To Kill a Mockingbird focuses on “Maycomb’s usual disease,” as a pivotal part of the book, but also shows that compassion and wisdom can exist in these most bleak areas. The prejudice and bigotry comes from the lack of knowledge of Maycomb, and their fear to change what they have grown up with. Pre-conceived ideas are the main reason that Maycomb is ignorant of black people as they are afraid what a change of those pre-conceived ideas will bring. Even so, compassion still exists, as Atticus is able to save Scout and Jem from the influence of ‘Maycomb’s usual disease.’ Wisdom is also embodied by Atticus, where his wisdom, which is not necessarily knowledge but life experience, is able to force him to do things which are right, shown in his reluctant shooting of the rabid dog. 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.
The Faults in Human Nature In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the author Harper Lee highlights the negative aspects of human nature through the eyes of a 7-year-old girl named Scout. Throughout the novel there are situations where the people of Maycomb fall under the influence of their neighbours, leading them to bring out a repugnant side of themselves. The townsfolk were filled with prejudice against the blacks in their community simply for the fact that they did not understand the way they live. This is usually caused by heredity because children are taught from a young age only one opinion, and presume it is right. Sadly, not knowing any better, they discriminate against them, not knowing what else to do.
Joseph Tasos Ms. Talbot ENG2D1 June 10th, 2014 Loss of innocence in To Kill A Mocking Bird In to kill A MockingBird the loss of innocence is revealed through the characters of Dill, Jem, and Scout. They have lost their innocence as a result of coming to a sudden realization that life is not always fair. Even though dill, Jem, and Scout realize that life is not always fair, they learn the important lesson that many things are not fair but in order to move through life they need to move on and keep going. When Scout begins her first day of school, she is introduced to her new teacher Miss Caroline and her new classmates. When Miss Caroline asks scout to read aloud she discovers that Scout seems to be more literate than the rest of the students.
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
In the court case she appears to be uncertain of her testimony, constantly stuttering and repeating herself. She tries to cover her guilt by accusing Atticus of 'making fun of me (her)'(p200). Scout curiously studies Mayella; she does not think much about her. Scout figures out that Mayella's life is much different from her own. She carefully studies Mayella, and questions Jem if Mayella had any sense.
Paraphrased Quote: So it took a little girl to stop them and regain their common sense, did it not? That shows me something Tem even the savage beast can be calmed, simply because it has a shred of humanity left. By calling the mob a "gang of wild animals," Atticus is referencing the courage it took for Scout to stand up to the men. It also seems to reference Atticus' belief that racism will eventually disappear. Here a "gang
Scout learns that people aren’t always like her and she has to learn to accept it. At school she gets made fun of because her dad is defending Tom Robinson. During the court case, she is subject to racism and discrimination. All of these events contribute to making Scout who she is. Scout’s experiences with Boo Radley teach her about how other people might want to live and to accept it.
I can’t even look at that part of myself” (ANDERSON, 28). Again, Melinda is expressing her hopelessness by belittling her self worth. She is disgusted with herself because society has a way of turning the tables on victims , making them feel a sense of hopelessness in their situations. Victim blaming is no new concept, and it is tragic that it has not yet been eradicated. Melinda experiences victim blaming from her peers, no doubt because Andy Evans, the schools pride and joy, was the attacker.
Natasha Villagra Ms. Pasemko ELA 10-1 May 21 2014 Racial Prejudice Expressing the notoriety of racial prejudice and the impact it has on society’s views as seen from social status, racism, and its treatment of coloured people. Harper Lee’s central idea of prejudice in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird is a theme to be noted and learned from. Stressful as it is the racial prejudice as seen in the novel is society’s critical judging of other people’s choices of clothing, behavior, and attitude towards problems that are part of our daily lives. Explaining the racial prejudice of the novel, the modern world and comparing them to each other are the three sub topics on prejudice. The racial prejudice of the novel demonstrates the treatment of black people and those who associate with them.
The intolerance of the African-American race is shown a great deal from beginning to end in these two novels. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird and in Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Scout and Huck endure prejudice, but are able to overcome it through their desire not to side with society, and the positive influences in their lives. Scout and Huck both live in societies that are virtually intolerant of the African-American race. Their societies are driven by this segregation, making them become extremely out of control. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, in a court trial.