Unlocking the TruthWhat does it mean to kill a mockingbird? For many who haven't had the pleasure of reading Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, that's just a bird. For many others who have done it, killing a mockingbird means preying on the defenseless and the good. No great story has ever been without provocative subject matter. Harper Lee's historical novel To Kill a Mockingbird addresses the issue of persecution of the innocent, racism, stereotypes, and many others. Unfortunately, this work of art has been banned from many reading lists due to the issues it deals with. While To Kill a Mockingbird addresses controversy, it teaches valuable lessons and should be considered a must-read. To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless work of art that should remain in school curricula. While it has many characters who serve as role models, it also has characters whose actions are less than honorable. In fact, the main antagonist, Bob Ewell, is extremely offensive. His crude language and actions could get the classic banned. After strutting into the witness stand during the trial, Mr. Ewell grins and shouts, "I see that black nigger over there quivering on my Mayella" (206). This shows his lack of respect for both the man in question and his daughter. Mr. Ewell casually throws out words like nigger with abandon, and describes the African-American man's actions as crudely as possible, claiming that he was "riding on my Mayella," Bob's adult daughter. By calling an adult woman his, Bob is showing no respect for anyone in question. This lack of respect for both women and African Americans is a horrible thing, and it is obvious that no one would accept or want this behavior. It was later said in court that Bob Ewell yelled at his daughter, "You damn bitch, I'll kill you" (260), implying that this case was Mayella's fault. What he says is very powerful: he is not afraid to threaten people to get what he wants. Bob Ewell's mannerisms are so lewd that it's clear why To Kill a Mockingbird is considered school appropriate. Another reason why To Kill a Mockingbird was removed from schools is the sexist view of most people in Maycomb County. The narrator, a strong theme is perseverance, shown once again through Atticus. When Scout asks her father why he is defending a black man in a case he will surely lose, he responds by saying "Just because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason not to try" (101). This is a loud quote about Harper Lee's views. Atticus believes that even when the outcome of a challenge has already been decided, that is no reason not to fight for a different outcome. Even when defeat is certain, the lesson is taught that you can still try to win. The lesson of perseverance is an important one to teach, especially to middle and high school students. Another important lesson in To Kill a Mockingbird is to take the right path, not do what's easy. Most of the lessons in To Kill a Mockingbird are taught by Atticus, who teaches Scout probably some of the most important lessons of all, including doing the right thing. He tells her that “The only thing that doesn't respect the rules of the majority is a person's conscience,” which is another theme from his childhood. Making your own decisions without being influenced by society is a skill that everyone needs, which is best seen when Atticus takes Tom Robinson's side. This means that a person cannot say that because others are doing it, they should undoubtedly do it too. The moral is precisely this: doubt about what