How is pride and shame explored in “To Kill a MockingBird”

Pride and shame is explored in To Kill a Mockingbird, in one example as a social code for the youth. Dill teases Jem into doing a dare which he is scared of. That is to run and touch the wall of the Radley’s house, which involves running through the Radley’s garden. Jem does not want to do the dare, but then he would be regarded as a coward in his group of friends. Jem would rather force himself into doing a dare than being shamed into his group. In the end Jem does the dare and feels proud of himself, and builds on his reputation in his social group.

By Jem doing the dare that he did not want to do, it shows that people in society need the approval of others in order to feel pride in their actions. It is an integrated code in society which


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3 responses to “How is pride and shame explored in “To Kill a MockingBird””

  1. Christopher Waugh Avatar

    This is very strong thinking, Leon. All it needs now is a supporting quotation!

    1. leonz Avatar
      leonz

      Thanks for the feedback, I could not find the exact quotation, but I will try to find one and include it.

      1. Christopher Waugh Avatar

        Now that you know you’re looking for it, you might notice it while we read. If you come across one that works well, you can stop and record it in the lesson.

        I’m pleased with the way you’re working in English, Leon – and thanks for the reply.

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