To Kill A Mockingbird Influence On Society

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is set in the fictional southern town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression. The story began with Scout introducing the story of how her brother, Jem, break his arm. Two subplots are followed through the novel which are the mystery of Arthur “Boo” Radley and Atticus, Scout’s father, taking on the case of an African American allegedly raping a white woman. Throughout the novel, many themes become prevalent in the actions of the Maycomb people. One of which is the power of experiences and environment on a person’s views. A person’s perspective of their situation and surroundings is shaped by influences in their environment and past experiences as shown through the characters of Scout Finch, Dolphus Raymond, and Tom Robinson.
Scout’s …show more content…
Scout was shown to be unlike the rest of the children due to the teachings of her father. She was able to understand the people of Maycomb and had better judgment. On the flip side, Dolphus Raymond and Tom Robinson had more negatives effects from their influences. Dolphus has to pretend to be a drunk for the townsfolk to wrap their heads around why he prefers the company of the African Americans. He believed this to be the only way to not be bothered for his preferences. As an African American, Tom Robinson at the bottom of the social system so he already knew that most people would not believe his side. When put into more depressing situations, he lost all hope because he knew that no one would believe his case. To Kill A Mockingbird shows how different environments and experiences affect a person’s attitude towards their situation and surroundings as shown through Scout Finch, Dolphus Raymond, and Tom Robinson. This can be shown today since everyone’s mindsets are usually based upon what they already know which is influenced by their past experiences and