Reason Vs. Madness in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird

In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are many recurrences of the theme of reason vs. madness. An all too familiar scene is when the mad Tim Johnson is seen "moseyin'" down the road by Jem and Scout and is put out of his misery by Atticus, who at first is reluctant to take the shot. This scene not only strengthens Atticus' character, but sets a prime example of how reason …

…reason vs. madness is not often taken as important, it is actually very relevant to the development of other aspects of the novel, such as the theme of innocence. For each incident in which chaos is present, whether physically or mentally, there is reason that stands as its foe. Most importantly is that presence of childlike innocence that breaks the barrier between justice and morality; that which separates reason from madness and truth from fallacy.