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Use of symbolism to kill a mockingbird
Use of symbolism to kill a mockingbird
Jim Crow laws and their effects
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Arub Akram
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There is doubt that authors often use their writing as a way to convey lessons and themes, especially ones pertaining to social issues and real life. One particularly popular novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, revolves around real life events relating to real social issues, most of which took place during the Great Depression. These events include the Jim Crow laws, mob mentality, and the issue of Racism.
Starting off, one of the first historical occurrences in the United States, that link to the novel are the Jim Crow laws. The Jim Crow laws were a strict system of racial segregation in the United States, where blacks were considered second-class citizens and therefor required to follow certain laws that held
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them back from the whites. White citizens felt the laws were justified because society encouraged the idea that blacks were an inferior race. It was heavily implemented that treating blacks as equals could lead to the destruction of whites and even the United States, hence the Jim Crow laws were set (Pilgrim). Examples of such laws include that blacks could not hold the custody of white children, black children were to stay separate from white schools, and blacks and whites had separate public facilities exclusively for their race, prohibiting them from mixing. Punishments for the infringement of Jim Crow laws were severe, and were often carried out by white citizens, while the white authorities hardly intervened. Examples included beatings, hangings, shootings and burning victims alive (Pilgrim). To Kill a Mockingbird closely reflects these attitudes and social norms toward African-Americans, with racist ideas heavily rooted in the town of Maycomb, Alabama. For instance, when Jem and Scout head to the black church with Calpurnia, it is revealed that a majority of the black community does not know how to read and write, a sharp contrast to the white citizens (Lee 165-166). This is a clear example of inequality between races, especially in the educational sector. Another example of the Jim Crow laws and etiquettes is shown, when Atticus mentions that Mayella “did something that in our society is unspeakable: she kissed a black man” (Lee 272). This shows that much like in the past of the United States, intimacy between blacks and whites is strictly taboo and harshly criticized in Maycomb. All in all, these reasons show how and why the Jim Crow laws play a part in Lee’s novel, along with other issues, including mod mentality. Mob mentality has also been shown to be apparent in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Mob mentality is the similar mindset and action taken on by a group of people, usually stirred by strong beliefs and often leading to violence. Events that lead to mob mentality often bring on a feeling of excitement and anger, which are further spurred by a desire to fulfill the mob’s needs. Current examples of such occurrences include sporting events, civil protests, and holidays similar to Black Friday (Edmonds). Furthermore, there have also been extensive occurrences of mob mentality in the Untied State’s past. The song, “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday reflects this, as it talks about African-Americans, who were targeted by white mobs and rioters and were often beaten and hanged. One such occurrence can be seen in an infamous photo, taken by Lawrence Beitler in 1930. In the photo, a group of average white townspeople surround the bodies of two black men, who are hanging from the tree. Despite the grim setting, people hold expressions worn by typical spectators. This shows that mob mentality, when fueled by deep emotion and hatred, can often lead people to commit inhumane acts, harming innocents in the process, especially in the past, when mobs were sparked by racism (Smith). A few incidences of mob mentality can also be seen in Lee’s novel, around the time of Tom Robinson’s trial. In one incident, a group of men gather outside of the Finch household, calling for Atticus to join them. Around this time, Scout mentions that, “In Maycomb, grown men stood outside in the front yard for only two reasons: death and politics” (Lee 193). This shows that the group of men had banded together for a similar purpose, motivated by strong beliefs and emotions. A second occurrence of mob mentality is when a group of the Cunningham’s gathered outside the county jail, in an attempt at harming Tom. Again, this shows that the group was working toward a purpose, this time fueled by racism and a hatred of
Tom Robinson (Lee 202-206). These reasons show what Mob mentality is and how it was presented in Lee’s novel, which was also brought on to teach a lesson about racism. The novel mainly centers on the idea of racism, notably discrimination against African-Americans in the United States past. There have been numerous reasons used to explain racism, for instance, it is believed that, “people tend to respond more favorably to others if they share a common group identity” (Routledge 1). Here it shows that racism could be the result of feeling more comfortable with people who share the same race as one another, causing them to look down on people of different races. Racism could also be the result of wanting a set structure, or way of society, without change and also for a need to express dominance over others (Routledge 1-2). An example of Racism can be found in the Scottsboro trials, an incident in which a group of black men were unjustly convicted of rape, despite the lack of sound evidence (Anderson). The Scottsboro trials were also similar to the Tom Robinson case that took place in the novel. Firstly, in both cases the defendants were black people, accused by white people and in both instances, the alleged crimes were the rape of white women. Much like in the trials, Tom’s court case takes place in a small southern town in the state of Alabama, where mobs threatened the safety of the men. In both situations, the men were eventually found guilty without any solid proof (Lee). Lee based the novel off the Scottsboro trials because she set the story in the south and had a black man unfairly tried in court. All in all, To Kill a Mockingbird has been shown to revolve around numerous events and social issues like Jim Crow, mob mentality, and racism. In this way, Harper Lee portrays the issues of real life in her novel, especially during the Great Depression era. Other parts relate to the Scottsboro trials and the treatment of the black community, again showing that the novel was inspired by real occurrences.
