Social Inequality In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

Through the creation of the microcosm of Maycomb in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee is able to comment on the inherent existence of key inequalities prevalent in society in the 1930s and contemporary society today. Lee utilises her characters to make a social comment on the presence of social inequality between the black and white communities to render racial prejudice as a pivotal influence on the text. Harper lee also accentuates the ramifications of the lack of moral education that consequently highlights its importance in the text. Finally, Lee is able to present the dichotomy between good and evil that is imperative to maintain a social equilibrium. These notions are explored in the novel through her characters and various

literary techniques.

Throughout the progression of the novel, Lee presents a society that is firm on their beliefs of a constructed hierarchy, subsequently leading to social inequality and racial prejudice.

The imperfect town of Maycomb, has a social ladder, ultimately becoming a fundamental aspect in many situations consequently leading to the marginalisation of individuals. Social inequality is represented through the characterisation of Walter Cunningham. When scout wants to play with Walter, aunt Alexandra immediately opposes as she believes strongly in the social hierarchy that has been constructed. "Because he's trash, that's why you can't play with him" The use of the metaphor combined with the harsh tone elucidates the towns social strata as they see these inequalities as natural and permanent. Lee presents a society that is predominantly biased and is plagued with stereotypes. This leads to the marginalisation of individuals. The Radley family embody this notion as they are typically referred to with negative connotations by those in Maycomb. "The Radleys, welcome anywhere in town, kept to themselves, a predilection unforgivable in Maycomb" the use of the caesura combined with the third person illustrates the towns opinion on the recluse radleys. This further leads to the marginalisation of Boo as he is compared to a monster; society turning him into an urban myth, alienating him. "Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall...he dined on raw squirrels...was a long jagged scar that ran

across his face" the imagery used whilst Jem was describing boo to dill and scout illustrates the extent to which rumors have been exploited. Through this Lee makes a comment on how society can mould people's opinion about those that are different in society. Racial prejudice is also evident through the unfair case of Tom Robinson. Lee was able to present the idea that racism is something developed by society, instilled over long periods of time. This can be seen as Jem exclaims "how could they, how could they?" once he learns that Tom had been unfairly convicted. The repetition of "how could they" illustrates the presence of a fair mind and the exposure to racism within society. Atticus attempts to explain the decision of the court to the children "in our courts, when it's a white mans word against a black mans, the white always wins". The juxtaposition of black and white man combined with the first person reinforces the social stratification in the society of Maycomb. Through this Harper Lee is able to convey the existence of social inequality and racial prejudice apparent in the society of Maycomb.

Throughout the progression of the novel, Atticus attempts to instil a social conscience in Jem and scout by developing a sense of empathy. Atticus tells his children "you never really understand a man until you climb into his skin and walk around in it". The use of the metaphor allows the audience an insight into the morals and ethics that Atticus holds. Through this, Atticus attempts to teach Jem and scout to sympathise with people before making a judgment. This is further reinforced when Atticus forces Jem and Scout to read to Mrs Dubose. "Instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway." The use of foreshadowing in Atticus' attempt to educate the children, illustrates his profound understanding of the society in that he knows that defeat will be the outcome of the trial. Hence, through atticus' voice, Lee is able to emphasise the importance of moral education In his pursuit to ensure his children develop a sense of empathy.

Finally, Lee conveys the idea that good and evil both reside within a person imperative to maintain a social equilibrium.

It is an exploration of human morality and presents constant conversation regarding the inherent good or evil of people. Atticus is the teacher and provides guidance for both Jem and scout and a moral voice for the audience. He believes that there is both good and evil in a person but that good will prevail. This notion is effectively conveyed through the character of boo Radley juxtaposed to bob Ewell. Boo Radley, although having many negative connotations associated with him represents the good in people when he saves the children from bob Ewell, who ultimately represents the evil in a person. The extent of evil residing in bob Ewell can be seen when scout describes her experience "he slowly squeezed the breath out of me. I could not move. Suddenly he jerked backwards..." The use of imagery combined with the first person allows the audience an insight into the evil that is bob Ewell. The realisation that there is true evil within their society shakes Jem and scout to the core, causing them to re evaluate human nature. "Atticus was right" scouts acceptance and humble tone regarding her opinion of people indicate the evolution of her thoughts about human nature. Through these characters, Harper Lee was able to comment on how opposing forces are required to maintain a

balance.

Henceforth, Harper Lee is able to shape a contemporary audiences understanding of society through the use of her characters to convey social inequality and racial prejudice. Lee forces the audience to re evaluate their understanding of society through Atticus' teachings of the importance of moral education and the co existence of good and evil.