Everyone has most likely picked up a book and read the first few pages then put it down because it’s not interesting enough plenty of times. Harper Lee wrote a fantastic book that replicated part of her childhood that got to people on their insides. The famous novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” is still such a powerful novel because of many reasons such as that you should stand up for what you believe in, all men are NOT created equal, and The famous novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” is still such a powerful novel because the theme of the story expresses that you should pursue your own path and stand up for what you believe in even if you’re alone on your thought. You shouldn’t let people chose your path for you or tell you how to live your life. Everyone …show more content…
This relates to the novel because it still relevant today as maybe the laws aren’t as strict but you still see discrimination throughout social media and there is nothing to really stop this hurt towards another race, gender, nationality whatever it be. Everyone has most likely had a hurtful remark made towards them because of how they’re born and heard of discrimination back then which helps the reader connect with the story. In the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Tom Robinson is accused of beating and taking advantage of Mayella Ewell. Even after most of the evidence point towards Tom being innocent, during that time it usually didn’t matter, the white people would always have an advantage. ““No, I don’t recollect if he hit me. I mean yes I do, he hit me.”… “He got it caught in a cotton gin, caught it in Mr. Dolphus Raymond’s cotton gin when he was a boy… like to bled to death… tore all the muscles loose from his bones—”” (Pages 188-189) This quote shows that Mayella testifies that she was hit while seeming confused and constantly changing her answer but Atticus then proceeds to shows Tom’s crippled arm as he cannot use it due to a past event in his
In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, racism is a major theme. Atticus Finch, the narrator’s father, defends a negro, Tom Robinson, in the court of law against a white man, Bob Ewell. Robinson had reportedly raped a young white girl, Mayella Ewell. But according to Robinson he had gone to help Mayella, as he often did, with work around the house. As he starts helping Mayella, she tries to get Tom to kiss her and will not let him out of the house. Bob Ewell sees this and chases Tom out of the house and accuses him of raping his daughter. Atticus goes against almost everyone in Maycomb County’s opinion in defending Tom Robinson. Throughout the course of the novel, racism effects many characters such as Tom and Helen Robinson, Scout and Jem Finch, and Mayella and Bob Ewell. All these characters had there lives
Atticus made several points proving Tom couldn't have done what he was accused of, for example, he has a disabled left arm but Mayella’s face was beaten on the right side. For a person to be hit on the right side of the face, the attacker must be left handed but Tom’s left arm is crippled. Another example of when cruelty is shown is Tom’s skin colour. “There’s something in our world that makes men lose their heads — they couldn't be fair if they tried. 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.” (Lee 220) Atticus has no chance in winning this case. Black men in Maycomb are said to be liars, immoral, not trusted around women, and cheat everyday. If Tom was white, this whole case would have been handled differently. Tom would have walked out that court freely. But in the end, it does not matter that there was no proof that the crime Tom Robinson is accused of was ever committed, that Bob Ewell beat his daughter, or that Tom Robinson is disable in his left arm. Tom is convicted because he is a black man accused by a white
Education has progressed positively since the 1930s. Some would argue education was better in the 1930s because we did not have all the technology that ‘fries our brains’ and the students could leave for harvesting time. However, I believe education is at its best now because there is no physical abuse and attendance is required.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee tells a story of discrimination. The town favored against Tom Robinson, a black man, and so they naturally believed that he assaulted Mayella Ewell. Boo Radley was also discriminated against because the children mimicked and harassed him for never leaving the house or showing his face. This book teaches many essential lessons about family, forgiveness, the history of the American South, including issues with the Jim Crow Laws and segregation, and to never be afraid to stand up for what’s right. Atticus Finch never disrespected Tom Robinson although it was unlikely for a white man to talk to a black man during that time in history. Atticus not only taught his kids life lessons throughout the book but also
When living in an all white and racist society in the 20th century, it is very difficult to defend a black man, but sometimes doing the right thing, when being judged is even more difficult. In the book, To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is a novel about Atticus Finch and his family who resides in Maycomb County, Alabama. In the novel, Atticus is struck with the challenging decision of whether to defend Tom Robinson (a black man) from the case of raping Mayella Ewell. Despite what other people say and think, Atticus decides to defend him with all of his experience in the bar because he always follows his morals and he always treats everyone with equality.
Mayella, the woman defending against Robinson, comes from a low income and low educated family, making them a poor family. Yet Mayella’s word is still favored against Tom because she still holds a higher social status than Tom just because she is white. In fact, in the novel, Atticus has an important quote regarding the court system that is still true today, “In our courts, when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins.” (Lee, H. (1960). To kill a mockingbird. Philadelphia: Lippincott. pg. 251-252).
