Nicholas Weaver

Mrs. Mason
English 10 H Per: 3
March 7, 2014

To Kill a Mockingbird: Final Essay

A true gift is, in one sense, an unexpected blessing bestowed by a person or even,
perhaps, by fate. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem and Scout receive symbolic gifts through a tiny
knothole in Boo Radleys tree. These unique presents, all of which can be touched or held,
include chewing gum, twine, dolls, and a broken watch. However, some of the most important
gifts in the book are intangible, such empathy, lack of prejudice, and friendship. The gifts, both
physical and intangible, are used as symbols of the characters and also help the reader understand
the novel better as the story unfolds. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the gifts with the most
significance and importance may not just be ones that can be touched or held but are the ones
that are intangible.
The gifts found in the knothole of Boo Radleys tree can be regarded as one of the most
significant gifts identified throughout the book. The gifts, which include, chewing gum, twine,
dolls, and a broken watch, represent Boo's friendly connection with the Finch children. Everyone
think Boo is a fearsome, malevolent phantom (Chapter 1) and awful rumors are spread around
about him. In fact, Boo is a kind, loving, and caring person, except he does not have any contact
with the outside world. He leaves gifts in the knothole for Jem and Scout to find, because he
wants to express his friendship. Jem cries when Nathan Radley cements the hole because he

realizes that Boo is trying to befriend them and Nathan Radley is cutting off that connection by
depriving Boo of friendship.
The lack of compassion on Nathan Radleys part exemplifies how Atticus compassion
for every person regardless of their race is one of the greatest traits he can give to his children.
Many of Atticus actions are based on his beliefs and guided by his morals which he tries to
install into his children. Racial prejudice is present throughout the novel in the people of
Maycomb's everyday life, as it is set in the Deep South in the 1930's. An example of racial
prejudice in Maycomb is the trial of Tom Robinson. At trial, Tom Robinson is misjudged and
mistreated because he is black. However, Atticus does not believe in discriminating against a
person because of the color of their skin. He feels that it is his duty to stand before the court and
defend Tom Robinson. He says to Scout many times, if he does not defend this man, he can
never tell Jem or her not to do something. He has to set a good example for his children and if he
expects them to do something or follow certain values, then he must display them first.
Moreover, another gift is the gift of empathy. The Finch family is known for their ability
to understand and share their feelings with others. For example, Scout always solves everything
with violence. However, Atticus teaches Scout to solve issues by communicating instead of using
violence. You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anyone says
to you, dont let em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a changeits a good one,
even if it does resist learning. (Page 76) Atticus is also very modest as he does not look down
on people even though he is more intelligent than them. The gift of empathy is valued by Atticus
because he wants his children to grow up as good human beings and not judge others.

All and all, in To Kill a Mockingbird the most important gifts are not the ones that can be
touched or held but ones that are intangible. The gifts, both physical and intangible, are used as
symbols of the persons character and also help the reader understand the novel better as the
story unfolds. The gifts of friendship, empathy, kindness, and lack of prejudice all play an
intricate role on the characters and influence how they feel or act. The twine, dolls, and broken
watch help to develop a friendship between Jem & Scout and Boo Radley. Atticus gifts of
empathy and the lack of prejudice help develop Jem and Scout into better human beings. A true
gift is, in one sense, an unexpected blessing bestowed by a person or even, perhaps, by fate.