What Is a Reflective Essay?

A reflective essay is the type of writing work where you need to gather your ideas, insights, and experiences on the subject together and put them on paper. As you can understand from the title of this essay type, reflective essays are based on self-reflection – the ability of a person to explore one’s experiences and thoughts through introspection. In order to write great reflective essays, you need to read decent reflective essay examples.

'To Kill a Mockingbird' Reflective Essay

Being one of the most popular books in the American literature 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was based on personal experiences of the author and it addresses racial issues and loss of innocence.

The narrative tells us about Atticus Finch and his 6-year old girl named Scout who was born in a Southern town in times of Great Depression. A huge part of the novel is focused on the Tom Robinson’s trial – a black man who is suspected in the rape of a white woman. Thankfully to the effort of Scout, Tom was saved from lynching. And even though Atticus proved that Tom was innocent, he was convicted and shot while trying to escape. After it, Bob Ewell tries to kill Scout to avenge Atticus for unveiling Bob’s lies about Tom. 

'To Kill a Mockingbird' Main Characters

The main character of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is Scout. Her real name is Jean Louise Finch and the story is based on her narrative. Atticus, who is the father of Scout is the second important character of the narrative and he feels an urge to help Tom out of a sense of justice. It is interesting that actions of Atticus transform him from a simple man into a symbol both inside and outside the book.

Another important character is Boo, a reclusive man which few people can understand. However, his actions in the end of the book make it clear that he is, in essence, a good-natured person and there are no reasons to be afraid of him.

There’s also Tom. His trial gives context and momentum to the whole story and attitudes of different characters of the novel to Tom are integral both to the general setting and the narrative.

'To Kill a Mockingbird' Main Ideas

'To Kill a Mockingbird' central idea is courage which takes different forms. Scout fights bullies to defend her father and Atticus is willing to defend an innocent man, even though he knows that he will make a lot of enemies in a racially prejudiced town. 

Another important idea of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a loss of innocence and this idea is ingrained in the title of the novel. Killing the mockingbird is devoid of sense because mockingbirds are harmless and helpful. However, Scout learns that cruel society can kill ‘mockingbirds’ easily and this is exactly what happens with Tom.

The novel also shows us that making judgments without evidence is pointless. Although Boo is reclusive and seems strange, he turns out to be a good man.

We will write a custom essay on your topic

0 writers online

Learn More

The message of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is as actual today, as it was when it was written and therefore it is a recommended reading for everyone.