Conflict, Struggle, and Resolution: To Kill a Mockingbird Analysis

This essay provides a critical analysis of the conflicts presented in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." The discussion focuses on the struggles faced by the characters, particularly Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch, and Boo Radley, and how these conflicts are resolved throughout the novel. The essay examines the character versus society conflict, highlighting the impact of racism on Tom Robinson's case and Atticus's defense. It also explores the character versus character conflict involving Boo Radley and the children, Scout and Jem. The essay emphasizes the resolutions of these conflicts, such as Atticus gaining respect despite losing the case and the children learning acceptance. The analysis concludes that Lee effectively presents potent struggles and provides appropriate resolutions, tying together the novel's themes of justice, prejudice, and compassion.

Running head: CONFLICT IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Conflict in To Kill a Mockingbird
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1CONFLICT IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
In works of narrative, such as novels, conflict and struggle play an important role in
grasping and retaining the attention of the reader. Moreover, these struggles work to construct
hurdles in the characters’ paths by sewing in uncertainty and doubt. In novels, it can also be
witnessed that the characters face these struggles and successfully overcome them. Harper
Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a complex yet intriguing novel that efficiently weaves and
untangles the struggles throughout the course of the work. This discussion critically
analyzes the struggles that the characters face throughout the novel and the ways in
which they are resolved as the novel comes to an end.
In this novel, the looming struggle that is presented to the readers is that of Tom
Robinson. Atticus, being a prominent lawyer, agrees to fight the case on behalf of Tom
Robinson. Robinson is black man who has been accused of raping a white woman (Macaluso
2017). Moreover, in this Tom Robinson case, the novel presents a character versus
society struggle. Due to the extreme racism of the townspeople, proving that Tom is innocent
becomes a Herculean task for Atticus. The racist outlook of the townspeople fuels the
struggles of Tom Robinson to a great extent. As the case progresses, Atticus’ struggles comes
to the forefront. Atticus decides to defend Tom with utmost honesty. Even after providing
ample evidence that Tom is innocent, the prejudiced jury still declare him to be guilty. For
example, Atticus successfully proves that it was absolutely impossible for Tom to strike
Mayella and injure her right eye with his deformed left arm. However, the jury lets their
biases seep out in their decision, “People generally see what they look for, and hear what they
listen for.”
Therefore, Atticus’ tactics fall short when it comes to convincing the jury, who are
blinded by their racist viewpoints. The only positive point that may be examined from the
entire case is that the jury takes a hoard of time of time to deliberate and come to a
conclusion. This shows that Maycomb is starting to ponder over these complex issues without

2CONFLICT IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
passing judgment immediately. Even though Lee states, “Remember it’s a sin to kill a
mockingbird,” Tom is sentenced to prison and shot 17 times as he attempts to escape. Even
though it may seem that Atticus and Tom may be defeated, the novel successfully presents
the resolution. Atticus is successful in significantly gaining the respect of some of the
citizens in the town. He certainly garners respect from his children. Even though he has been
defeated in the case, Atticus knows that he has walked the path of truth and honesty. Atticus
is well aware that he has presented all of the evidence that was required and nothing more
from his part could have been done. Hence, Lee aptly comments, “The one thing that doesn’t
abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” Thus, this feeling is enough to provide
Atticus with a level of satisfaction. In addition, Atticus’ children are also taught valuable
lessons on equality through this tumultuous situation.
In this novel, all of the characters are subjected to encounter multitudes of struggles.
The struggle of Boo Radley may also be deemed as a character versus character
conflict. Firstly, Scout and Jem’s intrigue when it comes to Boo can be seen throughout their
childhood. However, his presence has always been a mystery for them. Moreover, Jem and
Scout are subjected to heavy violence and abuse rising from the other children because
Atticus decides to take on Tom’s case. Bob Ewell sneakily approaches the children from
behind and vehemently attacks them, “He slowly squeezed the breath out of me” (Lee 2010).
However, Boo Radley resolves this conflict and saves Jem and Scout by killing Bob Ewell.
The readers learn at a later point in the novel that it is was Boo who saved the children. The
mysteriousness of Boo Radley finally comes to the forefront as he allows Scout to walk him
home (Murphy 2015). The resolution for Scout is brought about when she learns to accept
others who are different. This brings in a sense of self awareness and maturity. When it
comes to Boo Radley, the resolution comes about when he becomes aware that he has found
a friend in the children.

3CONFLICT IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Thus, it can be concluded that Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird presents multitudes of
struggles in the lives of the characters. However, it is also witnessed that these conflicts are
also proactively resolved by the end of the novel. For instance, Tom, Atticus and Boo all
tread on a difficult journey to find a resolution to their conflicts. Hence, it can be deduced
that even though Lee presents potent struggles in her novel, she ties the loose ends by
providing appropriate resolutions to the conflicts.

4CONFLICT IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
References
Lee, H., 2010. To Kill a Mockingbird. Random House.
Macaluso, M., 2017. Teaching To Kill a Mockingbird Today: Coming to Terms With Race,
Racism, and America's Novel. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 61(3), pp.279-287.
Murphy, M.M., 2015. Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a
Mockingbird. Random House.