To Kill a Mockingbird: Study of Prejudice “Prejudice in any form is more than a problem; it is a deep-seated evil within our society.” Bigotry goes further than one’s judgement; it spreads rapidly and defines humanity as a whole. It lies within the heart of society resulting in immense social issues that affect the innocent. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee utilizes the motif of prejudice to illustrate the prominence of the social issue of discrimination in Maycomb through Atticus Finch, Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson. First, Atticus Finch faces animosity from society due to his moral beliefs and actions. Shortly after Jem’s birthday, he and Scout pass by Mrs. Dubose’s house to head into town, yet they are abruptly stopped
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Thus, Mrs. Dubose exemplifies prejudice by having disdain for Atticus’s actions of defending Tom Robinson, an African American man. Mrs. Dubose has adopted the social issue of racism within Maycomb, and her diction of, ‘lawing for [expletive]’ reveals the aversion she has for Atticus’s moral views and her belief in the superiority of whites. Lee’s use of powerful words create an arrogant tone and emphasize the daily language in Maycomb. Furthermore, discrimination towards Atticus can be seen from his sister, Aunt Alexandra. As Atticus and Aunt Alexandra get into an altercation, Scout goes upstairs to see her brother Jem. Scout and Jem discuss the relationship between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra, and Jem states, “[Aunt Alexandra] won’t let [Atticus] alone about Tom Robinson. She almost said Atticus was disgracin’ the family” (Lee 167). Evidently, the relationship between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra is regressing because Aunt Alexandra does not approve of Atticus’s decision in defending Tom …show more content…
As Scout describes her neighborhood, she eerily depicts her neighbor, Boo Radley's house and the stories associated with the Radleys. In particular, Scout describes, “...People still looked at the Radley Place, unwilling to discard their initial suspicions” (Lee 9). In Maycomb, citizens have prejudice for the Radley's, and they do not want to try and change their fixed views. The social issue of discrimination within Maycomb continues to exist due to citizens not willing to stand up towards bigotry and end their initial suspicions. Because the citizens of Maycomb are unable to change their thoughts without evidence, Boo Radley faces continuous prejudice without regard to his true character, perpetuating his social stigma in Maycomb. Here, Lee further develops the social issue of discrimination in Maycomb through the continuous views towards Boo Radley. Moreover, in the beginning of the novel, Scout describes her neighborhood and the citizens of Maycomb. Scout depicts her neighbor, Boo Radley's house and the enigmas and social customs associated with Boo Radley. Specifically, Scout expounds, “Radley pecans would kill you. A baseball hit into the Radley yard was a lost ball and no questions asked” (Lee 10). Evidently, the false, perpetuated rumors towards Boo are an everyday occurrence in Maycomb: resulting in avoidance of the Radley House. Lee utilizes
Thus, Mrs. Dubose exemplifies prejudice by having disdain for Atticus’s actions of defending Tom Robinson, an African American man. Mrs. Dubose has adopted the social issue of racism within Maycomb, and her diction of, ‘lawing for [expletive]’ reveals the aversion she has for Atticus’s moral views and her belief in the superiority of whites. Lee’s use of powerful words create an arrogant tone and emphasize the daily language in Maycomb. Furthermore, discrimination towards Atticus can be seen from his sister, Aunt Alexandra. As Atticus and Aunt Alexandra get into an altercation, Scout goes upstairs to see her brother Jem. Scout and Jem discuss the relationship between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra, and Jem states, “[Aunt Alexandra] won’t let [Atticus] alone about Tom Robinson. She almost said Atticus was disgracin’ the family” (Lee 167). Evidently, the relationship between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra is regressing because Aunt Alexandra does not approve of Atticus’s decision in defending Tom …show more content…
As Scout describes her neighborhood, she eerily depicts her neighbor, Boo Radley's house and the stories associated with the Radleys. In particular, Scout describes, “...People still looked at the Radley Place, unwilling to discard their initial suspicions” (Lee 9). In Maycomb, citizens have prejudice for the Radley's, and they do not want to try and change their fixed views. The social issue of discrimination within Maycomb continues to exist due to citizens not willing to stand up towards bigotry and end their initial suspicions. Because the citizens of Maycomb are unable to change their thoughts without evidence, Boo Radley faces continuous prejudice without regard to his true character, perpetuating his social stigma in Maycomb. Here, Lee further develops the social issue of discrimination in Maycomb through the continuous views towards Boo Radley. Moreover, in the beginning of the novel, Scout describes her neighborhood and the citizens of Maycomb. Scout depicts her neighbor, Boo Radley's house and the enigmas and social customs associated with Boo Radley. Specifically, Scout expounds, “Radley pecans would kill you. A baseball hit into the Radley yard was a lost ball and no questions asked” (Lee 10). Evidently, the false, perpetuated rumors towards Boo are an everyday occurrence in Maycomb: resulting in avoidance of the Radley House. Lee utilizes