“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them” (Ernest Hemingway). This thought-provoking quotation can be applied to the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The novel explores the complex themes of prejudice, justice, and trust. In this essay, I will analyze the meaning of the quotation and its connection to the novel.
Firstly, the quotation emphasizes the importance of taking risks and having faith in individuals. Hemingway implies that in order to fully trust someone, we must take the leap of faith and trust them from the beginning. This notion of trust is demonstrated in the novel through the character of Atticus Finch. Atticus, the moral backbone of the story, demonstrates trust by defending Tom Robinson, an African American, in a court case. Despite the prejudices of the time and the inevitability of a guilty verdict, Atticus trusts that justice will prevail and defends Tom with all his might.
Furthermore, the quotation addresses the concept of vulnerability. In order to trust someone, we must be prepared to be vulnerable and open ourselves up to the possibility of being hurt. This idea is also reflected in the novel through the character of Boo Radley. Boo struggles with trusting others due to past experiences of betrayal. Despite this, he ultimately saves the lives of Jem and Scout and reveals himself to them. Through this act, Boo shows the power of trust and the potential for growth that comes with it.
Moreover, the quotation suggests that trust is built through actions rather than words. In order to trust someone, we must see their actions align with their words. This is exemplified in the novel through the character of Bob Ewell. Ewell falsely accuses Tom Robinson of committing a crime, despite Atticus’s belief in Tom’s innocence. Ewell’s actions reveal his true character and demonstrate the importance of trusting actions over words.
In conclusion, Hemingway’s quotation, “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them” is highly applicable to the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The novel explores the themes of prejudice, justice, and trust through the characters of Atticus Finch, Boo Radley, and Bob Ewell. The novel demonstrates the value of trust in relationships and the potential for growth that comes with it. Through words and actions, the characters in the novel reveal how trust can bring about positive change in individuals and society.
Quotation Essay Criteria: Write a five paragraph essay using one of the quotations from one of the four essay topics listed on the next page. When writing your essay be sure to include the following: • The quotation and it’s author • The meaning of the quotation • The title and author of the novel • Details from the story to support connections between the quotation and the novel. When writing your essay be sure to do the following: • Use transition words and phrases (for example, also, as a result, therefore, however, in conclusion, etc.) to connect sentences • Use the present tense when writing about literature • Avoid using personal pronouns such as I, we, you, us when writing about literature.
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