Essay Comparing The Secret Life Of Bees And To Kill A Mockingbird

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To Kill a Mockingbird and The Secret Life of Bees are classic examples of American literature. They navigate through the issues of racism and segregation. Lily and Scout are both white, motherless southern females alive at a critical time in the evolution of the south. Both witness the harmful effects of racism. Both see the beauty in black people instead of the ugly lies that white society has thrust upon them. Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird and Lily from The Secret Life of Bees both have “stand in mothers.” In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout’s “stand in mother” is a maid named Calpurnia. In many ways Calpurnia is a mother-figure to Scout. Calpurnia is also a teacher, nanny, housekeeper, and friend to everyone in the family. Because Atticus is a widower, he relies on Calpurnia to take care of the children when he is gone, much like his wife would have done. She prepares their meals, punishes the children when they are out of line, and bestows life lessons and advice. She is strict with both children, but she loves them and they love her. Lily’s “stand in mother” is Rosaleen. Rosaleen is the only …show more content…
Atticus a well-respected citizen in the town of Maycomb, the townspeople even elect him as a state representative. Throughout the novel, Atticus relates to Jem and Scout through gentle words, kind gestures, and valuable life lessons. Atticus is always calm, and at peace with the situation, even when it doesn't go his way. Whenever Jem or Scout have a problem, he addresses the situation with wisdom and grace. One of the best lessons that he teaches his children concerns Boo Radley and Walter Cunningham. He wants his children to not make judgments about someone until they have seen things from his or her standpoint---walk around in his shoes to see what the other person sees. Atticus raises his children to a high moral standard and does not want them to stoop below it. He cares for his children and loves them