June 16, 2023

Faithspotting "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Faithspotting

Hosts Kenny and Mike discuss the stage and film adaptations of Harper Lee's novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" as well as the faith elements reflected in the productions.

Kenny and Mike discuss and spotfaith in the film and stage adaptations of Harper Lee's classic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. The film version was released in 1962 and stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch and Mary Badham as Scout. The stage production, written by Aaron Sorkin starred Jeff Daniels as Atticus opened on Broadway in 2018. The 2023 touring production stars Richard Thomas with Mary Badham playing Mrs. Henry Dubose, and Melanie Moore as Scout.

Faith Spotted:

The film and stage production depict Atticus as a Christ Figure in his willingness and courage to do the righteous thing in representing Tom Robinson, knowing he and his family will suffer for it. 

The place and audacity of evil as personified by Bob Ewell who abuses his own daughter, blames Tom Robinson, taunts the Robinson family, and the Finch children.

In the face of such evil, and in contrast to the example of Christ as seen in Atticus, the temptation to go along, to remain silent and fail to stand up for righteousness. 

The gift of grace to do what is righteous even if it is not in line with the law as depicted by Sherrif Heck Tate when he declared Bob Ewell fell on his knife during his attack on the Finch children.