Themes in To Kill a Mockingbird

Coming of age

(Bildungsroman)

​Definition

Also known as a bildungsroman, a classic coming-of-age story follows

one or more characters during their journey of growing up into

adulthood. These characters may experience everything from a loss

of innocence, to an awakening or self-awareness before finally

reaching maturity. While coming of age stories are popular in young

adult literature, they’re also common in memoirs.

Examples of coming of age-stories

Open Ended

What are some other examples of 'coming of age' stories? These can be movies, tv shows, or books.

Courage

The triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity is a hugely

popular theme in literature, film, and real life. Characters in stories

about courage endure difficult circumstances or impossible odds,

persevering through sheer determination, grit, and gall.

Courage

Justice

Examples of stories of

courage. Can you

think of more

examples?

Prejudice

Coming of age
(Bildungsroman)

Courage

Justice

Small town life

Please share something

interesting you heard from
the clip that you want to

share with the group.

Open Ended

What are some other (modern) examples of stories that explore the theme of courage?

Prejudice

Coming of age
(Bildungsroman)

Courage

Justice

Small town life

Examples of coming
of age stories. Can
you think of more

(modern) examples?

Courage

The triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity is a hugely
popular theme in literature, film, and real life. Characters in stories
about courage endure difficult circumstances or impossible odds,
persevering through sheer determination, grit, and gall.

Justice

The desire to be treated fairly, and to see others treated fairly, is a
fundamental human impulse. We seek justice in our own lives, and
many of us promote it in the lives of others. Injustice strikes us as
unnatural, an imbalance that should not be tolerated in moral,
humane societies.

Prejudice

Coming of age
(Bildungsroman)

Courage

Justice

Small town life

Explain how courage

was a theme in To
Kill a Mockingbird.

If you select the theme of courage, make
sure you research the literary theme and

read texts that have used the theme.

Suggested reading list:

•The Ravine by Graham Salisbury

•Beyond the Bayou by Kate Chopin

•Kannenner The Brave a Dreamtime Story as

told by Leigh Maynard

Prejudice

Coming of age
(Bildungsroman)

Courage

Justice

Small town life

Examples of stories

with justice as a

theme. Can you think

of more (modern)

examples?

Open Ended

What are some (modern) stories that explore the theme of justice?

Multiple Choice

'Bildungsroman' is another word for what kind of story?

• Coming of age

• A story exploring courage

• A story exploring revenge

• Justice

Multiple Choice

How is To Kill a Mockingbird explore the 'coming-of-age' theme?

• We see Boo Radley grow and change

• We see Scout grow up and change throughout the year as she learns more about the world

• We see Atticus grown and change

Open Ended

How does To Kill a Mockingbird explore the theme of justice?

Open Ended

Which characters in To Kill a Mockingbird demonstrate courage? What do they do that is courageous?

Open Ended

You have chosen the theme 'justice' for your short story. What are some scenarios, characters, or settings you could explore in your