Prejudice in “To Kill A Mockingbird” The act of prejudice is one that everyone experiences. Whether it be, a person who is distributing hate, or a person who is receiving hate, everyone has contact with it. Although it is present all over the globe, it is prominent in the United States. Both in the present and the past, endless acts of discrimination have taken place and left a monumental impact on the country. The effect that it leaves can be seen in the novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. In this story, sexism, racism, and isolation, are demonstrated in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930’s. As the story progresses, Lee compares these concepts to one another and uses them to make a statement about the problematic
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One of these individuals is Tom Robinson. Due to the alleged rape trial and the color of his skin, Tom is heavily ridiculed throughout the story. During one of their outings, Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill, witness an encounter between Atticus and several of Maycomb’s men outside of the county jail. The encounter consists of the men trying to get inside so they can attack Tom, and Atticus firmly refusing. The affair takes place for several minutes before the men leave and Atticus assures Tom “ ‘they won’t bother [him] anymore’ “(Lee 206). The scene at the jail is one of the reader’s first glimpses into Tom Robinson’s personal life. Before he was forced away, Tom Robinson lived with his loving wife and kids. Not only the alleged rape trial, but the loathing attitudes of many Maycomb citizens, isolate Tom from his family and the life he once knew. Also, the pressure and anxiety associated with the trial most likely leave an impact on Tom that the readers are not able to see. Knowing the reality of his fate and having the weight of the trial on his shoulders puts Tom in a particular state of mind. A state of mind where it is hard to let other people in. Both his mental and physical isolation can be blamed on the bigotry present within the …show more content…
Some of the most notable are sexism, racism, and isolation. Instances of each type of discrimination are brought up several times throughout the novel. For example, a disapproval for Scout’s tomboy natures showcases sexism, poor treatment and objectification of the black community demonstrates racism, and rumors that surround citizens such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley illustrate isolation. Each form of prejudice is different but they all surface due to a startling amount of hypocrisy and they all leave a similar effect on the person who is being addressed. Harper Lee demonstrated these forms of discrimination to make a statement about the issues in America during the 1930’s, but the themes from the book can still be applied today. The growth of the characters and the outcome of the story show that development in America is feasible. By taking the lessons from the story and applying them to modern society, America can progress in a way that Maycomb never had the chance
One of these individuals is Tom Robinson. Due to the alleged rape trial and the color of his skin, Tom is heavily ridiculed throughout the story. During one of their outings, Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill, witness an encounter between Atticus and several of Maycomb’s men outside of the county jail. The encounter consists of the men trying to get inside so they can attack Tom, and Atticus firmly refusing. The affair takes place for several minutes before the men leave and Atticus assures Tom “ ‘they won’t bother [him] anymore’ “(Lee 206). The scene at the jail is one of the reader’s first glimpses into Tom Robinson’s personal life. Before he was forced away, Tom Robinson lived with his loving wife and kids. Not only the alleged rape trial, but the loathing attitudes of many Maycomb citizens, isolate Tom from his family and the life he once knew. Also, the pressure and anxiety associated with the trial most likely leave an impact on Tom that the readers are not able to see. Knowing the reality of his fate and having the weight of the trial on his shoulders puts Tom in a particular state of mind. A state of mind where it is hard to let other people in. Both his mental and physical isolation can be blamed on the bigotry present within the …show more content…
Some of the most notable are sexism, racism, and isolation. Instances of each type of discrimination are brought up several times throughout the novel. For example, a disapproval for Scout’s tomboy natures showcases sexism, poor treatment and objectification of the black community demonstrates racism, and rumors that surround citizens such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley illustrate isolation. Each form of prejudice is different but they all surface due to a startling amount of hypocrisy and they all leave a similar effect on the person who is being addressed. Harper Lee demonstrated these forms of discrimination to make a statement about the issues in America during the 1930’s, but the themes from the book can still be applied today. The growth of the characters and the outcome of the story show that development in America is feasible. By taking the lessons from the story and applying them to modern society, America can progress in a way that Maycomb never had the chance