A List Of 10 Great Ideas For An Essay On Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird

One of the most well-known literary classics in the United States is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It teaches several valuable lessons and the writing techniques used throughout the book are a great lesson for students. However, choosing a topic for an essay on To Kill a Mockingbird is not an easy feat. Here are ten great ideas to get you started.

1. Write an analysis of one of the book’s greatest quotes. To Kill a Mockingbird is filled with a number of memorable quotes. Choose one of them and do an analysis. What do you think the writer meant? Has this been analyzed by anyone else? Do you agree with their opinion? Why or why not?


2. Write about the theme of empathy. Choose some of the main characters in the novel and show how they either demonstrate or learn empathy. How does this play a role?


3. Write about the theme of courage.


4. Talk about real world events- the Great Depression. To Kill a Mockingbird is set during the Great Depression of the 1930s. What role does this setting play throughout the novel? At one point, the author says that the economic matters of the time affected the actions of some characters, but not of others (like Bob Ewell). Why?


5. Discuss the character development of Boo Radley. Boo is seen as a monster in the beginning of the novel. Eventually, he is seen as a savior. How does the way Scout understands Boo develop throughout the novel? What does she learn?


6. Consider Atticus’ parenting style. What type of relationship does Atticus have with Jem and Scout? Is there anything wrong with it? Why or why not?


7. Discuss the personification of the town of Maycomb. The town of Maycomb has a certain character, or identity. Describe the town as though it were a book character. Has it changed, and how?


8. Analyze the representation of law in the book. Atticus, Jem, and Scout recognize the limits and power of the legal system. What do they learn?


9. Discuss how the town of Maycomb feels about Atticus. He is both respected but criticized. Why?


10. Discuss the mockingbird theme. What is the mockingbird theme and what does it mean? Where does it show up during the novel and how does it affect the course of the book?