Page 174 To Kill A Mockingbird Quote
"It's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you."
Introduction
To Kill A Mockingbird is a novel written by Harper Lee, published in 1960. It is a classic of modern American literature and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. The novel deals with issues of racial inequality and injustice in the Deep South of the United States in the 1930s.
One of the most famous quotes from the novel can be found on page 174. This quote is often cited as an example of the wisdom and insight that can be found in Lee's writing.
The Context of the Quote
The quote comes from a conversation between Atticus Finch, the novel's protagonist, and his daughter Scout. Atticus is a lawyer who has taken on the defense of a black man accused of raping a white woman. This is a controversial and unpopular decision in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, where the novel is set.
Scout is upset because some children at school have been taunting her about her father's defense of the black man. Atticus tells her that she should not be bothered by this name-calling, because it says more about the people doing the name-calling than it does about her or her father.
The Meaning of the Quote
The quote is a powerful statement about the nature of insults and the people who use them. Atticus is saying that being called a bad name is not a reflection of one's character or worth. Instead, it reveals the ignorance and prejudice of the person doing the name-calling.
This quote is particularly relevant to the themes of the novel, which deal with the injustices of racism and prejudice. Atticus is trying to teach his children that they should not be judged or defined by the color of their skin or the social status of their family. Instead, they should be judged by their actions and their character.
The Importance of the Quote
The quote on page 174 is one of the most memorable and important quotes in To Kill A Mockingbird. It encapsulates many of the novel's themes and messages in a single powerful sentence.
The quote has also become a popular saying in its own right, used to encourage people to rise above insults and name-calling. It is often cited in discussions of bullying and discrimination, as a reminder that the opinions of others do not define us.
Conclusion
The quote on page 174 of To Kill A Mockingbird is a powerful statement about the nature of insults and the people who use them. It is a reminder that we should not be defined by the opinions of others, and that we should judge people based on their actions and character.
This quote has become famous for its wisdom and insight, and continues to be an important message for people of all ages and backgrounds.