Examples Of Discrimination In To Kill A Mockingbird

There are three main types of discrimination that take place in To Kill a Mockingbird. They are discrimination of race, class, and gender. Discrimination of race, or racism, is the most obvious and the most common form of discrimination that occurs in the novel. The best example of racism in To Kill a Mockingbird occurs when Tom Robinson is found guilty, simply because he is black. Discrimination of class also occurs in the novel. The best example of this is when Scout goes to school and puts everyone into their own social class. An example of this is on the first day of school when Scout tells Ms. Caroline, “Miss Caroline, he’s a Cunningham”. Miss Caroline doesn’t understand because she isn’t from around there, but it makes sense to Scout

because she’s lived there her whole life. The third form of discrimination in To Kill a Mockingbird is discrimination of gender. An example of this is Aunt Alexandra pushing more ladylike appearance and behavior onto Scout, even though she is a tomboy. Another example of gender discrimination in To Kill a Mockingbird is women, like Miss Maudie are not allowed to serve on the jury. The reader gains insight that during this period in history discrimination was a big issue. Harper Lee shows us that racism was happening and blacks were not being treated fairly, especially in court. It also shows that people during this time believe in social classes and not all men are equal and on the same level. Some men are higher than others. Harper Lee had great wisdom and understanding of discrimination of all kinds that were happening during this time.