How Does Atticus Use Segregation In To Kill A Mockingbird

Racism and segregation are the two main themes of the novel and are the characteristics that all characters are defined. The community is split between people who fear and hate (such as the members of the jury who convicted an innocent man of rape because of his colour), and those like Atticus and Calpurnia who show understanding and sympathy towards those who might be different or less fortunate. Those traits are carried onto Jem and Scout. For example, when Scout brings Walter home for dinner and then mocks his table manners, Calpurnia scolds her and says that "all guests should be treated with respect no matter what their social station". Atticus also makes decisions based on behavior and not their background. Unlike Aunt Alexandra, who calls poor people like the Cunninghams "trash" because of their socio-economic status, Atticus tells his children that any white man who takes advantage of a black man's innocence is "trash." …show more content…
Scout fights many children at school due to her confusion of Atticus courage. Fraud also runs deep in the so-called "good" people of the town: the churchwomen form a missionary circle to support the work being completed with the "heathen savages" in Africa but condemn those who fight for the rights of the black residents in their own town.
The hatred in Maycomb is not based only on race, anyone who is different, or who remains outside the social circles, is rejected and segregated. Boo Radley is labeled as a monster and outcast because he never leaves his home. It is not enough to just leave him alone, he is an object of gossip and games. The children re-enact stories they have heard about him and dare each other to spy on him. Atticus discourages his own children from doing this, and at the end of the book, Scout and Jem understand Boo's role as a mockingbird, bringing good to the town in return for