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel written by Harper Lee. The novel is set in the depths of the Great Depression. A lawyer named Atticus Finch is called to defend a black man named Tom Robinson. The story is told from one of Atticus’s children, the mature Scout’s point of view. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, the Finch Family faces many struggles and difficulties.
history of black people in the South and America as a whole. The theme of race ties into the novel
Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird is based during the era of racism and prejudice. This era is commonly referred to as The Great Depression and is during the mid-late 30’s. The novel is set in a small town and county called Maycomb, Alabama. The novel follows the story of the Finch’s and their struggle before, during, and after a rape trial that is set against an African American by a white woman and her father.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee seems like a complete replica of the lives of people living in a small Southern U.S. town. The themes expressed in this novel are as relevant today as when this novel was written, and also the most significant literary devices used by Lee. The novel brings forward many important themes, such as the importance of education, recognition of inner courage, and the misfortunes of prejudice. This novel was written in the 1930s. This was the period of the “Great Depression” when it was very common to see people without jobs, homes and food. In those days, the rivalry between the whites and the blacks deepened even more due to the competition for the few available jobs. A very famous court case at that time was the Scottsboro trials. These trials were based on the accusation against nine black men for raping two white women. These trials began on March 25, 1931. The Scottsboro trials were very similar to Tom Robinson’s trial. The similarities include the time factor and also the fact that in both cases, white women accused black men.
'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a novel that was written in the 1960s, but Harper Lee decided to set the novel in the Depression era of the 1930s in a small town in Alabama. Lee provided her readers with a historical background for the affairs of that time and in doing so she exposed the deeply entrenched history of the civil rights in South America. Like the main characters in this novel, Lee grew up in Alabama; this made it easier for her to relate to the characters in the novel as she would have understood what they would have experienced during the period when racism, discrimination and inequality was on the increase within the American society.
In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, many notable themes arise, but the most prevalent theme is undeniably the theme of man’s inhumanity to man. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to Scout Finch, who is naive and oblivious to the discrimination that occurs in Maycomb. However, through many events and through meeting many characters, we soon begin to realize that the world may not be so nice after all. Our suspicions are only confirmed once we witness the terrible injustices that occur during the trial.
To Kill A Mockingbird is a courageous tale of leadership and bravery to others. From Atticus helping Tom, to Boo trying to communicate with the kids. Harper Lee used real-life events as inspirations for her novel To Kill A Mockingbird. There are connections to Jim Crow Laws, mob mentality, and issues of racism in that time period.
