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Throughout history, it has been demonstrated that there are many ways to define hope and what hopelessness entails. The insightful novel To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee examines the disparity that is thrust upon several minor characters in the small southern town of Maycomb. The hopelessness within Maycomb is used by Atticus, who stands as the voice of reason, ultimately allowing readers to grasp the lesson of empathy implemented throughout the novel.
Lee uses Scout and Jem to show segregation through the minor characters, cultural differences, and strict laws. This novel takes place during the depression-era where the moral and ethical principles that teachers and parents abide by and teach, are not defined. This is evident through
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the character Miss Gates, Scout's third-grade teacher, who repeatedly refers to Adolph Hitler. This man is known as an individual of racial slurs. During the lesson, Miss Gates criticizes Adolph Hitler and his persecution of the Jews, informing the class about portions of the history and current status of the religious group when she states, “they contribute to every society they live in, and (...) the Jews have been persecuted since the beginning of history, even driven out of their own country. It's one of the terrible stories in history (25)." Scout reflects deeply on this quote as she is puzzled by her teacher’s acceptance towards the religion, but her coinciding disapproval of individuals of a different colour. Her ability to recognize what is right and wrong displays the foundation that Atticus, her father, has given to his children as Scout questions the words that flutter out of her teacher's mouth. The moral values which Atticus teaches are reflected when he shares his opinion, “you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”(39). This provides key context to the situation as Atticus has to raise his children in a society where individuals are constantly tearing down all progress he has previously made. He teaches his children to understand and respect the feelings of others while generating their own personal position in the world; a task that is extremely difficult to accomplish. In conjunction with this, Scout and Jem are awakened by the laws in the early 1930s.
Within this time period, Jim Crow laws are those of which were implemented throughout the land and citizens were forced to follow. These laws were in place to ensure “separate but equal” public facilities for both the black and white people. Although there are few specific examples of these laws within the novel, Jem and Scout are astonished when they physically witness the immense effect that skin colour contributes to Tom Robinson's verdict in the courtroom. "In our courts, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins. They’re ugly, but those are the facts of life," (243) Atticus informs his children regarding the situation upheld, as they are horrified by the outcome. When Atticus explains this, the children are upset but, he gives them more insight into the situation. He makes clear to them that even though it may seem wrong, it is how the current society works and one must not be held back by their attachment to what they believe is wrong or upsetting. The children’s horror can be explained as they do not fully comprehend the degree to which whites stand above blacks. Atticus tries to eliminate this and works to cope with the lack of hope that society has thrown upon …show more content…
them. Overall, the children are forever changed by the events that occur within the town and are forced to see the world from a new perspective. Following the explanation Atticus gives regarding the trial; Jem is still extremely upset and turns to Atticus for further explanation. At this time he states, “the one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any color of the rainbow, but people have a way of carrying those resentments right into a jury box. As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it --- whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, the white man is trash”(220). Once again, Atticus tries to give context to a situation which proves to be unexplainable. Jem denies Atticus’ explanation and says that in the circumstance at hand, it does not prove to make the jury's verdict morally correct. Within this situation, Lee tries to explain the complicated concept of segregation. Children, adults and the majority of the population still do not understand the concept that has dominated the country. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” This summarizes the moral of the story and the feelings felt by the characters. Individuals are forced to cope with the idea that inequality is the norm and the character of an individual virtually does not matter. As a result of this, hopelessness is something that is prevalent, as people choose only to believe what they are told, whether or not it follows the standards of right or wrong. In conclusion, Lee uses the minor characters; Scout and Jem to demonstrate the harshly segregated reality and the cultural diversity leading to the small amount of hope that still remains. In conjunction, Lee uses the adults in the novel to show the effects segregation and how it contributes to the level of hopelessness.
