Theme Of Justice In To Kill A Mockingbird

How would modern society view justice? Unlike in the past, when segregation and prejudice was prominent, modern society defines justice as a definite right for all people. The implication of justice is also portrayed in To Kill a Mockingbird, a 1930s novel that takes place in the town of Maycomb. This aspect of justice makes the story more interesting and meaningful. In the story, there are several characters that face challenges caused by distorted views. By pointing out the social problems that existed during the 1900s, the novel creates a theme of justice and its importance. This theme of justice is especially supported by the character of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird; throughout the novel, Atticus stands up for justice and fights against prejudice or discrimination. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee emphasizes the significance of justice through the innocence of characters and criticisms of racial prejudice.

In the novel, Atticus teaches Scout the prominence of justice through his beliefs as a lawyer. While Atticus gives a valuable lesson to Scout about justice, he states, “but remember it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (chapter 10). In this scene, Harper Lee invokes the mockingbird as a symbol of Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, who represent innocence. Harper Lee describes the mockingbird as a bird which “[does] not do one thing but sing their heart out for us” (chapter 10). During the 1900s, as well as today, the mockingbird symbolizes a provider of joy and happiness to people. To add to that, mockingbird is “a creature whose sole existence is to bring some goodness to the world through the songs it sings” (Gonzalez). It does not do anything harmful but makes music for people to enjoy. The word “kill” ...

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... is not welcomed by the people in Maycomb, he hopes to be one of them. He tries to build relationships with other people by “[going] out at night when the moon was down, and [peeps] in windows”. Although he puts a tremendous effort to develop a relationship with others, the people reject his desire to get along with them.

Through the innocence of the characters and racial prejudice, Harper Lee depicts the problems of injustice and portrays justice. In addition, Scout develops her personality by learning the significance of justice from her dad, Atticus. Although she is afraid of Boo Radley at first, she goes one step toward Boo and opens her heart to him. Atticus’s sense of justice did not just remain with him, but also passed down to Scout. In the future scenes of To Kill a Mockingbird, it is Scout’s turn to model her dad and exhibit justice to the world.