Mob mentality is the actions of what people do in large groups. Mob mentality can be defined as the unique behavioral characteristics or actions that people do in big groups, usually with little amount of individual thought (Smith). One reason why people do these actions is that people often do what others are doing around them, so they don’t feel left out, or sometimes feel like they have to do what others are doing around them to fit in (Smith). Another reason people do these actions in big groups is that when there around so many other people they don’t feel like they are consequences for their actions since they are with so many other people (Smith). The longer people are doing these actions in a mob, the harder it is for people to remember why they started the mob in the first place (Edmonds). Examples of the actions are, destroying property, or hurting people (Edmonds). Mob mentality can be seen in To Kill a Mockingbird in many ways. One example of this is people in a big group vandalizing a building, or attacking someone, they feel they can do this and get away with it since they are in a big group. We see this in To Kill a Mockingbird when the mob comes to the jail cell to lynch Tom Robison (Lee 172-174). Mob mentality and Jim Crow laws were not the only thing that had an influence in To Kill a Mockingbird so did the Scottsboro
A distinct conscience is formed by the values and desires of one’s unique identity. However, common beliefs of societal standards can influence conscientious desires. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee introduces a young girl named Scout, who learns about the difference between social conformity and human conscience. Through this, she notices the conflict it brings: choosing to conform or stand with your desire. Through Maycomb’s discriminatory principles, Atticus’ actions against common beliefs, and Scout’s comprehension of Boo, Lee reveals how society’s standards and conformity hinders personal desires for righteousness.
Mob mentality is the psychological reason behind how a mob acts or makes bad decisions. Mob mentality has been known to make good people make bad choices like looting or burning a vehicle or on the less extreme side of things smoke a cigarette because their friends are doing it. The main cause of mob mentality is a human’s mind. We have a primal instinct to be part of a group (Smith). Most people want to be like and because of peer pressure we often find ourselves doing actions that we would not normally do (Smith). Mob mentality can be seen in To Kill A Mockingbird many times. It only takes one act of violence to whip the emotionally distressed crowd into a fury (Edmonds). In the book, when Atticus was sitting at the jail with Tom Robinson the mob that came to kill him had never had a previous bad experience with Tom, they just were mad that a man could pull something like this off. Mob mentality is a key historical influence on Harper Lee’s novel, another historical event includes The Scottsboro
Many students believe that Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a commentary on social issues in 1930’s America. However, over time new themes for discussion have grown from the novel. The courage and leadership of characters in To Kill a Mockingbird have become common subjects discussed by today’s students. In this way, Lee’s novel has evolved to meet the changing ideology of humanity. At the time of the novel, standing up against common customs and beliefs was unacceptable, a violation of societal rules. Several characters in To Kill a Mockingbird express outrage at the collective belief system of their community and show resilience in the face of persecution, much as many current leaders face when espousing unconventional views or actions.
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, many different themes come into view. One major theme that played a big role in the character’s lives is racial prejudice. Racism is an unending problem throughout the book. The song “Message from a Black Man” by The Temptations has many similarities to the theme of racial discrimination. Therefore, both the novel and the song prove that racism was a great obstacle for some people at a point.
To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee's only novel, is a fictional story of racial oppression, set in Maycomb, A.L. in 1925 to 1935, loosely based on the events of the Scottsboro trials. Unlike the story however, the racial discrimination and oppression in the novel very accurately portrays what it was like in the 1920's and 1930's in the south. Tom Robinson, the black man accused of raping a poor low class white girl of 19, never stood a chance of getting a fair trial. This can be supported by giving examples of racially discriminatory and oppressive events that actually took place in the south during the time period in which the novel is based. In addition to actual historical events, events and examples from the book that clearly illustrate the overpoweringly high levels of prejudice that were intertwined in the everyday thinking of the majority of the characters in the book supports the fact that Tom Robinson never stood a chance of getting a fair trial.
In to Kill a Mockingbird, author Harper Lee uses characters to explore the different stereotypes in the Southern United States of the 1930s. Told through the eyes of Scout Finch you learn how these stereotypes are so absurd and fabricated they really were. The novel also portrays numerous examples of racism, sexism, in creative ways. The stereotypes and themes portrayed in this novel are exactly what makes it so relevant to today’s society.
The book, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, has many different relations to American history. The book shows good examples of racism, working life, church, and many other things.