I've just read the book 'To Kill a Mockingbird and I have to write an essay on the question "Explain how the themes of prejudice and tolerance are explored in the novel"
I've started on my essay, but it's been a long time since I've written one. I've made two introductions but which would be best to start off with.
1. The book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird explores the themes of prejudice and tolerance to great extent through its characters. Scout Finch, along with many other members of the Maycomb community, wonder at the racial tensions between the white and the coloured people.
2. The book To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel and has sold over 30,000,000 copies worldwide. It is based around the 1930’s, a time where themes of prejudice and tolerance are emphasised throughout the book with the use of its characters.
Could you please help me edit/choose which would be best.
I was thinking the second one sounded better, but with some of the information being irrelevant.
This is what I've changed the second one to, is this better or worse?
The book To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel and has sold over 30,000,000 copies worldwide. It is based around the 1930’s, a time where racism was very prominent. Harper Lee emphasises the themes of prejudice and tolerance in her novel through the use of her characters. The narrator of the story, Scout, comes across many encounters with prejudice and tolerance as her father defends a black man.
The book To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel and has sold over 30,000,000 copies worldwide. It is set in the 1930’s, a time when racism was very prominent. Harper Lee emphasises the themes of prejudice and tolerance in her novel through the use of her characters. The narrator of the story, Scout, comes across many people and situations with prejudice and intolerance as her father defends a black man.
That was actually me who asked the question on the second post, I was in the library when I asked that question, so mix up with the names.
Both introductions provide a good starting point for your essay, but let's see how we can improve and refine them to make them more effective.
1. The first introduction captures the central themes of prejudice and tolerance and mentions one of the main characters, Scout Finch. However, it could benefit from a stronger hook to engage the reader. Here's a revised version:
"In the critically acclaimed novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' Harper Lee masterfully explores the pervasive themes of prejudice and tolerance. Set in the racially divided town of Maycomb, Scout Finch, the young protagonist, finds herself perplexed by the deep-seated animosity between the white and colored communities. Through Scout's eyes, Lee compellingly portrays the damaging effects of prejudice while also examining the transformative power of tolerance."
2. The second introduction highlights the book's popularity and era, but as you mentioned, some of the information may be irrelevant to the essay prompt. Let's revise it to focus more directly on the themes:
"Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' paints a vivid portrait of the 1930s, an era steeped in prejudice and marked by the quest for tolerance. With meticulous characterization and a powerful narrative, Lee delves deep into the hearts and minds of Maycomb's citizens, illuminating the profound impact of prejudice and the potential growth that tolerance can inspire."
The revised versions effectively introduce the central themes of prejudice and tolerance while providing a compelling hook to engage the reader. Choose the one that resonates with you the most, keeping in mind the tone and flow you want for your essay.