“Self-identity is inextricably bound up with the identity of the surroundings.” These words from Lars Fr. H. Svendsen describe the topic of how one’s surroundings affect its self identity. Svendsen uses the word “surroundings” in his quote, which can also be referred to as the society that is exposed around the identity. It also conveys how much influence one’s society plays into everyday life. Ultimately, society’s influence creates the biggest impact in the creation of one’s identity. Societal prejudice and stereotypes build into the morality of one’s identity. In the novel,To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout realize a side of the case she has never seen before: “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson,
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Scout realizes how Tom Robinson had no chance in winning the case, no matter what Atticus could have done in the courthouse. The cards were all against Tom Robinson, the moment the Ewells’ declared that he raped Mayella. The sole fact that Tom was a black individual going against a white family during the 1930s, where racism was no stranger, depicts how much of the case was merely based on the color of Tom Robinson’s skin rather than the actual evidence of the case. As a result, the racism that was influenced through society had an effect on how the jury perceived the case. Everyone in the town knew that Tom Robinson was innocent however they still chose to vote him as guilty, not for raping Mayella but for only the reason being that he was an …show more content…
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Aunt Alexandra have always pushed Scout to become more feminine because of their status in the community. She persuades Atticus to talk to Scout about this issue, “Gentle breeding,” he continued, when I had found and scratched it, “and that you should try to live up to your name—” Atticus persevered in spite of us: “She asked me to tell you you must try to behave like the little lady and gentleman that you are. She wants to talk to you about the family and what it’s meant to Maycomb County through the years, so you’ll have some idea of who you are, so ...you might be moved to behave accordingly,” he concluded at a gallop” (Lee 135). Atticus is implying to Scout that she should act more feminine and composed to live up to her name. The Finches have been on top of the social structure in Maycomb practically since Maycomb was founded. This leads to expectations of what a Finch should act like, which in turn interferes with the development of Scout’s character. Society creates rules and guidelines as to how one should act according to their status, as a result contributing to the creation of their character. Comparatively, in the short story, “ Two Kinds”, Jing-Mei’s mother strives to get her to become a star. However when the pressure to become perfect was just too much, Jing-Mei realizes that she just wants to be herself, “No!" I said, and I now felt stronger,
Scout realizes how Tom Robinson had no chance in winning the case, no matter what Atticus could have done in the courthouse. The cards were all against Tom Robinson, the moment the Ewells’ declared that he raped Mayella. The sole fact that Tom was a black individual going against a white family during the 1930s, where racism was no stranger, depicts how much of the case was merely based on the color of Tom Robinson’s skin rather than the actual evidence of the case. As a result, the racism that was influenced through society had an effect on how the jury perceived the case. Everyone in the town knew that Tom Robinson was innocent however they still chose to vote him as guilty, not for raping Mayella but for only the reason being that he was an …show more content…
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Aunt Alexandra have always pushed Scout to become more feminine because of their status in the community. She persuades Atticus to talk to Scout about this issue, “Gentle breeding,” he continued, when I had found and scratched it, “and that you should try to live up to your name—” Atticus persevered in spite of us: “She asked me to tell you you must try to behave like the little lady and gentleman that you are. She wants to talk to you about the family and what it’s meant to Maycomb County through the years, so you’ll have some idea of who you are, so ...you might be moved to behave accordingly,” he concluded at a gallop” (Lee 135). Atticus is implying to Scout that she should act more feminine and composed to live up to her name. The Finches have been on top of the social structure in Maycomb practically since Maycomb was founded. This leads to expectations of what a Finch should act like, which in turn interferes with the development of Scout’s character. Society creates rules and guidelines as to how one should act according to their status, as a result contributing to the creation of their character. Comparatively, in the short story, “ Two Kinds”, Jing-Mei’s mother strives to get her to become a star. However when the pressure to become perfect was just too much, Jing-Mei realizes that she just wants to be herself, “No!" I said, and I now felt stronger,