To Kill A Mocking Jay Racism Analysis

Racism is a dominate theme in the novel To Kill a Mocking Jay, in fact Racism is the sole most important theme throughout the whole novel, it gives insight into the horrible society of that time, where children and adults alike are captivated by a horrible form of discrimination. This theme gives insight onto the appalling segregation that took place in the 1930s. Racism can be portrayed in many different ways in the novel, during this time African Americans were still subjugated members of society, this is depicted from the different communities, different ways of talking, racial slurs and the frowned upon intermingling between whites and blacks. The most horrifying illustrations of racism come from children, Cecil Jacobs says to Scout at
Ewell said during the trial, “Well, Mayella was raisin‘ this holy racket so… I run up to th‘ window and I seen—” Mr. Ewell’s face grew scarlet. He stood up and pointed his finger at Tom Robinson. “—I seen that black nigger yonder ruttin’ on my Mayella!” (Lee 231) Mr. Ewell does not show the respect of referring to Tom Robinson with his first name, he refers to him with utter disrespect and through pointing, in a court of law. This can only highlight the big theme of racism; when a man cannot grant the respect of referring to someone by their proper name, and has to resort to name calling. This indicates not only racism, but the segregation between classes, where white people were seen above African Americans and they were not treated as an equal, Mr. Ewell calls Atticus by his name, but refuses to call Tom Robinson as his name. The theme of racism gives insight on to the difficult lives of African Americans, at that time. This theme is portrayed by many characters, children and adults. In conclusion, racism is the utmost prominent theme throughout the whole novel, the theme teaches to not follow the mob, and treat everyone as an equal giving everyone the same opportunity to succeed in