The lack of knowledge in Maycomb about the outside world and their opinions about black people ingrains ‘Maycomb’s usual disease’ into their minds as they have no other opinions about black people. This is shown by the crowd’s outrage as they gather to lynch Tom, not knowing that he was innocent, but blinded by ... ... middle of paper ... ...sirable traits to have as they can motivate you through the toughest tasks and drive you to do what should be done instead of abandon your duties. In conclusion, Harper Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird highlights the horrible prejudice and ignorance towards black people in the southern town of Maycomb, but also shows wisdom and compassion as not only desirable but necessary traits to have to withstand the bombardment of pre-conceived ideas from the people surrounding you, and also portrays these qualities as a shield to people around
The white community feels that the black people are beneath them in the world. There is evidence of this inside the courthouse during the Tom Robinson trial. Mr. Gilmer becomes outraged that Tom accidently admitted to feeling sorry for Mayella, who is a white woman. He is so angry that he hollers at Tom “[y]ou felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for her” (264). In the 1930’s, black people are still “below” white people in the world.
It’s just plain dangerous. Everybody knows they carry different kinds of diseases than we do” (Stockett, 10). Black people were degraded and were not looked at as human. They did not have the freedom to go or use anything white people use. They were dehumanized if they stepped out of line “My husband cousin... they took her tongue out for talking to the clan... You think they gone take our tongues?
When she drew it away, it trailed a long silver thread of saliva. “Your fathers no better than the ******* and trash he works for!” (Lee 117) 1. (analysis)This quote said by Mrs. Dubose towards Jem and Scout shows how racists she is. Mrs. Dubose and most of the towns people dislike the Finches because Atticus is a white man defending a black man. Jem and Scout stats to become aware that all this is caused by segregation.
The prejudice and discrimination against the blacks and the lack of cooperation from the Southerners greatly affected the original plans of reconstruction. The fierce resistance from many whites did not aid in the success of reconstruction, and the voice of the public is not a force to be reckoned with. The KKK (Klu Klux Klan) started in 1866 was an
Atticus Finch is ridiculed by the townspeople for being a moral human being and sticking to his beliefs in defending an innocent colored man. As explained by Lee through her characters Tom Robinson, Boo Radley and Atticus Finch, the mockingbird is a symbolic representation of innocence, purity and virtue. To begin, the community of Maycomb basically indirectly murdered Tom Robinson. Despite the fact the man was helpful and kind - especially toward Mayella, who charged him of raping her - Tom was sent to trial and then found guilty even after Atticus Finch had verified his guiltlessness. His responsibility was all based on the color of his skin, not his true moral character.
When Scout stands on the Radley porch, she suddenly realizes why Boo Radley behaves the way he does in the novel. Tom Robinson is also a character in this novel where misinterpretation takes place throughout his life. For example, during the trial Bob Ewell testifies and points to Tom and says, “I seen that black nigger yonder ruttin’ on my Mayella”(Lee, 173). As a result, people visualize Tom as an evil person and believe he is responsible for the rape of Mayella. The truth is, the people of Maycomb are judgmental towards him because of his race and due to the rumors that
Dr. Martin Luther King , stated a list of true yet unbelievable awful events that happened day-to-day to African Americans . He uses examples such as , how his daughter and son do not understand why White men seem to hate African Americans, and why they are not able to participate in many of the events that White children are allowed to participate in . In my opinion , these examples display a level of ignorance and lack of compassion , by the
Is it possible for a man to be solely good, or solely evil? Is there a literal pathway from childhood into adulthood? These are two questions indirectly discussed in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Many people are seen as good, and many seen as plain evil, but that is never the only side to a person. A good person usually has a mean streak, that is not dominant, but undeniably there.
Prejudice is Everywhere “There’s nothing more sickening to me than a low-grade white man who’ll take advantage of a Negro’s ignorance” (Lee 221). Atticus, the narrator’s father in To Kill a Mockingbird, expresses his disgust in the manner of how white men treat the African-American race. This part of the novel is only one example of the prejudices observed in To Kill a Mockingbird, as the novel highlights the issue throughout. Racism was a major issue a large number of men, women, and even children had to face during the time periods of the novels To Kill a Mockingbird and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Scout, the protagonist of To Kill a Mockingbird, is a young girl living in Maycomb, Alabama.