Theme Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird - 1340 Words

Imagine being persecuted your entire life. Having to constantly respect someone even though they were rude to you. This is what many African-Americans had to go through during the 1930’s. Racism is a major aspect in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The main character, Scout, has to deal with this problem everyday. Bob Ewell, Mr. Cunningham, and other characters are very racist, and don’t approve of Atticus defending a â€Å"Negroe†. This causes Scout to be bullied in school and even attacked by Mr. Ewell. Also, characters such as Tom Robinson are negatively affected by racism in Maycomb. Tom is killed just because of his skin color. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee’s use of point-of-view, irony, and symbolism help to develop†¦show more content†¦Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed† (Lee 322). In this quote the narrator is saying how being black automatically makes you guilty, even tho ugh the jury knew he was innocent. This quote proves the main idea because it shows the point of view of an African American. Everyone knew that Tom Robinson was innocent because of the strong evidence Atticus gave, but he was still charged guilty. The author included the quote as a way to show the different point of views of different characters. Tom Robinson’s point of view was portrayed and shows the racism in Maycom county. He was automatically ruled guilty just because he was black. Prior this quote Scout had been in a fight with a boy at school because he called Atticus a â€Å"nigger-lover†. Atticus tells Scout, Nigger-lover is just one of those terms that dont mean anything—like snot-nose. Its hard to explain—ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebodys favoring Negroes over and above themselves† (Lee 144). In this quote Atticus is telling Scout about the racism in Maycomb county and how some people were with it and some against it. This quote is an example of the main idea because it helps to show the point of view of a white person who is not racist in Maycomb county. Almost all the white people in Maycomb discriminate blacks except for Atticus. The author used thisShow MoreRelatedTheme Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird1450 Words   |  6 Pages Ingrained Racism â€Å"Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird...Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy† (Lee 119). The white community sinned and the black community suffered as an innocent mockingbird was killed. Although innocence is one recurring theme in Harper Lee’s novel, it seems as though it only mattered to her. Lee illustrates the widespread racial discrimination and oppression that developed in every social class of Maycomb, Alabama. Mulligan’s interpretation howeverRead MoreTheme Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird1776 Words   |  8 PagesSUBJECT To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee is set in Maycomb County, Alabama in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. It is a time of racism, opinionated communities, and poverty. Scout and Jem Finch face several conflicts throughout the novel and are forced to mature quickly. Atticus Finch, the father of Jem and Scout, also faces a major difficulty which will affect his family and the town he lives in. Atticus Finch is a lawyer in Maycomb, and is given the responsibility to support the defendantRead MoreTheme Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird1015 Words   |  5 PagesMiss Caroline. Throughout the novel of To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus keeps pressing this idea to Scout and to Scout’s brother, Jem, as Atticus defends a black man in court against the racism of the whole town. The theme that one can’t fully understand another until one attempts to, â€Å"‘climb inside of his skin and walk around in it’† (Lee 33) is demonstrated through Scout’s anguish over Jem’s increasing maturity, Atticus’ explanation for violence and racism in the mob, and Scout’s empathy for ArthurRead MoreThe Theme of Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay1050 Words   |  5 PagesIn the book To Kill a Mockingbird, many minor themes are present such as gender and age. However, the largest and therefore major theme of the book is racism. All of the e vents and themes in the book had only one purpose, to support the theme of racism. One of the most important events in the book was Tom Robinson’s trial, which was unfairly judged due to the fact that the jury could not see beyond the color of Tom’s skin. The put their own racist opinions ahead of what is right and just. One ofRead MoreTheme Of Racism And Fear In To Kill A Mockingbird840 Words   |  4 Pagesfree of racism and prejudice. That it is past the years of wrongfully convicting African-American men and past an unfair judicial system. People believe equality for all is really happening. Yet, studies show that innocent black men are seven times more likely to be convicted of murder than innocent white people. Another study shows that even though black people represent only 13% of the US population they represent 47% of 1,900 exonerations from 1989 to mid-October of 2016. In the book To Kill a MockingbirdRead More Racism in Literature Essay1144 Words   |  5 PagesRacism, a disease of the ignorant, is a horrific part of society, and has rear ed its ugly head throughout history, and is continuing to do the same today. Racism comes in many shapes and forms, directed towards a variation of cultures. It can end lives and tear communities apart. Often times, there are people who see racism, and are inspired to write about it, with the goal in mind to make a difference and change societies belief. Abel Meeropol and Harper Lee had that goal in common, when writingRead MoreWhy Is Innocence Becomes Experience?1225 Words   |  5 PagesIn To Kill A Mockingbird there are several reason why innocence becomes experience. Phys.com stated â€Å"Between ages 5 and 11, the researchers found, children become aware that many people believe stereotypes, including stereotypes about academic ability. When children become aware of these types of bias about their own racial or ethnic group, it can affect how they respond to everyday situations.† This shows that Scout and Jem are in a time of their lives when racism will take effect. No t only becauseRead MoreTheme Of Symbolism In To Kill A Mockingbird791 Words   |  4 PagesTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a multi-faceted novel which explores the principles and morals of people in the South during the 1930s. Mockingbirds are symbolic of the people that society abuse. Lee narrates the events of the novel using Scout’s voice and uses this technique to add emotional context and develop themes. Themes of racial and classist prejudice are developed by Lee to challenge the reader. These techniques are all powerful ways to alter the views of the reader. MockingbirdsRead MoreAnalysis Of Harper Lee s Kill A Mockingbird 1491 Words   |  6 PagesHarper Lee’s ​ To Kill a Mockingbird ​ is a critically acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize winning novel that instantly attained its position as one of the greatest literary classics (Editors).The story of Scout Finch’s childhood has become one of the most notable narratives that addresses controversial issues present in the early 20th century. Lee’s novel depicts themes of race, justice, and innocence throughout the novel. Although ​ To Kill a Mockingbird​ is regarded as a literary masterpiece in AmericanRead MoreKill A Mockingbird, By Robert Mulligan941 Words   |  4 Pages To Kill A Mockingbird In the movie To Kill a Mockingbird directed by Robert Mulligan portrays a story about a small town lawyer, who has taken upon himself to prove that Tom Robinson was innocent of raping a young woman by the name of Mayella Ewell. The only problem that Atticus faced was Tom Robinson was an African American at a time where racism was big, especially in the 1930’s. Atticus goes above and beyond to try and prove he was innocent. The end result was that Tom Robinson was guilty and