How is the theme of Appearance vs Reality evident in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Answer 1

I think one way to look at it would be pertaining to "civilization" and "society." Out society is supposed to be correct and good all the time, right? Wrong. Especially during this time in history. Huck learns that there is a mask, and he takes it off. Sometimes we see only what we want to see, and appearances can be deceiving. Reality can still be made good, though. Lies and greed won't get you there.

Answer 2

Appearance versus reality is a major theme in the novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. There are many incorrect perceptions in the Town of Maycomb County which include Jem and Scout's opinion of their father, Atticus, and the town's delusion of Arthur "Boo" Radley and Dolphus Raymond.

In the introductory segment of the novel, Jem and Scout look at their father as an embarrassment and they think his age prevents the development of their relationships. When Miss Caroline asks Scout to tell her father to stop teaching her to read, Scout replies, "'Teach me?' [she] said in surprise. 'He hasn't taught me anything, Miss Caroline. Atticus ain't got time to teach me anything' (Lee 17)." This signifies the children's misconception of their father. In Bob Ewell's eyes Atticus is nothing but a criminal because he defended Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping Bob's daughter, Mayella Ewell. Atticus is one of the few residents of Maycomb committed to racial equality, and brought up Scout and Jem accept it too.

"'First of all,' [Atticus] said, 'if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. 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' (Lee 30)."

This signifies Bob Ewell's misconception of Atticus.

They think he is a tired, old man with no time for them, but in reality he is a better father than most others, teaching them all the right things they need to know to get on well in life.

Jem's judgement of Mrs. Dubose plays a very significant role in making the reader apprehend her character properly. Mrs. Dubose treats Jem and Scout with a great deal of disrespect. Every time they pass her house while she is sitting on her veranda, she hurls criticisms and insults at them. She pushes Jem to his limits and causes him to destroy her most treasured possessions, her camellias. Atticus punishes Jem by making him read to Mrs. Dubose every day for one month and Scout joins him. After Mrs. Dubose passed away, Atticus explains to his children that she was a morphine addict, and her goal was to stop taking it before she died. He made his children understand what the meaning of courage is. Mrs. Dubose is seen by Jem and Scout as an old and mean woman, but in reality, she is extremely brave and courageous.

Dolphus Raymond is written off as a drunk. In reality he is a sober man, pretending to be drunk. The people of Maycomb County do not like the way he lives because he lives among Negroes and is married to one. Dolphus pretends to be drunk because he feels it gives the people of Maycomb county a reason to latch on to, a reason for his behaviour. He believes that by doing this people can say he lives the way he does because he is under the influence of whiskey. Dolphus explains this theory to Scout and Dill:

"'Wh-oh yes, you mean why do I pretend? Well, it's very simple. Some folks don't-like the way I live. Now I could say to hell with 'em, I don't care if they don't like it. I do say I don't care if they don't like it, right enough-but I don't say to hell with 'em, see?' (Lee 200)."

Dill and Scout were confused, so Dolphus tried to explain it some more:

"'I try to give 'em a reason, you see. It helps folks if they can latch onto a reason. When I come to town, which is seldom, if I weave a little and drink out of this sack, folks can say Dolphus Raymond's in the clutches of whiskey- that's why he won't change his ways. He can't help himself, that's why he lives the way he does' (Lee 200)." These differences depict the little-known differences between appearances and realities.

Ignorance and misapprehension confuse people between appearance and reality. For example, Jem and Scout's opinion of their father, Jem's judgement of Mrs. Dubose, the town's delusion of Boo Radley and Dolphus Raymond are because of people who have mistaken appearance for reality. We learn through this novel, To Kill A Mocking Bird, and this important theme, that mistaking appearance for reality is a major factor of life to be careful about.

Answer 3

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the theme of appearance vs reality is evident through the contrast between how characters are perceived by others versus their true nature. For example, Boo Radley is initially feared and misunderstood by the community based on appearance alone, but is ultimately revealed to be kind and gentle. Similarly, characters like Bob Ewell try to present themselves as upstanding citizens, but their actions show their true nature. This theme highlights the idea that things are not always as they seem on the surface.

Answer 4

no idea...i need help myself