As part of our series of articles on learning techniques, revision and preparation for GCSE English Literature and GCSE English examinations that will be published over the coming weeks.

This article focuses on the stereotypes portrayed in the GCSE English Literature text To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee:

Original article sourced from the super teacher resource website Teachkit. Teachkit offer a great selection of free GCSE English and GCSE English Literature notes to help you revise and learn.

Stereotyping: To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird sets out to challenge some stereotypes but it may also reinforce some alternative stereotypes. One common criticism of the novel is that the black characters are idealized. Lula is an exception, objecting to the appearance at First Purchase of the Finch children.

Harper Lee attacks the stereotype of the promiscuous and sexually voracious black man, but she endorses the stereotype of “White trash”, in the Ewell family. In the USA there are many people who disapprove of dependency on the state, and on welfare payments – both the poor Cunninghams and the wealthy (but emotionally poor) Radleys are proud of their self-reliance.

The stereotype of aristocratic white women is held up to ridicule – their virtue is seen as excessive delicacy, and they appear as selfish and hypocritical. Scout wants to be like a boy, because she likes to be active. In general, the novel depicts men more favourably – or perhaps it shows that men may commit worse actions but women are more spiteful in what they say. Perhaps only a woman can be so tough in depicting her own sex (in this respect, Harper Lee writes rather in the manner of Jane Austen).

In a novel with a huge cast of characters, there is no reason to avoid using stereotypes in every case. There are plenty of characters, from Atticus to Dolphus Raymond, from Miss Maudie to Boo Radley, who do not conform to any stereotype.

We hope this article helps with your GCSE English Literature revision. Be sure to check out the LearnThruMusic learning song “From the other Side” To Kill a Mocking Bird.

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