Ignorance is a disease that, if not overcome, can spread and infect others in close proximity. In the novel, Jean Louise, “Scout” is the daughter of Atticus Finch, a wise lawyer in Maycomb, Alabama. He takes on a court case to defend Tom Robinson, an African American man accused of rape. The family is ridiculed for such actions by the heavily prejudice town, and their integrity is put to the test. The novel To Kill A Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, exemplifies ignorance in areas regarding race, gender and class, and how it can polarize any community or relationship.
In this situation, racial ignorance is frequently mentioned throughout the novel, because people are often prejudice towards those who are different. For example, when word gets …show more content…
To illustrate, the Cunningham’s have an entailment that leaves them with no way to escape their impoverished lives. However, they are a noble family that “never took anything they can’t pay back” (20). On the other hand, they are of a lower class and do not get the respect they deserve. Jem invites Walter Cunningham over for dinner. Walter pours a generous amount of molasses over his food and Scout calls him out for it. She is scolded by Calpurnia for denouncing him at the dinner table. Scout answers, ““He ain’t company, Cal, he’s just a Cunningham--”” (24). This remark exposes Scout’s view of the different classes. She does not see Walter as company, only his last name and the family he comes from. Her ignorance originates because she comes from a family not encompassed by poverty. Because of this, Scout does not understand that just because the family suffers from poverty, they are normal people. Scout also refers to Walter as though is not listening. She has no respect because of her ignorance. In fact, Scout is not the only Finch with social ignorance. Aunt Alexandra also targets the Cunninghams. Scout asks to spend time with Walter and her response is no. Her reasoning is, ““Because--he--is--trash, that’s why you can’t play with him.”” (225). Aunt Alexandra is clearly superficial and ignorant because she calls him trash, even though his family has morals. His family history overpowers his value as …show more content…
People who should be in accord are disengaged because of the ignorance of other races, genders, and classes. Not to mention, the text contains a number of quotable phrases that are still relevant today. It truly inspires others to walk in someone else’s shoes, and accept people despite their differences. Considering it is told from a child’s point of view allows for profound thoughts and a wider perspective. Additionally, the text conveys several themes such as ignorance, maturation, and empathy; all which one must encounter. The novel provides an opportunity to reflect on one’s life and consider the impact of the presence of ignorance, absence of maturation, and lack of empathy. Ultimately, lack of knowledge is to blame for the polarization between communities, families and the human
In this situation, racial ignorance is frequently mentioned throughout the novel, because people are often prejudice towards those who are different. For example, when word gets …show more content…
To illustrate, the Cunningham’s have an entailment that leaves them with no way to escape their impoverished lives. However, they are a noble family that “never took anything they can’t pay back” (20). On the other hand, they are of a lower class and do not get the respect they deserve. Jem invites Walter Cunningham over for dinner. Walter pours a generous amount of molasses over his food and Scout calls him out for it. She is scolded by Calpurnia for denouncing him at the dinner table. Scout answers, ““He ain’t company, Cal, he’s just a Cunningham--”” (24). This remark exposes Scout’s view of the different classes. She does not see Walter as company, only his last name and the family he comes from. Her ignorance originates because she comes from a family not encompassed by poverty. Because of this, Scout does not understand that just because the family suffers from poverty, they are normal people. Scout also refers to Walter as though is not listening. She has no respect because of her ignorance. In fact, Scout is not the only Finch with social ignorance. Aunt Alexandra also targets the Cunninghams. Scout asks to spend time with Walter and her response is no. Her reasoning is, ““Because--he--is--trash, that’s why you can’t play with him.”” (225). Aunt Alexandra is clearly superficial and ignorant because she calls him trash, even though his family has morals. His family history overpowers his value as …show more content…
People who should be in accord are disengaged because of the ignorance of other races, genders, and classes. Not to mention, the text contains a number of quotable phrases that are still relevant today. It truly inspires others to walk in someone else’s shoes, and accept people despite their differences. Considering it is told from a child’s point of view allows for profound thoughts and a wider perspective. Additionally, the text conveys several themes such as ignorance, maturation, and empathy; all which one must encounter. The novel provides an opportunity to reflect on one’s life and consider the impact of the presence of ignorance, absence of maturation, and lack of empathy. Ultimately, lack of knowledge is to blame for the polarization between communities, families and the human