I KILLED THE MOCKINGBIRD!

14Oct06

This week I read the widely read book “To Kill A Mockingbird”. “So, what’s the big deal?”, some of you may say. People read books all the time. I’m not saying it’s a big deal or a noteworthy achievement. But then, I couldn’t let go of the temptation of sharing my experience online for those who may find it helpful.

Harper Lee was unknown to me till about a month back when I came across an article on her in The Deccan Chronicle. The article dealt with her personal life, writings and beyond. I came to know that despite To Kill A Mockingbird being a huge success, she never really penned another novel. The reasons, though many, seem largely unsubstantiated and vague. Lee led a secluded life till her death and remained aloof from friends and critics alike it seems. The article also reported on the friendship of Lee and another literary great Truman Capote. Capote it seems, was her mentor for quite sometime. It (the article) also hinted at the idea that many of Capote’s writings may not have been his after all, and may have actually been written by Lee, which may be one of the reasons which led to her shying away from public glare.

   

             HARPER LEE                             TRUMAN CAPOTE

A movie starring Gregory Peck, Robert Duvall and Brock Peters was released in 1962 which was based on this book and went by the same name. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is one of the great classics from the sixties. Gregory Peck played the role of Atticus Finch. He is a lawyer who must defend a black man, accused of raping a white girl. One cannot easily forget the quite unforgettable courtroom scene in which Atticus Finch fights for justice for Tom Robinson. It’s one of the best movie scenes that captures the imagination of audiences to this day.

 

I got the book at an astounding price of 295 rupees (astounding ’cause I thought being so small a book, it was overpriced) at one of the leading bookstores. Though, I had to wait for nearly a month to get started on it. It was borrowed and re-borrowed and re-re-borrowed many times over. I got my hands on it only last week and before anyone else could borrow it for the nth time, I rushed through it. Beautiful is the only word that can perhaps capture it in its entirety. The character of Atticus Finch is sure to impress the fastidious of cynics.The novel written from the viewpoint of an eight year girl, provides an insight into many of the social prejudices that were prevalent in those times. Atticus Finch is perhaps the most morally upright character that I have come across in my literary expeditions. Jean Louise and Jem, I guess were lucky to have him as their father. The line that clearly defines the title is etched in my memory,

“You can shoot all the bluejays you want; if you can hit ‘em, but remember, it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

I felt really sad quite a number of times reading it and even cried once. One cannot help but feel the characters come alive while reading this book. I wish Lee had written a few more books such as these. Atticus Finch lives on forever and it’ll always be a sin to kill a mockingbird.

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