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How Does Harper Lee Use Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird

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How Does Harper Lee Use Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird
In Harper Lee’s ‘To kill a Mockingbird,’ ideas of prejudice and discrimination are explored through Scout and Jem’s views, as their understanding of the Maycomb community changes and develops. Another prime example of prejudice, is the derogatory treatment of Atticus Finch and his family after he takes Tom Robinson’s case and the racial prejudice displayed towards Maycomb’s African-American community.
Maycomb’s fear and prejudice towards Boo Radley and Tom Robinson is shown through the character development and innocent views of the children in the story, as their views and understanding mature over time. Scout, Jem and Dill harvest innocence and strong curiosity towards Boo Radley as they act out ‘Boo Radley’ in the summer. The drama is ‘woven …show more content…
African-American community is denied an education as discovered when Calpurnia takes Scout and Jem to her church. Scouts exclamation of ‘can’t read, all those folks?’ shows disbelief that a whole community of people are uneducated. Scouts comment “well, Dill, after all he’s just a negro” referring to Tom Robinson shows that a racist mindset is being taught to children. Mayella Ewell took advantage of Tom Robinson as she got him to do her chores, (although he willingly completed tasks) this is an example of how a white woman could call out for a black man to come work for her. Mr. Underwood the editor of the newspaper ‘It’s a funny thing about Braxton’ said Atticus ‘He despises Negroes, won’t have one near him’. Negroes were not allowed in court as part of the jury. Tom confesses he felt ‘might’ sorry’ for Mayella during the trial Mr Gilmer ‘seems ready to raise to the ceiling’ saying ‘you felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for her?’ As a black man discloses he feels pity for a white woman who is in every way above him in society “Tom Robinson ‘A humble Negro who had the unmitigated temerity to “feel sorry” for a white person’. Lawyer Mr Gilmer uses the downgrading term ‘boy’ when addressing Tom in court. During the trial of Tom Robinson Atticus produces evidence which clearly shows Tom is not guilty. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ conveys an underlying journey of Scout and Jem discovering the prejudice of Maycomb using the childrens’ innocent views on racism and prejudice to contrast the society around them. Including childish games and play to remind the reader they are
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