Tom Robinson was accused of rape by Mayella Ewell. Miss Ewell was placed on one of the lowest rungs of the social ladder. Though she was from a poor, uneducated, and abusive family, she was still placed above Robinson because of her race. One day, Mayella offered Tom five cents to cut up an old dresser. While Tom was assisting Mayella , she attempted to kiss him, and he fled the scene. After Mr. Robinson left, Mayella’s father, Bob Ewell, beat her and proceeded to claim she had been raped. During the trial, the prosecution presented no physical evidence: it was simply her word against his. Atticus Finch, a white man serving as Tom’s lawyer, even proved that he could not have beat her; all of her bruises were on the right side of her face, which he could not easily hit, as his left arm had been deformed in an accident. However, even Mr. Finch knew he was fighting a battle he was destined to lose; he stated that "There's something in our world that makes men lose their heads—they couldn't be fair if they tried. 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.” (Lee 295). Atticus was also quoted as saying "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 their resentments right into a jury box." (Lee 295). Mr.
In today’s society, racism has continued to be an issue around the world. Looking at the problems it has caused today it is easy to see what has changed and what lasting impacts it has caused. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird includes racism that is unjust to African Americans, which involves unfair court case trials and insensitive vocabulary throughout the story. In order for racism to fade in the world, people will need to show more appreciation and benevolence toward citizens and know that their race does not make them any better than any other color no matter what the circumstance may be.
Injustice is seen in To Kill A Mockingbird when Tom Robinson a hard-working, honest, black man is brought to trial for being accused of raping young Mayella Ewell. Miss Ewell said claimed that Tom Robinson had beaten her and tried to rape her. It was disproved that Tom Robinson had beaten her because his left hand was completely crippled and useless, “Atticus was trying to show… that Mr. Ewell could have beaten up Mayella.
“To Kill a Mockingbird is a book about courage.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?”
According to the 1820 U.S. census, taken approximately 200 years before the writing of this, 86.8% of the 1.76 million colored people living in the U.S. lived under slavery. 45 years later, the 13th amendment was ratified, dropping that number to 0, but not preventing racial segregation or discrimination. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird discusses this topic quite often. Ever since then, America has made steps towards eliminating prejudice towards blacks. The process we have already made towards recognizing African-Americans and eliminating discrimination and racial gaps is a clear indicator that America will one day achieve true racial and social equality.
Throughout life individuals face challenges and situations testing their values, morals, and ethics. The captivating novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper lee shows millions of readers numerous life lessons throughout the course of the novel. Lessons that can be learned from this novel include not judging anyone before you put yourself in their position, do not harm the innocent, and think for yourself even if you are going to be ridiculed for your choices.
From last years English class I’m pretty sure you got a feel of who I am not only as a student, but also as a person. As you know, I love all types of sports and come from a big family. You also know that I am committed to St. Michael’s College on a full athletic scholarship (even though you said I wouldn’t be going there ;)). The school has a great campus that is located in Burlington, Vermont and I am very excited to spend my next four years there. Aside from sports, I had an awesome experience in English 11 and I can’t wait to start this year’s class. My goal last year was to enjoy all the books we read and that goal was reached. Besides “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 9th grade, I never really enjoyed class books. My goal for this year is again
The day started like any other day, a peaceful sunny day. The smell of apple fill the Texas winds as it blowed past the old family house. Jilly woke up and looked out the window to see her younger brothers play in the fields as her mom hanged to clothes on the line to dry. Jilly got out of bed, brushed her hair and put on her favorite flower dress. As she headed down stairs, she heard her brother run through the halls. Jilly sighed as she went down to the hall the boys were running through. She saw her youngest brother sitting on the ground, reading a book. “What book are reading?”, Jilly asked you youngest brother Jason. Jason hands her the book. Jilly looks at the book as the book title reads “How to Kill a Mockingbird”Jilly giggles to herself as she handed to the book back
When I was a child, I trotted through the vast field of my parent’s farm. I tugged on the vines as I galloped past the tall barnhouse. My mother would call for me when it was time to attend our Sunday worship service. As I ran through the yard, and into the house, I would wave to the many animals that had inhabited themselves within the thin wired gates. My tall brown boots shuffled in the mud puddles, and clicked onto the porch. “Please wear your nice shoes today, Caroline,” my mother would beg, and yet I still shoved my dainty feet into the cowgirl boots I had received many moons ago. I fastened my auburn curls into a tight braid at the nape of my neck, and slipped into my Sunday best.