William Wordsworth says that, “Life is divided into three terms - that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future” (Brainyquote). In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird the lives of the citizens of Maycomb County, Alabama follow the idea of this quote in that they themselves learn from past mistakes. Prejudice, one of these major mistakes, is highly prevalent in the novel, and many characters have different opinions on prejudice and attempt to influence others with their perceptions. These differing opinions on prejudice and the true meaning of equality are exemplified through the characters of Atticus Finch, Calpurnia, and Arthur Radley. Through subtle and not-so-subtle lessons, these characters attempt to influence and educate Jem and Scout on their own views on prejudice, revealing that by educating the future generations of the mistakes of humanity 's past, those in the present can prevent further mistakes from being made.
Atticus Finch attempts throughout the novel to influence Jem and Scout to treat all people equally. Because her father, Atticus, is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, in court, Scout is ridiculed by other children saying that Atticus is a “n****** lover.” When she asks Atticus about this, he responds that he, “[does his] best to love …show more content…
Harper Lee uses these characters’ lessons both to influence the reader to avoid prejudice and also to show the importance of educating the younger generation. As William Wordsworth says, “Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future.” Therefore, all people need to attempt to educate those who come after so that the future will change for the
Atticus Finch attempts throughout the novel to influence Jem and Scout to treat all people equally. Because her father, Atticus, is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, in court, Scout is ridiculed by other children saying that Atticus is a “n****** lover.” When she asks Atticus about this, he responds that he, “[does his] best to love …show more content…
Harper Lee uses these characters’ lessons both to influence the reader to avoid prejudice and also to show the importance of educating the younger generation. As William Wordsworth says, “Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future.” Therefore, all people need to attempt to educate those who come after so that the future will change for the