Charles R. Swindoll, evangelical Christian pastor, author, educator, and radio preacher, once explained, “Prejudice is a learned trait. You're not born prejudiced; you're taught it.” Swindoll explains that no one is born prejudiced; merely you learn it as a character trait in which becomes embodied in you. The ideas and feelings that people who learn prejudice experience often shape how they act and talk in the future. These prejudiced people have remained in power since Harper Lee’s setting in To Kill a Mockingbird and continue to be dominant compared to others today. Harper Lee’s message in To Kill a Mockingbird about the impact of prejudice that was shown by prejudiced people was extremely critical and similar to the problems in society …show more content…
at the time the book was written and the problems that continue to harm today’s society. Lee argues that the unbalance of power is dangerous to the stability of society and her argument still true today. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the quiet town of Maycomb, defies Maycomb’s ancient racial biases when he chooses to defend Tom Robinson while students at Cornell University firmly lead protests against lack of color diversity at the university in 2015. In Harper Lee’s book and through the Cornell University’s student’s actions, they both argue that prejudice is the act of doing something immoral despite knowing that it conflicts with one’s own conscience. Atticus wages his own battle with his conscience as he determinedly tries to appeal to the jury that Tom Robinson is not guilty of raping Mayella Ewell despite knowing that he jury has already decided its decision due to their prejudice. Miss Maudie explains to Jem her beliefs by saying, “I waited and waited to see you all come down the sidewalk, and as I waited, I thought, Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win, but he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that. And thought to myself, well, we’re making a step-it’s just a baby-step but it’s a step” (Lee 289). The quote shows that although Atticus knows he won’t win, he has a chance to try to change the jury’s prejudice on black people. Atticus Finch tried to alter the ancient prejudice that the jury had held in their hearts for years and make the jury realize that they were wrong about their beliefs. Atticus does this by saying, “I am confident that you gentlemen will review without passion the evidence you have heard, come to a decision, and restore this defendant to his family”(Lee 274-275). Atticus Finch appealed to the jury and tried to change the bias in the jury’s decision and convict Tom Robinson fairly. Atticus Finch is determined partly to win but most of all to urge the jury to question their long held beliefs about blacks because prejudice is believed for 300 years does not mean that it is right. During the trial, Atticus Finch tries to stop the prejudice in the courtroom since prejudice is an immoral action and is wrong and unjust on every and any set of ethics because prejudice judges something/someone based on its looks.
Mayella Ewell, the so-called victim of Tom Robinson’s rape, makes the judges feel ashamed by saying, “That nigger yonder took advantage of me an’ if you fine fancy gentlemen don’t wanna do nothin’ about it then you’re all yellow stinkin’ cowards, stinkin’ cowards, the lot of you”(Lee 251). Mayella Ewell takes advantage of the jury and made the judges feel shameful since they were listening to Atticus’s argument and the jury was contradicting their ancestor’s beliefs. The jury felt guilt from Mayella Ewell’s accusations and thus they convicted Tom Robinson when they knew that the judgment was wrong so that they would not be accused of believing a black person. This can be related to a quote in a letter called “A Letter From Birmingham Jail” written by Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights activist, that says, “…Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear drenched communities…” (King 3) King explains how he is trying to stop the prejudice and help others see what the black people see and help others understand. Both King and Atticus Finch try to relieve the pressure of prejudice in the courtroom and on the streets. Although many may say that the setting in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird was set years before Martin Luther King Jr.’s time, the problems that beleaguered society in King’s time also did the same to Atticus’ society. King tried to prevent prejudice from spreading further into the world and so did Atticus Finch also. The jury and Mayella Ewell both knew that prejudice is dishonest yet both used it which made them look at the world at a much more unprincipled
perspective. The prevention of prejudice is not confined to civil rights activists and lawyers, students at Cornell University also agree that prejudice is punishing or harming a human being unjustly no matter where or who one is even when one know it conflicts with their own conscience. The organizer of the event, Willian Heisenberg, explained the purpose of the event called “#ConcernedStudent2015” by posting a message a few days after the creation of the event that contained, “I heard about the protests in Ithaca and Missouri, and then saw many students at Cornell showing solidarity,” Heisenberg shows how he felt as though he needed to also organize an event that was speaking against the lack of color diversity on the campus since many other university nearby had already organized such events. Atticus says during his conclusion at the trial, “The witnesses for the state, with the exception of the sheriff of Maycomb County, have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court, in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption –the evil assumption-that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted among our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber”(Lee 273).The quote shows that what Mayella said conflicted with her own conscience and that it is similar to what the students at Cornell University are protesting about. This quote fits with Mayella Ewell because she convinced the jury that they should not trust any Negroes due to the white belief that all Negroes do unmoral and unjust actions which is a mistaken stereotype of Negroes. The students at Cornell University argue the white students did not trust the black people although that belief conflicted with their own conscience which led to the lack of color diversity on the university campus. Atticus Finch and the students at Cornell University work to prevent prejudice and encourage deep insights that show one’s true characteristics. Both Atticus Finch and the students at Cornell University claim that prejudice is doing something dishonest even if the action contradicts one’s own sense of what is right and wrong. In conclusion, Atticus Finch and the students in Cornell University both agree that prejudice is the act of doing something immoral even though it contradicts with one’s own morals. Atticus Finch argues on the behalf of Tom Robinson at the trial and the students at Cornell University argue on the behalf of the black students at Cornell University’s campus. Therefore, we must increase awareness about prejudice and discourage prejudice. It is our choice to fight against prejudice now because the last thing we need is another segregation period similar to that of the late 20th century.