To begin, Tom Robinson is a black man whose voice goes unnoticed and ignored. His situation is uncontrollable and hopeless. This is specifically displayed within the walls of the courtroom. Although Atticus prepares a strong case to defend him, he stands with no chance and the man on the stand (Judge Taylor) understands this. When the judgment is confirmed to Tom he is devastated. He loses all hope that he previously had gained in Atticus and the justice system. The invisible man is convicted of a crime he did not commit and knows the colour of his skin was a deciding factor. Atticus promises Tom an appeal in the future, but Tom cannot see how the court can come to any different conclusion. A short time later, when Atticus delivers the news that Tom has tried to escape prison and in turn was shot and killed, he gives context to the situation when saying “I guess Tom was tired of white men’s chances and preferred to take his own” (235-236). Atticus is determined to control a circumstance which is uncontrollable and as a result, he loses faith in the justice system and in Maycomb. He uses his vast knowledge of the justice system and faith in the Judge to let the town have an ounce of control. This control is valuable and misused, causing the man whose life was on the line to perish. All of those individuals around Atticus felt the effects of
Tom’s death, including Tom’s wife, Helen Robinson. This is just one example of the sadness that segregation causes and the barrier, that is skin colour. As Atticus made his way to the front porch of the Robinson family home, the echo of sorrow can be heard as Helen knew her husband's fate. Although Atticus tried deeply to comfort and put context to the situation, Helen had no empathy for Atticus's words and was devastated by her husband's actions. Atticus’s hope which once flowed like a river ran dry, as Tom’s and Helen's soon evaporated. When looking back, the impoverished Cunningham’s, are key contributors to segregation within Maycomb. The amount of which poverty is felt by the family is seen when the narrator states, “he had none today, nor would he have any tomorrow or the next day. He had probably never seen three quarters together at the same time in his life” (20). As a result of their lack of funds, their desperation shines through and Walter Cunningham's racist actions can be partially explained. Atticus understands the hardships that the Cunninghams have gone through and is sympathetic when Mr. Walter shows up at the police station. In the time leading up to Tom’s death, Walter Cunningham is a part of a mob whose main goal revolves around seeing those of colour suffer under their touch. He, alongside several other men, target Tom Robinson and generate a plan to lynch him before his court date; taking away his right to free speech. During this time, their side of regression and prejudiced values are shown. In the time leading up to Tom’s death, Atticus spends the night near Tom, ensuring that no one will touch him, but Scout and Jem soon arrive and Atticus is preoccupied with his children. Just then, Walter Cunningham and his accomplices show up and because of Scout’s previously gained moral values, she recognizes a key issue. When Scout talks to him about his son, Walter then turns back and takes the mob with him, saving Tom’s life. Although the minor actions of Scout cause some hope to be seen as he exits, Mr. Cunningham intentions are still very obvious and the hope still remains primarily with Scout. Mr. Cunningham is still a man whose main goal is to cause harm to those of colour, however, by cause of Scout’s small action, some empathy and hope are demonstrated by the minor characters. Later in the novel when the Cunningham’s appear again, Mr. Cunningham is the only one who is willing to acquit Tom. In the courtroom, the Cunningham family suggests that although not all types of discrimination are acceptable, some are for reason and can change the outlook of life. This statement is generated after watching Atticus fight for his client and tell the honest truth of Tom’s past. Atticus looks to create hope in a society where the hopeless dominate. He looks to Walter’s family to aid and provide him with the reassurance that Maycomb can be a foundation for aspiration. Even with Atticus’s extreme effort to give the society a better chance, hopelessness still remains. To conclude, Harper Lee uses the hopeless, segregated society to teach the ultimate lesson of empathy. She does this by showing how one simple man can give the world a glimpse of optimism amongst a world of hatred. Lee shows that the children can learn the values of the adults around them and make decisions regarding which values to accept thereby giving hope to the future. Furthermore, Lee uses the main characters to show how societal hardships affect everyone and not just those directly involved. In the end, lessons are learned and connections are made proving that there is some degree of hope that can be found in all circumstances.
Tom Robinson was just a “respectable negro” with a kind nature who was accused in absence of wrong. Mr Robinson is immediately seen as an enemy by most in town of Maycomb. Is it because of his malicious personality? Is it because of his hair colour? Is it because he is arrogant? No, all of these are false he is instantly convicted because he is of a different ethnicity. It seems foolish but this is the reason why Maycomb has discarded a man who is of higher quality than the majority of the town. “Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella opened her mouth and screamed.” As soon as the trial began Tom’s opportunity for victory grew slimmer and slimmer and Maycomb knew that Atticus was fighting an unwinnable battle. But Atticus was determined to defend the ‘ultimate mockingbird’ right up until the end; even after the court case Atticus defends Tom at the jail. A final act of Tom’s innocence to prove his mockingbird status was whilst in court, he still didn’t want to accuse Mayella because “she seemed...
The novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is set in Alabama in the 1930s, and concerns itself primarily with the interrelated themes of prejudice and empathy. These themes are explored as the story follows Scout Finch as she learns lessons in empathy, ultimately rejecting prejudice. While all characters in Lee’s novel learn from their experiences, not all are able to grow in the same manner as Scout. The idea of a positive role model, typified by the character of Atticus Finch, and the ramifications of its absence, is a concept that Lee places much emphasis on. The isolated setting is also pivotal in the development of characters. Lee uses the contrast between characters that learn lessons in empathy and compassion, and characters that cling to the ideals of a small town, to explore factors that nurture or diminish prejudice.
Childhood is a continuous time of learning, and of seeing mistakes and using them to change your perspectives. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates how two children learn from people and their actions to respect everyone no matter what they might look like on the outside. To Kill A Mockingbird tells a story about two young kids named Scout and her older brother Jem Finch growing up in their small, racist town of Maycomb, Alabama. As the years go by they learn how their town and a lot of the people in it aren’t as perfect as they may have seemed before. When Jem and Scout’s father Atticus defends a black man in court, the town’s imperfections begin to show. A sour, little man named Bob Ewell even tries to kill Jem and Scout all because of the help Atticus gave to the black man named Tom Robinson. Throughout the novel, Harper Lee illustrates the central theme that it is wrong to judge someone by their appearance on the outside, or belittle someone because they are different.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a story of hope. It is learnt that hope is always there. Without a doubt it is a story of hope. Atticus is the positive character, who believes in the good of everything. He brings hope into the story and tries to pass it on to others, especially to his children. No matter how hard life becomes Atticus does not give up. The Finch family becomes hopeful, as Atticus educates the children to accept everyone. Scout and Jem discover hope throughout the novel, from their father, Atticus teaching it to them. Hope comes in many different forms in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The cruelty of Maycomb, when being racist and prejudice, gives hope for an equal and fair future. It is present throughout the book, but is discovered by Scout and Jem in the end. To an immense extent, To Kill a Mockingbird is a story of hope.
Yet he took the case with no hesitation. Atticus knows the difference between what is fair and what is true justice. He is well aware that whites and blacks have many differences with one another, but is also educated enough to know that there truly is no diversity in equity, and tries to teach everyone including his children this. ”You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view- until you climb into his skin and walk around it.(30)” Atticus is encouraging Scout to respect everyone and consider their true potential without considering false accusations in this quote. He applies what he teaches to his children to the people attending the Tom Robinson trial. Atticus is just one man, but with an unprecedented amount of sense of pride, intelligence, and justice. He reflects the image of the town’s people by showing them what they’ve allowed themselves to become based on their beliefs. He genuinely expresses their deepest consternation. In this quote he tells the audience what they are afraid to hear, but need to hear, “She was white, and she tempted a Negro. She did something that in our society is unspeakable: she kissed a black man. Not an old uncle, but a strong young Negro man. No code mattered to her before she broke it, but it came crashing down on her afterwards.(272)” After stating his point and releasing the profound truth Atticus causes for Mayella and Bob Ewell to lose their composure. Nevertheless people of most of the white people of Maycomb continue to refuse to believe that a white woman kissed a black man. But they undoubtedly believe that a black man with a useless left hand beat and raped an “innocent” white woman. Atticus could have predicted the outcome from before he even took the case and refused to defend Tom Robinson. But he
Atticus is a quiet, humble man who works to the best of his ability given his limited resources, and resolutely supports Tom Robinson’s side of the case, riling up his community imbued with discrimination. Without Atticus, the story would lose its equilibrium, and Jem and Scout would most definitely discard any insight they had into respecting humans for their unique qualities. Atticus supports the fact that, “Thomas Jefferson once said that all men are created equal,” (233), and he tries to use this saying to bolster his argument throughout the trial. Jem and Scout respect the fact that their father is so supportive of equality, but because Maycomb County is already so biased against the black race, nothing Atticus said could have made a difference. After the trial comes to an end, Atticus tries to help the children process the evil essence of Bob Ewell: “Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute ... if spitting in my face and threatening me saved
Scout lives in Maycomb County where she has to discover the unfair realities of society alongside prejudice people and some honest, accepting, and compassionate people. Her father, Atticus, is a lawyer who teaches her life lessons to help her understand different perspectives. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates how people’s ignorance results in prejudice against others and can only be stopped through understanding and compassion. Lee exemplifies the ignorant people in a society and their effect on others using the people in Maycomb County.
