To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird touches on the “Spirit of Competition” by displaying failure, civility, and rivalry.  Atticus, a prominent lawyer in Maycomb, normally wins every case.  During a crucial point in the book, Atticus loses an important case.  He does everything he can, but the inherent racism of the town causes him to lose.  Atticus handles the defeat with class and grace.  His maturity sets him apart from the uncivil town of Maycomb.  

To Kill a Mockingbird shows that the correct way to deal with failure is with civility.  But in some of these rivalries, the intense passion leads to a lack of civility, especially in the conflict between Atticus and the angry townsperson, who attempts to kill Atticus’ two children. But regardless of the conflict, there is an ever present sense of competition.

To Kill a Mockingbird is available through Indiana Humanities Novel Conversations lending library. Request a set (for free!) for your book club today.