To Kill A Mockingbird Quotes Meaning give a deeper understanding of the book.
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most beloved novels. It has inspired countless readers with its powerful messages of courage and justice. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous quotes from the book and explain their meaning and significance.
90 To Kill A Mocking Bird Quotes With Page Numbers
Important To Kill A Mockingbird Quotes Meaning Explained
1. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Meaning and Page Number
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 3, Page 33
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird is an important reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding. Recognizing that everyone’s experiences and opinions are valid encourages us to have more compassion and understanding of each other.
We often assume that we understand another person’s perspective without genuinely walking in their shoes or considering the situation from their point of view. This quote encourages us to think more deeply about why somebody may act, think, or feel a certain way, even if we disagree.
2. “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read” Meaning and Page number
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch as narrator), Chapter 2, Page 20
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird emphasizes the importance of learning to love reading. It implies that before we truly understand the joy of reading, we must first experience the fear of losing our ability or access to it, just like breathing is an automatic reflex.
Reading was something to be taken for granted until Scout realized how much she would miss it if she lost it. This quote highlights the significance of education and reading in Scout’s life, particularly when only some have access to books and education.
37 Scout Finch Quotes With Page Numbers
3. “I wanted you to see what real courage is” Meaning and Page Number
“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 11, Page 128
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird emphasizes the true meaning of courage. Rather than viewing courage as physical or violent, this quote suggests that it is about facing adversity head-on despite knowing beforehand that you may not be successful.
It’s about facing intimidating odds and pushing forward regardless of the outcome. Real courage is about having the strength and conviction to do what is right even when it is easier not to.
It is about standing up for justice in the face of oppression and fighting for what is right, even when it seems impossible.
35 Atticus Finch Quotes With Page Numbers
4. “People generally see what they look for” Meaning and Page Number
“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Judge Taylor), Chapter 17, Page 198
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird, attributed to Atticus Finch, suggests that people’s perspectives can and often do shape how they interpret their surroundings. People tend to focus on what they already believe in or perceive as the truth and look for evidence that supports their preconceived notions.
Furthermore, this quote can be interpreted to mean that people are often willing to ignore or overlook facts and information that contradict their beliefs. People must strive for open-mindedness to ensure subjective biases and prejudices do not limit their worldview.
25 Tom Robinson Quotes With Page Numbers
5. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” Meaning and Page Number
The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 11, Page 120
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird speaks to the power of an individual’s moral convictions and ability to resist the majority’s will. It is a reminder that everyone can stand up for what they believe is right, even if it is not popular or supported by the majority.
In a society of diverse perspectives and values, it is important to remember that everyone’s conscience is valuable and worthy of respect. And it encourages people to think for themselves rather than be swayed by the majority opinion.
6.“Atticus told me to delete the adjectives and I’d have the facts.” Meaning and Page Number
“Atticus told me to delete the adjectives and I’d have the facts.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch), Chapter 7, Page 67
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird expresses wisdom and advice from Atticus Finch regarding the importance of keeping an objective viewpoint.
Through his words, he encourages people to look at the facts without being swayed by emotional attachments or prejudices. By deleting the “adjectives” (subjective feelings), one can focus better on the facts and make decisions based on reason and logic rather than preconceived notions.
Atticus’ message is one of objectivity: to be able to look at the facts without bias and make decisions accordingly. This is an important lesson for anyone seeking justice or understanding a situation.
7. “I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.” Meaning and Page Number
“I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch), Chapter 23, Page 259
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird concerns equality and understanding between people. Atticus Finch expresses that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of race or social standing.
He believes that despite our differences, we are all fundamentally the same underneath it all – “folks” This belief was heavily challenged during this time in the South. Finch’s words remind everyone that we should treat each other respectfully and compassionately.
Recognizing this common humanity can create a more unified society where everyone is respected and valued.
8. “Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle” Meaning and Page Number
“Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle in the hand of (another)… There are just some kind of men who – who’re so busy worrying about the next world they’ve never learned to live in this one, and you can look down the street and see the results.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Miss Maudie), Chapter 5, Page 50
This quotation from To Kill a Mockingbird shows how misguided people can misuse even the most sacred texts. Maudie Atkinson warns against those who wield religion as a weapon, using it to control and oppress others instead of providing guidance and comfort.
He implies that if one focuses only on the afterlife, they may become so consumed with this thought that they neglect their current reality and its people. This is evidenced by a glance down the street, where one can easily see the consequences of such actions.
