To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel by Harper Lee, is a classic tale of racism and prejudice in the Deep South during the 1930s. The story is told through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch, who lives in a small town in Alabama with her brother Jem and their father, Atticus, a lawyer.
One of the central themes of the novel is the idea of ascertaining, or seeking to understand and learn about something. Throughout the story, Scout and Jem are constantly trying to figure out the world around them and how to navigate the complex social dynamics of their community.
One way that the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird demonstrate their desire to ascertain is through their curiosity about the people and events in their town. Scout, in particular, is a curious and inquisitive child, always asking questions and seeking to understand the motivations and actions of others. This curiosity is often met with resistance and scorn, as the adults in her life try to protect her from the harsh realities of racism and prejudice.
Despite this, Scout persists in her quest to understand the world around her. She learns about the history of her town and the injustices that have taken place there, and she begins to see the world through a more nuanced and empathetic lens. This process of ascertaining is central to her development as a character and helps her to become a more compassionate and understanding person.
Another way that the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird demonstrate their desire to ascertain is through their efforts to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Atticus, for example, is a deeply moral and fair-minded man who is willing to stand up for what he believes in, even when it is unpopular or difficult. He takes on the case of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, knowing full well that he will face backlash and criticism for doing so.
Through his actions, Atticus shows that he values justice and fairness above all else, and that he is willing to take a stand against injustice and prejudice. In this way, Atticus embodies the idea of ascertaining, as he seeks to understand and defend the principles that he believes in, even in the face of great opposition.
In conclusion, To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful and poignant tale that explores the themes of racism, prejudice, and ascertaining. Through the eyes of Scout and Atticus, we see the importance of seeking to understand and learn about the world around us, and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right, even in the face of great adversity.
