The Theme of Injustice Depicted in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

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In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, injustice is a main theme that is reflected towards many characters. To Kill a Mockingbird, is a novel written by Harper Lee and published in the nineteen-sixties. Many characters in the story are treated unfairly in society due to racial or prejudicial attitudes. Overall these characters are innocent victims of injustice. Atticus, Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson are considered to be mockingbirds in the novel. A mockingbird was defined as a bird that did nothing wrong, but sang beautiful music for us to hear. These characters did nothing wrong and were treated unfairly in their town. In this different society, there are many factors that have had an influence on people’s perceptions towards others. In life, people sometimes disrespect the actions of others, whether they have done right or wrong. The conflict between Atticus and Mr. Bob Ewell is an example of this. Atticus is a victim of violence, and unfair treatment from his family and the community. Atticus stands up firmly for equality, and justice. Atticus is a victim of physical violence from another character. “ It was Ms. Stephanie’s pleasure to tell us: this morning Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he’d get him” (Lee 217). This violence that occurs shows that Atticus is a victim of unfair actions. Mr. Ewell was upset at Atticus because he fought for equality in Tom Robinson’s court trial. This makes Atticus a mockingbird, because he did nothing wrong. All he did was fight for his rights and the rights for Tom Robinson. Atticus was also accustomed to unfair treatment from his family. A family member states, “I guess it ain’t your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger lover besides, b... ... middle of paper ... ...l intercourse with your daughter? ‘Yes I did’” (Lee 174). Bob uses Tom as a scapegoat for his actions, and it is unjust towards Tom because he is not given a fair trial. This reinforces the injustice Tom Robinson receives from the jury, after both Bob and Mayella lie about what really happened. Tom Robinson is as innocent as a mockingbird. Indeed, Maycomb’s society is racially biased. In the novel, innocent characters are victimized unfairly in their society. After all, these characters did nothing wrong. They tried to live their lives or fight for their own rights and equality. Injustice is a reoccurring theme in the novel; it shows us the treatment that innocent characters get because of the prejudice and racial attitudes of the society. Atticus, Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson are all mockingbirds because they did nothing wrong, and were labeled in their society.

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