In real life there are many different types of people, some of them are similar
The novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, is an American classic, narrated by the young Scout Finch, the most engrossing character in the book. The novel is about the adventures of two siblings over the time of about three years. Jem and Jean Louise (Scout) Finch were two young siblings who one day met another young boy named Dill. Over time, Jem and Scout grow up under the careful watch of their father and friends, learning how to be adults. They play games, they sneak into a courthouse, and they learn a valuable life lesson. Scout was an intriguing character. As the narrator, you learn more about Scout’s feelings towards the events in the book and soon learn to love her. Let me introduce you to Scout Finch.
Harper Lee wrote a story to express the different kinds of prejudice in the 1930’s in Maycomb County, Alabama. The thesis has been explained by using actual quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird, and then gave logical explanation on how it was relevant. Prejudices affect the world even today and still they are something that is a horrible thing.
“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (119). [1]Mockingbirds are the most innocent type of bird and cannot defend themselves. [3] Occasionally people tried to mess with Boo Radly, who was a mockingbird because he was in his house defenseless. [5] While Tom Robertson was being tried and in prison he was an undeniably mockingbird. [4] Hurting Jem, Bob Ewell was punishing an innocient kid, who was defenseless. [2] Despite being a man, Bob Ewell, who is showed to be a blue jay, blue jays are birds that no one likes. “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy.”(119)[6] Mockingbirds don’t hurt anyone. [1] Boo Radly and Tom Robertson are mockingbirds
One of the major events in Harper Lee’s award-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird is Tom Robinson’s trial. It is based on the Scottsboro Case that took place in 1931 in Alabama, in which several black men were accused of raping two white women. Both the Scottsboro Boys and Tom Robinson are unfairly judged, however, because of prejudice against colored people. The racial discrimination makes whites’ testimony more believable even when it contradicts itself. The same happens in To Kill a Mockingbird. As we delve deeper into the case and get increasingly closer to the truth, it is quite suprising to see that Mayella Ewell is the true villain rather than a victim. She shall and must bear full responsibility for her actions because she makes the decision to tempt Tom Robinson, gives false testimony in court that directly leads to Tom’s death, and has been well aware of the consequences of her behaviors.
In Celia, A Slave, a slave named Celia was sent to court because she committed homicide. However, the murder was justified, because she was trying to defend herself from her slave owner, Robert Newsom, who was attempting to rape her once again. This time around, Celia attempted to protect herself by striking Newsom, just in order to daze him for a bit. She did not intend to kill the man, but simply keep him away from her. Unfortunately, in Missouri in 1850, the only person that would be protected by law would be the slave owner, when it came to the rape of a slave. The slave owner would be allowed to immediately punish a rapist for trespassing on their property, which in this case, would be the slave. Celia, A Slave is a story that
The author George Elliot once said “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Appearance can be very misleading, and you shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone. This philosophical idea has been included in many works of literature, including the timeless classic To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee. The novel takes place in the town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s. Many citizens of Maycomb tend to make judgements based on outward appearances alone. In the novel, Lee uses minor characters such as Boo Radley, Mrs. Dubose, and Tom Robinson to convey the book’s theme of prejudice.
