Examples Of Injustice In To Kill A Mockingbird

In the novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ Harper Lee effectively conveys prejudice and injustice in various ways and by putting the overarching idea of racism into perspective. The hierarchy that exists within Maycomb represents the preconceptions of the citizens and identifies injustice as the effect. Symbolism depicts the unfair treatment characters receive by forming a comparison with mockingbirds. Lastly, unfolding the story from Scout’s view provides a deep insight into the overall situation regarding inequality and racial segregation in America.

The prevalent caste system and racial hierarchy embedded in the culture of Maycomb reflect the height of prejudice and injustice in the 1930s. The racial hierarchy mirrors eurocentric views as it

categorises people based on skin color, with white people superior compared to black. For example, ‘The Ewell’s had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations’ and ‘none of them had done an honest day’s work,’ [p.33] which puts them in an inferior position to other white families; however, because they are white, in Maycomb’s eyes this ‘white trash’ is far superior to any respectable black family [p.243]. Atticus also explicitly states that ‘in our courts, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins,’ as is the case for Bob and Mayella, who use their position to take advantage of Tom [p.243]. The mere existence of a ranking system signifies inequality since a person’s position is determined by their social status, largely dependent on race and the reputation affiliated with their family name. In addition, the example of the court which is there to administer justice, yet breeds corruption and racism in itself represents blatant injustice. Overall, these indoctrinated beliefs exhibit the extremity of discrimination and unfairness that is deeply grounded within Maycomb for many years.

Lee uses the literary technique of symbolism to cleverly portray the blanket of injustice that puts people in authority to judge and attack other characters.

Tom Robinson and Boo Radley embody innocence and ‘don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy [and] sing their hearts out for us,’ yet they were subjected to hurtful judgment by society’s narrow-minds [p.100]. Tom, a righteous man who pities Mayella Ewell and helps her out of his goodwill is referred as a ‘black nigger yonder ruttin’ on...Mayella’ by Bob Ewell during the trial [p.190]. Likewise, Boo Radley, labelled as the ‘malevolent phantom’ is tormented based on evil rumours about his reclusive nature [p.9]. He is actually affectionate towards Jem and Scout and expresses this by leaving gifts for them in the tree hole and saving their lives when they were attacked. This demonstrates that both characters intended no harm and instead showed kindness. However, Tom’s nature is deliberately mistaken for a dishonorable motive, as the derogatory accusation degrades him to the level of an animal and emphasizes that his race determines his worth. Similarly, Boo is misinterpreted negatively as everyone holds him accountable for the ‘stealthy small crimes committed in Maycomb’; therefore, showing these characters are mockingbirds [p.9]. The fact that ‘Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth’ reiterates the fact that the black community are victims of social injustice and the persecution of Boo

exemplifies that he is also victimised [p.266].

By narrating the novel from Scout’s perspective, her innocence allows for valuable lessons regarding prejudice and injustice to be presented effectively.

Over time, by observing the incidences around her, Scout is able to analyse the distinct layers within them and make sensible judgments. For example, when Calpurnia takes her to the African American church, Scout learns the harsh truth that ‘Negroes worshipped in [the church] on Sundays and white men gambled in it on weekdays’ [p.130]. Moreover, Scout notices a difference in the way Calpurnia converses with the African Americans, similar to when she learns that Dolphus Raymond felt obliged to act drunk to avoid the humiliation of being married to a black woman. Whilst at the church, she witnesses the superiority white people felt as they cheapened a religious place to the level of gambling. Her reflection on Cal and Dolphus’ behavior allows her to understand ‘Maycomb’s usual disease,’ as she learns that they behave in such ways to fit in, otherwise, they will be outcaste in their own community [p.98]. Her conclusion about these events demonstrates that there is no equality and ‘people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up’ which is what Lee is trying to convey [p.98]. Scout’s learning experiences are used as an opportunity to exhibit society’s discriminatory beliefs, intolerance and the fact that ‘Maycomb county… had nothing but to fear itself’ in the long run

[p.6].

Prejudice and injustice are presented through many approaches, such as the use of a racial hierarchy and a system ranking people based on biases. Lee also represents discrimination using characters who were harmless, yet shot metaphorically and literally to demonstrate innocence being destroyed by evil. Lastly, Scout’s observations and analysis of Maycomb’s ways shows the level of unfairness and disparities in society.