We as humans have been taught the distinction between right and wrong throughout our entire lives. However, what makes one person 's right, another person 's wrong? In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by author Harper Lee, Atticus Finch and his two children are put in the spotlight when Atticus is appointed as Tom Robinson’s attorney. Tom, a black man, is accused of raping and beating Mayella, a white woman, but the accusation is made by her abusive drunk father, Bob Ewell. This novel exhibits morality as a theme. Not only is the novel an outstanding classic, but it portrays how one should go through life standing strong in ethics and morals. As the trial goes on, we, as readers, learn from the multiple context clues and statements that Bob
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Segregation between whites and blacks was a major issue. Blacks weren’t considered people, rather they were considered and treated like animals. Fortunately many of the Maycomb citizens are capable of determining the difference between the right and wrong way to proceed life as well as people. The reference between a black man and a mockingbird is used multiple times throughout the novel, stating that they are alike in almost every aspect. "I 'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you 'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it 's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (90 Lee). With this reference in mind, if it is a sin to kill a mockingbird then what is it called when one kills a black man? After Tom is accused guilty, he decides to try and flee prison. As he is escaping, a policeman shoots Tom 17 times, killing him. Despite the extreme hatred and distrust of blacks, there are many people during this time period who believe that everyone is created equal no matter what color skin they have. According to the majority …show more content…
Dubose wins her battle, unfortunately Tom does not. The Robinson court case does not turn out in Tom’s favor, however it is still a small step towards racial equality. “To Maycomb, Tom 's death was typical. Typical of a nigger to cut and run. Typical of a nigger 's mentality to have no plan, no thought for the future, just run blind first chance he saw...” (204). By this quote being stated in the novel, it supports the stereotype that blacks are always guilty and they run away from their problems, as Tom did. The reasoning for Tom’s sudden escape is that he wanted to take his own chance of freedom rather than letting his fate be up to white folks. Being accused guilty for a crime that Tom clearly didn’t commit, questions the level of equality and fairness that a courtroom provides. Atticus being Tom’s attorney, the impact of the case on the Finch children changes their outlook on life. Their perspective of equality, outsiders, blacks, and themselves transform into more positive idea/thoughts and the mentality that Maycomb, is in need of change. "First of all," he said, "if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you 'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" (30). Atticus uses his wisdom in order to teach his daughter, Scout, a life lesson. A lesson that teaches you should never judge one based on their outside appearance
Segregation between whites and blacks was a major issue. Blacks weren’t considered people, rather they were considered and treated like animals. Fortunately many of the Maycomb citizens are capable of determining the difference between the right and wrong way to proceed life as well as people. The reference between a black man and a mockingbird is used multiple times throughout the novel, stating that they are alike in almost every aspect. "I 'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you 'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it 's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (90 Lee). With this reference in mind, if it is a sin to kill a mockingbird then what is it called when one kills a black man? After Tom is accused guilty, he decides to try and flee prison. As he is escaping, a policeman shoots Tom 17 times, killing him. Despite the extreme hatred and distrust of blacks, there are many people during this time period who believe that everyone is created equal no matter what color skin they have. According to the majority …show more content…
Dubose wins her battle, unfortunately Tom does not. The Robinson court case does not turn out in Tom’s favor, however it is still a small step towards racial equality. “To Maycomb, Tom 's death was typical. Typical of a nigger to cut and run. Typical of a nigger 's mentality to have no plan, no thought for the future, just run blind first chance he saw...” (204). By this quote being stated in the novel, it supports the stereotype that blacks are always guilty and they run away from their problems, as Tom did. The reasoning for Tom’s sudden escape is that he wanted to take his own chance of freedom rather than letting his fate be up to white folks. Being accused guilty for a crime that Tom clearly didn’t commit, questions the level of equality and fairness that a courtroom provides. Atticus being Tom’s attorney, the impact of the case on the Finch children changes their outlook on life. Their perspective of equality, outsiders, blacks, and themselves transform into more positive idea/thoughts and the mentality that Maycomb, is in need of change. "First of all," he said, "if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you 'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" (30). Atticus uses his wisdom in order to teach his daughter, Scout, a life lesson. A lesson that teaches you should never judge one based on their outside appearance