Tom Robinson is at the stand being questioned by Mr. Gilmer. Dill starts to feel sick because of how Mr. Gilmer is treating Tom. The narrator explains, “Well, Dill,after all he is just a negro” (Lee 266).This piece of evidence shows that prejudice is used as an antagonist in the novel by giving an unfair trial to Tom Robinson. The quote states “he is just a negro,” which shows that the trial is unfair just because of the towns racial views on people of color. The jury is all white and the case is black versus white. The jury is very biased towards the case. The prosecuting lawyers and defending lawyer are giving their closing statements. Atticus ends with a powerful speech that prove Tom is innocent and his views on race. The jury thinks over all the evidence for a long time and come to a verdict. The author of To Kill A Mockingbird quotes, “Guilty...Guilty...Guilty...Guilty…” (Lee 282). This quote shows the jury is very prejudice. There is more than enough evidence to prove Tom did not rape Mayella and that Bob Ewell beat her. Even though there is enough evidence to proves Tom’s innocence the jury’s verdict is guilty just because of their hate and their prejudice towards African Americans. Ultimately, prejudice is being used as an antagonist is very thoroughly shown throughout the entirety of the
In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, there is an abundance of minor characters. Three of these characters, Dill, Alexandra, and Calpurnia are especially significant because of the influence they had on Scout.
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” takes place during the 1930’s in the fictional and quiet town of Maycomb, located in Maycomb County, Alabama. The town of Maycomb is described as a tired old town that moves very slowly and its residents have nothing to fear but fear itself. Being in set in the South during the 1930’s the story does tackle racism and inequality for African Americans as racism was becoming more and more prominent in the 1930’s. The fact that the story takes place in a backwater county in Alabama makes the the injustice even more prevalent. The story goes through the early years of the main characters Jem and Scout so the exact time is always changing, however, the more important and intense parts of the story takes place
Children may start out simple-minded but shift into maturing young adults. Jem is proof of this in Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird since he has many life experiences with the people who influence him most. Through this novel, Jem matures from an ignorant boy to a young and more to respectful young man due to learning loyalty and valor.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is an emblem of racial jurisdiction. All throughout the book it shows how the law applies to blacks as opposed to whites. Lee shows how unjust the treatment of blacks is and the disregard for their human rights. Though through the actions of the characters in the book; it can be said that their actions show a glimmer of hope for this very prejudiced society.
Keeping a mouth shut doesn't hold the world shut out, it opens up new doors to things that would never be expected. In To Kill A Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, there is are two character that is are an eternal mystery for the readers. Boo Radley, though the reader nor Scout and Jem know anything about the character all they want is to learn about him. Boo becomes a mysterious figure that many see as creepy, ghostly, but also reasonably wise. The one-time Boo appears the readers learn he is a sagacious, powerful man. Little do Scout and Jem know is that their father is also a rational being as well. The two crucial character in the story helps support the
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible” (Angelou). Maya Angelou illustrates the destructive nature of prejudice, and the effects that it may have on society. Her childhood took place primarily in the 1930’s, a time also known as the Depression Era where racism dictated the lives of many African-Americans that Harper Lee details in her novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Martin Luther King Jr., an advocate of black rights during the depression era, details in his essay “An Experiment in Love” how Christian love, or “agape” had sparked the African-American nonviolence movement. The novel is told through the perspective of a 6-year old girl, Scout and centralizes on two innocent figures, Arthur Radley, a social outcast, and Tom Robinson, a black man accused of rape, who are persecuted due to the prejudiced view of the town. As she matures and learns about the town, she begins to develop ideas and pass judgment on individuals that are in the town. Atticus Finch, Scout’s father, takes up the court trial to defend Tom Robinson, who is wrongly accused and sentenced of the rape of a white woman and eventually runs, only to be shot by the prison guards. Despite the open communication present in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, there is deficiency of love, as the author illustrates that societal prejudice is inevitable and leads to discrimination.
Scout Finch, the youngest child of Atticus Finch, narrates the story. It is summer and her cousin Dill and brother Jem are her companions and playmates. They play all summer long until Dill has to go back home to Maridian and Scout and her brother start school. The Atticus’ maid, a black woman by the name of Calpurnia, is like a mother to the children. While playing, Scout and Jem discover small trinkets in a knothole in an old oak tree on the Radley property. Summer rolls around again and Dill comes back to visit. A sence of discrimination develops towards the Radley’s because of their race. Scout forms a friendship with her neighbor Miss Maudie, whose house is later burnt down. She tells Scout to respect Boo Radley and treat him like a person. Treasures keep appearing in the knothole until it is filled with cement to prevent decay. As winter comes it snows for the first time in a century. Boo gives scout a blanket and she finally understands her father’s and Miss Maudie’s point of view and treats him respectfully. Scout and Jem receive air guns for Christmas, and promise Atticus never to shoot a mockingbird, for they are peaceful and don’t deserve to die in that manner. Atticus then takes a case defending a black man accused of rape. He knows that such a case will bring trouble for his family but he takes it anyways. This is the sense of courage he tries to instill in his son Jem.