9. “Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.” Analysis and Page Number
“Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 31, Page 323
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird speaks to empathy and understanding. The phrase suggests that people are more than they initially appear to be.
And that we should only judge them once we have taken the time to get to know them. Further, it implies that beneath their exterior, there are complex stories and life experiences that shape their character.
Thus, if we take the time to get to know and understand someone, our perception of that person might improve.
10. “They’re certainly entitled to think that” Meaning and Page Number.
“They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions,” said Atticus, “but before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 11, Page 120
The quote from Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird highlights the importance of maintaining one’s moral compass and personal integrity.
In the novel, Atticus teaches his children to respect other people’s opinions while ensuring they live up to their standards of right and wrong.
He wants them to be able to look in the mirror and know that they have done their best to live a life of honesty, self-respect, and integrity. Atticus reminds us that personal responsibility should precede societal pressure or expectations.
11. “Remember, it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Analysis and Page Number
“I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you’ll go after birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it. “Your father’s right,” she said. “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corn cribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 10, Page 103
The quote from To Kill a Mockingbird shows that it is immoral to harm something or someone who has done nothing wrong and only shown kindness.
The narrator’s father, Atticus Finch, tells his daughter that shooting blue jays is acceptable if she can hit them, but killing a mockingbird is a sin. Miss Maudie further explains that mockingbirds do nothing but make music for people to enjoy, and it would be wrong to take such sweetness away from them.
The quote thus serves as a metaphor for how society should treat one another – with kindness and understanding instead of taking advantage of an innocent person or creature.
12. ”you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life,” analysis and Page Number
“As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it—whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 23, Pg. 252
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird is an important reminder of the injustice and inequality in the American South during the time the novel takes place.
The quote expresses Atticus Finch’s belief that no matter how wealthy or socially respected someone is, when they cheat or mistreat another human being for any reason, they are still deemed “trash.”
It is a compelling statement regarding racial injustice, as it suggests that no matter the social class of a white man, they should not be allowed to get away with mistreating people of color.
This quote serves as a reminder that all humans should be treated equally and fairly, regardless of their background.
13. “People in their right minds never take pride in their talents.” Analysis and Page Number
“People in their right minds never take pride in their talents.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Miss Maudie), Chapter 10, Page 112
This quote from To Kill A Mockingbird emphasizes the importance of humility. It conveys that people should not take pride in their talents or successes, as it is not the behavior of someone in their right mind.
Instead, one should remain humble and recognize that their successes are not solely their own but a result of an effort from many people.
14. “It was times like these when I thought my father…was the bravest man who ever lived.”
“It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch), Chapter 11, Page 115
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird reveals how pride in one’s talents can be misguided. The quote suggests that people should use their talents as tools to help others rather than as something to boast about or take pride in.
Atticus Finch, the father of Scout and Jem Finch, is used to exemplify this idea- despite never. Having gone to war, he is the bravest man alive in his children’s eyes for standing up for his beliefs and teaching them important things and moral lessons.
This quote encourages us to recognize that our talents should not be a source of pride but rather used as an opportunity to help others.
12 Jem Finch Quotes With Page Numbers
15. “With him, life was routine; without him, life was unbearable.” Analysis and Page Number
“With him, life was routine; without him, life was unbearable.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch), Chapter 12, Page 132
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee speaks to the importance of family and close relationships. It emphasizes the significant role that specific individuals play in our lives, showing how mundane or unbearable life can be without them.
The quote shows how essential these people are to us – with them. Life is predictable and manageable; life becomes chaotic and unbearable without them. This quote reminds us that we should cherish the people closest to us and always strive to strengthen our relationships with them.
16. “It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway.” Analysis and Page Number
“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 11, Page 128
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird is an expression of true courage. It speaks to the power of perseverance and determination, even in adversity.
Courage is not just about physical strength or having the tools to fight back; it is also about taking on challenges despite knowing that success may be unlikely but having faith that you can still make a difference.
This quotation emphasizes that courage is not about having the upper hand or being well-equipped; it’s about having faith in yourself to stand up for what you believe in, even when the odds are stacked against you.
17. “It’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name” Meaning and Page Number
“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.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 11, Page 124
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird is an important reminder of the power of resilience and self-confidence. Reminding us that being called a “bad name” shouldn’t be taken as an insult.
