My Favorite Novel Helped Me Realize Who I Am
Start writing a post
Entertainment

My Favorite Novel Helped Me Realize Who I Am

To Kill a Mockingbird helped me discover parts of who I am.

208
My Favorite Novel Helped Me Realize Who I Am
Eugenio Mazzone

During my freshman year of high school, we had to read a novel that focused on several different characters. There was a man who was defending someone in court that everyone else believed to be guilty, two children who had extreme curiosity and yearned for adventure, and an outcast who simply wanted friendship and to be seen as normal.

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the rare novels to which everyone can relate. In my case, I identify with several characters.

Atticus is a defense attorney who does not back down when everyone thinks his client is guilty. He keeps fighting for his beliefs and on behalf of someone else.

The two children, Jem and Scout, long for something more than their little town has to offer. They want adventure and freedom and… more.

Boo Radley is an outcast based on his social status. He is cut off from the outside world and although he is slandered and treated badly, he still hopes for friendship and watches over Jem and Scout.

Like Atticus, I believe that we should fight for what we believe and never give up on people no matter what anyone else thinks.

Like the children, I want to explore what the world has to offer and not be stuck in a place with no adventure.

Finally, like Boo, I was sometimes the outcast of my friends in high school. My beliefs were different and even I, as a person, was different. I was talked to and about rudely and was never anyone’s first choice, but I still wanted companionship and took it upon myself to protect others.

Recently, I was asked why I continue to give people multiple chances even after they’ve wronged me, and I can easily answer that with the characters from this novel.

If Atticus didn’t believe in the defendant and couldn’t see that he truly was good, then that man would have had nothing left for him.

If the children had not been curious and full of adventure, they would have missed out on life lessons and friendships.

If Boo Radley would have let the rumors, myths, and thoughts about him keep him from watching over kids and protecting them, Jem would have had potentially fatal consequences.

These characters embraced who they are and let that dictate their actions rather than allowing the outside world to affect them. I relate to this because I do everything I can to see the best in people and extend friendship. You don’t always know someone’s story and all you can do is believe in them.


This novel has impacted my life... just like it was meant to do.

To Kill a Mockingbird helped me discover parts of who I am.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48192
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30598
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954526
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

175092
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments