The three main themes circle around prejudice, courage and knowledge. Atticus takes us through the theme of prejudice through his defending Tom. He shows his kids to do what is right. Both kids learn not only from him but through Calpurnia as well. They see her as a mom before they see her as their "cook."
Courage is shown in several characters. Mrs. Dubose fights her way to be drug free before dying. Atticus knows he's going to lose, yet he tries to keep Tom out of jail. And Boo risks his life to save the children.
The knowledge is throughout the book with both children. Scout learns through walking in others' shoes. Jem learns that just because Atticus proved Tom was innocent doesn't mean Tom won't be convicted. Many characters grow in this novel, but Scout is by far the one to go through the "bildungsroman" which is the knowledge and maturation over time from childhood to adulthood. Narrating the story later in life, she is able to share perspectives from both a child and as an adult.
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