The focus of this month’s blog comparing the book versus its film adaptation is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Lee was a unique individual and won a Pulitzer Prize for the novel, and she was also involved in the making of the film and was extremely satisfied with the outcome.
The book (1960) is my favorite book and the film (1962) is in my top five. Much can be learned from examining the themes, setting, plot, and figurative language across the two mediums. Books often provide rich descriptive language and figurative expressions that allow readers to imagine the story in their own way, while films bring those same elements to life visually, sometimes making changes that alter how the story is experienced. By comparing the two, we can see how themes are emphasized or shifted, the setting recreated on screen, and the plot shortened or adapted to fit the format.
As a note, To Kill a Mockingbird deals with serious themes such as racism, injustice, and unfair treatment. Some scenes—both in the book and film—can be intense or upsetting. These moments are important to the story’s lessons about courage, empathy, and standing up for what is right. While reading or viewing, pause and reflect, or consider discussing with a teacher, parent, or friend if needed.
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most famous historical fiction novels in American literature. Many English students read the book in school, and some also watch the 1962 film version. While both the book and the film tell the story of Scout Finch growing up in Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s, they are not the same. The biggest differences show up in the setting, the plot, and the themes. First, though, let’s explore some figurative language that can be found in both.
Figurative Language
Figurative language is used in both the book and film, but it plays a much bigger role in the book since Harper Lee uses it heavily in Scout’s narration to create imagery and voice. The film, however, relies more on visuals, tone, and acting to replace some of the figurative language. Here are some clear examples from both:
- Metaphor (found in both the book and the film): “You never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” (Atticus)
- Personification (found in the book): “Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it.” (Scout narrating). For this example, the film shows Maycomb as dusty, slow-moving, and worn-down through sets, lighting, and camera work instead of using words.
Setting
In the book, the setting of Maycomb, Alabama is described in great detail. We can imagine the hot summers, the small-town gossip, and the way the Great Depression affects families. Scout’s neighborhood feels real because Harper Lee includes descriptions of each house and the people who live there. The film, however, shows Maycomb through black-and-white images. While we can see Scout’s house, the courthouse, and Boo Radley’s place, the town is not as detailed as it is in the book. For readers who love imagining worlds, the book paints a much richer picture, while the film helps bring the town to life quickly on screen.
Plot
The plot also feels different depending on whether you read or watch the film. In the book, we follow Scout through many smaller adventures, like the children’s fascination with Boo Radley, her time at school, and Atticus’s lessons about life, such as the metaphor mentioned above. All of these moments build up to the bigger event: the trial of Tom Robinson. The film, however, focuses much more on the trial itself. Many of Scout’s smaller adventures are left out or shortened, which makes the film feel more like a courtroom drama than a coming-of-age story.
Themes
The themes are also presented in different ways. The book takes time to explore many lessons, such as the unfairness of racism, the importance of kindness, and the idea of looking at life through another person’s eyes. Because the novel is longer, we see Scout and Jem slowly learn these lessons as they grow up. The film, on the other hand, centers more strongly on racial injustice. The courtroom scenes and Atticus’s role take center stage, while the themes about childhood and growing up are not as clear as they are in the book.
Overall, both the book and the film versions of To Kill a Mockingbird are powerful, but they work in different ways. The book is richer in detail and shows more of Scout’s world and her growth, while the film is shorter and focuses mainly on the trial. If you want the full experience of Maycomb and Scout’s childhood, the book is the best choice. If you want to see the story brought to life quickly and powerfully, the film makes a great companion.
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Questions for Discussion
- How did the movie’s visuals and performances shape your understanding of the characters compared to the book?
- Which version—book or movie—made the themes of courage, empathy, and justice feel stronger, and why?
- How did the book’s figurative language compare to the movie’s visual storytelling in bringing Maycomb and its story to life?
What do you think? Have you read or watched To Kill a Mockingbird? Do you prefer the book or the movie? Let us know which book-turned-movie we should explore next in the comments!
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Author: Pamela Crum, Teacher Coordinator at A Grade Ahead
