How To Become Wicked In To Kill A Mockingbird

People are capable of forming their impression of someone within seven seconds of meeting them. Subconsciously one begins analyzing another’s looks, actions, speech, and various other aspects in this short period of time. This can quickly begin to form prejudice, an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Another factor that can influence a person’s opinion towards another is the views of the society surrounding them. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch, the father of Scout and Jem, says, “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” (22). This quote demonstrates how unfair and unjust prejudice is without solid facts to base one’s opinion on. In the face of experiencing prejudice, Arthur “Boo” Radley and Tom Robinson continue to be nice people and illustrate that prejudice does not have to change a person to become wicked. Both the Radley family, specifically Arthur “Boo” Radley, and Tom
The story of Arthur Radley shows that people are capable of overcoming prejudice once they see the truth about someone. Nevertheless, this is not always the case as seen in the story of Tom Robinson. Prejudice is also capable of impairing a society for the worse. Tom’s story ultimately ends with him being shot in prison numerous times. The prejudice of racism can envelop a community and although it can be overcome can result in unjust deaths. By realizing a view is prejudice, one is able to step back and see if their view has any merit to it or is just invalid. This novel shows how prejudice can dominate the opinions of an entire community but it also shows how prejudice is capable of being