In the courtroom that night it is revealed that the alleged crimes of Tom Robinson, a decent Negro man, most likely did not happen. As Atticus says in his closing argument, "The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence to the effect that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place. It has relied instead upon the testimony of two witnesses whose evidence has not only been called into serious question on cross-examination, but has been flatly contradicted by the defendant. The defendant is not guilty, but somebody in this courtroom is” (Lee 271). Showing the clear innocence of Tom Robinson due to lack of evidence, Scout thinks that the white jury will do the right thing only to find out that they still, unfairly, accuse him of being guilty. Scout and her brother, Jem, get very upset when they hear the verdict, however, it allows them both to learn the lesson that the county is unfair towards anyone who is not white. The county demonstrates this evil racism due to the social divisions in Maycomb between the whites and the blacks and because the whites see the blacks as unworthy of rights and freedoms. It was not just the trial itself that displayed evil in the world, but the comments and arguments surrounding the case did
The Jim Crow laws enforce the fact that segregation and racism is right, and that is how things should be. But, some of the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird go against racism and segregation, teaching the readers a lesson that everyone should be treated fairly, no matter their race. Atticus, Jem and Scout are three of the greatest examples of going against racism, and the Jim Crow laws. To Kill a Mockingbird allows people to get an idea of both sides of segregation and racism, and the Finch family set off an example that should be followed in the way black people should be treated.
Harper Lee’s only book, To Kill a Mockingbird, is the stereotypical tale of childhood and innocence, yet it successfully incorporates mature themes, like the racism in the South at the time, to create a masterpiece of a work that has enraptured people’s minds and hearts for generations. According to esteemed novelist Wally Lamb, “It was the first time in my life that a book had sort of captured me. That was exciting; I didn’t realize that literature could do that” (111). Scout’s witty narration and brash actions make her the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for, and the events that take place in Maycomb County are small-scale versions of the dilemmas that face our world today. Mockingbird is a fantastically written novel that belongs on the shelves of classic literature that everyone should take the time to read and appreciate for its execution of style and the importance of its content.
As a result, this dramatic and deeply moving novel takes us into the world of Jem and Scout, in a journey that teaches both the characters and the readers about lessons in life that we witness everyday and learn from, growing and maturing, day by day. The main problems that were faced in the book were of: prejudice and hate, people judging others, and the inequality between the treatment of men and women. These are problems that are faced in places by people, everyday, even today, and together we must work to overcome these problems and unite, every person equal to any other.
Tom Robinson’s trial, and in fact his entire life, was badly affected by racism. It is truly a testament to the corruption of society when a person who has earned a bad reputation is held in higher esteem than a person who was born with it, as is the case with Bob Ewell and Tom Robinson. Even though Tom was obviously honest in his testament, the jury sided with Bob Ewell because he was white. They made this decision despite the fact that the Ewell family was widely known to be a worthless part of society. Jem, not being racially prejudiced, could not understand this mentality. As Atticus pointed out, “If you (Jem) had been on the jury, son, and eleven other boys like you, Tom would be a free man.”
The first connection to America's actual history is the presents of Jim crow Laws in To Kill a Mockingbird. The Jim Crow laws were the laws separating black people from white people. The objective of the Jim Crow laws were mostly to keep whites in a more powerful position than any other race, so they tried to make the black people less than the white people. According to “Pilgrim” the most common punishment of breaking a Jim Crow law is lynching even though it is not part of the legal system. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird there are many cases of the Jim Crow laws in effect. In the book there are not any black kids in Scouts class and Toms kids do not go to school. On page 219 when the kids go to the trial they sit up in the black section
Jim Crow Laws: they’re long gone, right? No, not entirely. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, these oppressive laws are prevalent and a fact of life for the black community. The purpose of the system, in theory, was to create “separate but equal” treatment between black and white civilians.
...no wind blowing, and tree trunks never walked. The back porch was bathed in moonlight, and the shadow, crisp and toast, moved across the porch towards Jem.” (Lee 71). Harper Lee gives vivid detail to make it seem as if we are in the position of Scout and Jem this keeps readers entertained and engaged in further reading. This book didn’t have too many weaknesses, but it makes you feel bad for the way blacks were treated in that time especially the law being unfair and unjustified, or how they treat them without a say and they have no trust in there word for example of the Tom Robinson case there wasn’t substantial evidence for him to be accused of rape, but because he was black they take the white man’s word over a blacks and Bob Ewell wins the case. This novel is somewhat like today in modern world there is still racism, poverty, and occasionally unfair justice.