Extending The Theme

       When I first opened up To Kill A Mockingbird, I thought that my summer was going to be really boring, but as I read more and more, I discovered that the book was teaching me some things that I had known and learned a lot about but never really fully comprehended the impact of what it had on society.  For example, racism is so important in this story, and Scout's unique and unforgettable aspect of how Negros were talked about and treated back then gave me an insight that I will always remember.  When Tom was found guilty, I was furious because I could relate to Tom, I would do exactly as him.  He just innocently helped a neighbor with chores.  He was innocent and he should have never been put through all of that misery.  Racism overcame the common good and even common sense because Atticus's case was so good.
       I think the novel was kind of speaking to me in a way my parents do because there were so many important lessons that Harper Lee conveyed through her expertly crafted mini subplots that eventually started to symbolize different things.  For example, the rabid dog symbolized Tom Robinson and what the town thought of him (and what eventually happened to him, getting shot down).  I thought the book was like a puzzle, because there were so many different things going on at once, but they were all related in some way even if it took until the end of the book to realize (like me).  Once the subplots, or puzzle pieces, started getting put together, the book became more understandable for me, and it was remarkable how much more enjoyable the book became for me.
      Last of all, I think To Kill A Mockingbird means that somewhere, deep down, you know you've experienced something, anything, like Scout did in her adventures in Maycomb.  It doesn't have to be exact, but Scout's experiences relate to everyday life.  For me, I remember the kid in third grade who couldn't afford his lunch and didn't have a peaceful family to go home to.  I related this to Scout's experience with Walter Cunningham, without the beating up, of course.  The experience probably isn't a racial court case, or a rabid dog walking through the streets, but Scout experienced a million things in that book some may call a genius.  Anyone can relate to at least one of Scout's experiences.  Anyone.