It encourages us to maintain our self-worth despite what others say or think about us. The quote also reveals the ignorance of those who make such insults, showing us that their words don’t affect our actual worth or character. Instead, it speaks to how “poor” they are regarding kindness and understanding.
Ultimately, this quote reminds us to stay strong and confident despite what others think or say about us.
18. “When a child asks you something, answer him” Meaning and Page Number
“When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness sake. But don’t make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion faster than adults, and evasion simply muddles ’em.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 9, Page 99
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird emphasizes the importance of being honest and straightforward with children to maintain trust between parent and child.
It is essential to answer any questions without trying to avoid them, as children are very perceptive and can quickly tell when adults are not genuine or open with them. Doing so will help keep the child’s trust and help them better understand the moral and ethical lessons that can be learned.
Overall, this quotation is a reminder of how important it is to foster an environment of honesty and openness between adults and children.
19. “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started” Meaning and Page Number
“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Atticus Finch), Chapter 9, Page 87
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird encourages us never to give up in adversity. It conveys that, even if we were defeated before, that doesn’t mean we should abandon hope and concede defeat.
We may be at a disadvantage, but it doesn’t mean we should give up; instead, it is in those situations that we should strive our hardest to succeed. The quote is a reminder that even with limited resources or opportunities, it’s essential to keep fighting and never give up.
It encourages us to persist in adversity and reminds us that even if things appear impossible, they may still be achievable with enough determination and effort.
20. “I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.” Meaning and Page Number
“I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch), Chapter 23, Page 259
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird emphasizes that everyone is equal and should be treated with respect and kindness, regardless of their background or social standing.
Scout Finch recognizes that everyone has a shared humanity and should not let differences divide us. The quote reminds us that we should strive to accept and understand one another and that there is ultimately only one kind of person – folks.
21. “Things are always better in the morning.” Meaning and Page Number
“Things are always better in the morning.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch as narrator), Chapter 22, Page 243
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird reflects the attitude of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. It suggests that even in difficult times, there is still the possibility of things getting better with time.
Viewing problems as temporary rather than permanent, people can gain the perspective and strength to work through them. In other words, this famous line is a reminder to stay hopeful despite the challenges and difficulties of life.
It encourages us to keep our minds open, no matter how difficult the situation may seem, because things can always turn around in the morning. The words provide comfort and remind us that we can overcome struggles by looking toward the future with hope and resilience.
22. “We’re paying the highest tribute you can pay a man.” Meaning and Page Number
“We’re paying the highest tribute you can pay a man. We trust him to do right. It’s that simple.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 24, (Character: Miss Maudie), Page 269
This quote from To Kill A Mockingbird speaks to trust and the power of believing in someone. Atticus Finch’s words emphasize the importance of trusting in someone and the weight of that trust. It suggests that when we trust someone, we honor them and show our faith in their ability to do the right thing.
23. “I was born good but had grown progressively worse every year.” Meaning and Page number
“I was born good but had grown progressively worse every year.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch as narrator), Chapter 9, Page 92
This quote from To Kill A Mockingbird, spoken by Scout, reflects that we all start as innocent children but can be corrupted by the world as we grow older. It implies that no matter how good or innocent we may be, life will challenge us, and our choices may lead us down a darker path.
24. “Summer was Dill.” Meaning and Page Number
“Summer was on the way; Jem and I awaited it with impatience. Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the tree house; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape; but most of all, summer was Dill.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch), Chapter 4, Page 38
This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird captures the anticipation of summer with which Scout, Jem, and Dill Harris greet the season each year.
It highlights how summer is full of joy and promise; from sleeping on the back porch to snacking on treats to exploring an array of colors in the landscape, plenty of exciting activities are awaiting them.
Most importantly, summer also brings Dill, the source of friendship, adventure, and fun for these young protagonists. As such, summertime offers a reprieve from the mundane routine of everyday life and a chance to make special memories with friends.
Dill Harris Quotes With Page Numbers
25. “Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness” Meaning and Page Number
“Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between. Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our lives. But neighbors give in return. We never put back into the tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad.”
~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Character: Scout Finch as narrator), Chapter 31, Page 320
This quote from To Kill A Mockingbird speaks to the importance of family and the idea that you can’t pick your family. It emphasizes that your family will always be yours, regardless of whether you acknowledge them or not, and that it looks foolish to ignore them.
This quote reminds us of the importance of family and our responsibility to treat our family with respect and kindness.
It also speaks to the idea that neighbors can be like family and offer us comfort and support even in the darkest times.