code. This is what most deviants do. This is the code followed by those who do not believe that blacks and whites should be treated differently. This is the code which implies that whatever the whites have, the blacks can rightfully have to.

Lastly, both of the novels impart a common moral lesson to the readers. "There is more to it than meets the eye"... this is just one of the lessons that can be achieved from the said novels. Many of the characters in the novels are not what they truly seem to be. Like for example, most would write off Boo Radley as a reclusive madman, Miss Dubose as a mean spirited old woman, and Dolphous Raymond as a social deviant. These people are loathed by most, but these are not fair judgments (http://www.ezinearticles.com/?to-Kill-a-Mockingbird-a-Book-Review&id=78097,2006).