Quotations from To Kill a Mockingbird — Tacoma Public Library (2024)

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"'Best way to clear the air is to have it all out in the open'" (Lee 231).

nadia_89

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."

They did the best they could with the sense they had.

“Atticus said to Jem one day, "I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you’ll go after birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird." That was the only time…

"Will you take me home?" - Boo Radley

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" - Atticus Finch

This case is as simple as black and white

“People in their right minds never take pride in their talents.”

“Atticus told me to delete the adjectives and I'd have the facts.”

“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”

"Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

"I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks."-Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird

"Mockingbirds don’t do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corn cribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”- Ms…

“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.- Atticus…

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” ― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” ― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”

"There are just some kind of men who--who're so busy worrying about the next world they've never learned to live in this one" - page 45

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.

"The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a persons' consequence"

"I don't know, but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it—seems that only children weep. Good night."

As an enthusiast deeply immersed in literature and the works of Harper Lee, I can confidently share my expertise on the themes and concepts touched upon in the provided text. My understanding extends beyond the surface, encompassing the nuanced layers of Harper Lee's iconic novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird." Let's unravel the intricate tapestry woven by Lee's words.

The excerpt you've provided includes quotes and references from various users, each expressing their interpretation of pivotal moments from "To Kill a Mockingbird." Here are the key concepts highlighted:

  1. Lee 231: This reference to page 231 of "To Kill a Mockingbird" suggests an important passage or quote. Unfortunately, the specific content is not provided, but it implies a depth of discussion within the book.

  2. Empathy and Understanding: Multiple quotes emphasize the theme of empathy and understanding others' perspectives, as exemplified by the quote: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." This insight, often attributed to Atticus Finch, underscores the novel's central message about compassion and tolerance.

  3. Sin to Kill a Mockingbird: The recurring theme that it is a "sin to kill a mockingbird" is a metaphor that symbolizes innocence and the unjust persecution of those who do good without causing harm.

  4. Atticus Finch's Wisdom: Several quotes attribute wisdom to Atticus Finch, such as his advice to "delete the adjectives and you'd have the facts." This reflects Atticus's emphasis on objectivity and seeking truth.

  5. Perception and Courage: The notion that "people generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for" explores the theme of perception. Additionally, the definition of courage is expanded beyond physical bravery to encompass perseverance in the face of inevitable defeat.

  6. Mockingbirds as Symbols: The metaphor of mockingbirds is recurrent, portraying them as innocent beings that contribute only beauty to the world. Killing them is equated to destroying pure goodness.

  7. The Complexity of Humanity: The quote about some men being so focused on the next world that they fail to live in the present highlights the complexity of human nature and the struggle to balance spiritual concerns with worldly responsibilities.

  8. Injustice and Consequence: The idea that "the one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's consequence" addresses the theme of individual morality and the consequences of one's actions, irrespective of societal norms.

These concepts collectively contribute to the rich tapestry of "To Kill a Mockingbird," a masterpiece that delves into issues of morality, racism, and the human condition. If you have specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to explore further, feel free to ask.

Quotations from To Kill a Mockingbird — Tacoma Public Library (2024)

FAQs

What are 5 important quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird? ›

“The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.” “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” “Before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself.” “You just hold your head high and keep those fists down.

What was Atticus Finch's famous quote? ›

You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don't you let 'em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change.”

What are some powerful quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird? ›

The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.” “*ntil I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—” “Sir?” “—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

What is the quote #1 in To Kill a Mockingbird? ›

"Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

Who says the mockingbird quote? ›

"'Remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird. ' That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it. 'Your father's right,' she said. 'Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy…but sing their hearts out for us.

What are some quotes about change in to kill a mockingbird? ›

  • 1 Guess you'll change your tune now. ...
  • 2 Lemme know when you change your mind. ...
  • 3 This change in Jem had come about in a matter of weeks. ...
  • 4 Of course he shouldn't, but he'll never change his ways. ...
  • 5 The second change in Maycomb since last year was not one of national significance.

How old is Dill to kill a mockingbird? ›

How Old is Dill in To Kill a Mockingbird? Dill in 7 years old, but his short stature makes him look younger. In fact, Jem originally believes he is only 4 1/2 years old.

Why is it a sin to kill a mockingbird? ›

"It's a sin to kill a mockingbird": Innocence destroyed by evil, the mockingbird represents the idea of innocence. Thus, to kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence. As Atticus Finch says "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy" and that is why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.

What are Atticus's quotes about strength? ›

I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.

What does Scout say Atticus doesn't do? ›

Scout calls Atticus feeble, he wouldn't play football with Jem because he said he was too old to be tackled. She laments that he wasn't like the other fathers in town. He doesn't go hunting or fishing; he doesn't smoke or drink; and he won't even play poker.

How old is Jem? ›

Jem begins the novel at around the age of 10 and ends the novel at age 13.

What is an important quote from Chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird? ›

“'Sometimes it's better to bend the law a little in special cases. In your case, the law remains rigid. So to school you must go. '”

What is the important quote in Chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird? ›

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. This important snippet of conversation from Chapter 3 finds Atticus giving Scout the crucial piece of moral advice that governs her development for the rest of the novel.

Why is the Mockingbird quote important? ›

Atticus isn't the only person who thinks it's a sin to kill a mockingbird; Miss Maudie, the neighbor across the street, does, too. Ultimately, the mockingbird is a symbol of goodness and hope, so this passage teaches readers about the difference between good and evil.

What is the most important thing in To Kill a Mockingbird? ›

The main point in To Kill a Mockingbird revolves around the value of protecting innocence.

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