Through the study of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Help, my understanding of integrity has been heightened. These texts portray a myriad of integrious and non-integrious actions. The main lessons I learnt was that integrity can’t exist without making sacrifices - whether they be large or small, that integrity, or a lack of integrity is shaped by an individuals interactions and experiences.
Integrity can’t exist without self-sacrifices. Lee teaches us this through the experiences of Atticus, Scout and Boo Radley, who all make sacrifices in order to do the right thing. In the novel, Atticus makes many sacrifices, for example, Atticus sacrifices him and his family when he chooses to defend Tom Robinson, even if it means going against the values of Maycomb and being judged by others. Also, when Bob Ewell has just spat on him he says, “if spitting in my face or threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take.” The use of the word “gladly” along with his humorous tone highlights his selflessness and willingness to sacrifice himself for others. Finally, Boo’s supreme act of self-sacrifice comes in the last chapter when he kills Bob Ewell to save Scout and Jem, therefore sacrificing his reputation. In The Help, a similar theme of sacrifice is explored. Skeeter has to sacrifice many things in order to help the maids have a voice. This includes sacrificing her first true relationship and having to leave Jackson because of the book. Through the preaching as the black church, Abilene has an epiphany while Pro. Green is saying, “Courage is daring to do what is right in spite of the weakness of our friends.” This, along with the cheerful music, enforces the idea that she should help Skeeter, even if it means putting her job in jeopardy.
Individuals growing sense of integrity is shaped by their interactions and experiences. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee shows the flaws of the education system by showing the valuable lessons individuals learn outside of school, through characters such as