Examples Of Injustice In To Kill A Mockingbird

In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, it was considered a sin to kill mockingbirds, the question most people ask is: “why?” The answer, as some know, is that mockingbirds are considered a blessing to people through their beauty in song, and they do not interfere negatively with people’s lives, unlike some other birds. So in regards to that, to kill a mockingbird would be injustice. There is an attribute that is worth learning from a mockingbird, and that would be the way they bless others with their gifts, and in some way, serve the community. In the novel, Atticus, who is the lawyer and father of Jean Louise, gives another good example of service to the community and being a blessing to others. Atticus has the characteristics of great

wisdom, understanding, and love towards all others, regardless of their race or status.
The town of Maycomb did not appoint Atticus to be a lawyer for no reason.

Atticus was their most respected lawyer, and he was also widely known for his great wisdom in handling no just lawsuit, but everyday events and conflicts. During the rape case of Mayella Ewell, Atticus addresses the jury about their assumption that all Negroes are basically immoral beings. Atticus then says: “There is not one person in this courtroom who has never told a lie, who has never done an immoral thing, and there is no man living who has not looked upon a woman without desire.” (204) Atticus understands the biasness of white men, and he states that just because Tom Robinson is a Negro, it does not mean that his words are false. Even if Tom had done wrong deeds in the past, so has everyone else. Atticus’ wisdom in handling this case points back to an incident in the Bible, where the Pharisees confront Jesus and ask Him if the adulterous woman should be stoned. Jesus then replies: “ Let him who has not committed any sins be the first to throw a stone.” This shows us that we all have done wrong, that does not mean we cannot be trusted. In this way Atticus served the court with his wisdom, defending those who are in need of

it.
In order for one to empathize and relate with others, one must be able to understand the plight of others and work from there.

After Atticus had a dangerous encounter with a mob of men who wanted to hurt Tom Robinson, whom Atticus was defending at that time, Jem asked Atticus how he could treat those men, especially Mister Cunningham in particular, as friends and neighbors after they tried to kill him and Tom, in which Atticus then replies: “Mister Cunningham’s basically a good man,” he said “he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us.” (157) Atticus understands that Cunningham and everyone else have their own area of weakness and sinful nature. At the bottom-line, Atticus is able to empathize with those people in the mob. Maybe they wanted to stand up for Mayella? Or was it because they were influenced by others to take the side of the Ewells? Whatever the case, Atticus can relate to their current situation and even stands up for them, and even after being mistreated by them, he still treats as

friends.
When one has the tendency to serve others, most likely he or she has that motivation because of the love for others. In this case, Atticus displayed care and love to his neighbors, friends and of course, his family. Atticus treated everyone alike, with love and respect, regardless of their race or status. When Jean asked Atticus what a nigger-lover was, and if Atticus himself was one, Atticus replied: “I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody…” (108) Atticus’ statement shows that he treats people with kindness and love, even if others criticize his actions. It takes great sacrifice and affection towards others for someone to serve others. If someone renders assistance towards others with a grudging attitude, those people that he or she serves will not experience the full capacity of the blessing.
As mentioned in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, for someone murder, or even just to injure a mockingbird would be showing injustice to a being that beautifies the community through it’s own talent. Would it not be better if people learned from the example of the mockingbird instead? Everyone can be “mockingbirds” if they utilize their abilities to render assistance to anyone in the community, not letting details like the person’s race, religion or status to hinder the attitude of their service. Everyone ought to learn from Atticus’ example, to show unconditional love, kindness and understanding towards others, and to apply wisdom when relating with people who are facing a crisis. In summary, anybody can be like Atticus, to apply wisdom, understanding and love to empathize and impart service to others.