Quote Analyisis Flashcards
(15 cards)
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
Atticus Finch
Empathy, Moral Education, Perspective
Atticus teaches Scout to empathise with others by imagining life from their point of view, highlighting one of the novel’s core moral lessons.
“The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”
Atticus Finch
Morality, Justice, Individual Integrity
Atticus stresses the importance of individual morality over social conformity, particularly in his decision to defend Tom Robinson.
“But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal—there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller… That institution, gentlemen, is a court.”
Atticus Finch
Justice, Equality, Law vs. Prejudice
In his courtroom speech, Atticus appeals to the ideal of fairness, though the outcome tragically shows the failure of this ideal in practice.
“It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
Atticus (via Miss Maudie)
Innocence, Injustice, Symbolism
The mockingbird symbol represents innocence harmed by evil—linking to characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.
“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”
Judge Taylor
Bias, Perception, Prejudice
This quote critiques human tendency to filter reality through prejudice—key to understanding Maycomb’s societal mindset.
“Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.”
Scout (Narration)
Racism, Injustice, Powerlessness
Scout recognises the systemic racism so strong that Tom’s fate was sealed before trial—illustrating the inevitability of injustice.
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
Scout Finch
Childhood, Identity, Learning
Scout describes reading as natural and essential to her identity, showing her early intelligence and connection to Atticus.
“Atticus, he was real nice.” “Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.”
Scout & Atticus
Empathy, Growth, Judgement
Scout applies Atticus’s lesson about understanding others, especially Boo Radley—showing her moral development.
“Jem was crying. He was not crying because he was angry… It was because of the injustice of it all.”
Scout (Narration)
Injustice, Loss of Innocence, Growing Up
Jem’s reaction shows his emotional maturity and awareness of the deep unfairness in adult society.
“Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand… It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.”
Atticus Finch
Courage, Morality, Inner Strength
Atticus redefines courage as moral perseverance, not physical force—modelled in both the trial and Mrs. Dubose’s struggle.
“I wanted you to see what real courage is… it’s when you’re licked before you begin…”
Atticus Finch
Courage, Moral Integrity, Role Modelling
Atticus uses Mrs. Dubose’s battle with addiction to teach Jem that courage means doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.
“Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies…”
Scout (Narration)
Misjudgement, Kindness, Innocence
Scout reflects on Boo’s quiet generosity, contrasting earlier fears with his gentle reality.
“Will you take me home?”
Boo Radley
Vulnerability, Humanity, Empathy
Boo’s only line is gentle and simple, showing his quiet, human presence beyond the myths that surrounded him.
“Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it.”
Scout (Narration)
Setting, Tradition, Social Stagnation
This opening image reflects the slow-moving, deeply rooted prejudice in Maycomb’s culture.
“The thing is, you can scrub Walter Cunningham till he shines… but he’ll never be like Jem.”
Aunt Alexandra
Class Prejudice, Social Inequality
Aunt Alexandra’s words expose the rigid class hierarchy in Maycomb—even among white families.
