This quote is from Atticus Finch to Jem Finch before Atticus goes to bed. It is referring to Tom Robinson being convicted and found guilty. Jem asks how could these people do such a thing, and Atticus replies with this honest line.
This quote is a combination of two extremely impacting thoughts. The first thought being that the jury and Bob Ewell are killing mockingbirds. Tom Robinson is completely innocent and the sad thing is that everybody knows it including Bob Ewell. Atticus does not know how they could possibly accuse this poor man of being guilty when all evidence points towards Bob Ewell. They should have taken a step into Tom Robinson's shoes and looked from his point of view. The second thought is that it "seems that only children weep." I really love the message that this is sending. Whereas all these people are just looking at the outside layer, the kids are looking at the inside. The people are looking at Tom Robinson's skin color and automatically associating him with bad thoughts. Innocent kids aren't going to judge a book by its cover, but by their actions. Jem, Dill, and Scout all see how wonderful a person Tom is by his actions and personality, but the others can not get past the outer layer. The quote is an example of "words of wisdom" because it shows how evil people can be and never think a think of it. It also implies the old saying "never judge a book by its cover" by referring to the children being upset with the outcome of killing a mockingbird.
(The first picture is of Susan Boyle because she explains the words in the second picture perfectly. She auditioned for Britain's got Talent and was probably thought to be a joke until she opened her mouth and sang.)
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