Category: To Kill A Mockingbird

Introduction

Talking about southern America inevitably leads one to a topic of discussion that has been as divisive as religion  racism. There have been countless books, paintings, films and a lot more that have depicted racism in all its forms. In spite of all these depictions, the specter of racial discrimination and prejudice that existed in the southern states has left deep scars on the psyche of the people of America. Paul Lawrence Dunbar in his poem, Sympathy (Dunbar, 1899) has vividly portrayed the pangs of a caged bird and likens it to the collective pain that colored people have felt like victims of racial prejudices.

And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars

And they pulse again with a keener sting

I know why he beats his wing!

Main text

To list the causes of racism, it is necessary to go back to the historical background of the states and the economic clime of the times in which slavery and racial prejudice were at their zenith. It was a common practice for white people to have colored folks working in their fields and homes. It was also common for these colored people to accept their fate of subjugation. & one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.

The history of the American Negro is the story of this strife, & (DuBois, 1994). Though they were aware of the injustices meted out to them, it took a lot of courage and temerity to stand up and fight for their fundamental rights. A close look at the existence of black folks will reveal that there was a certain resignation to their fate which caused them to be even more submissive. It also needs to be pointed out here that the white folk felt a great deal of superiority, whether or not they were economically well off. It was also widely believed that a colored person was more likely to commit crime (of all sorts) than a white person.

Harper Lees book, To Kill a Mockingbird, has several instances of mistreatment and exploitation. On the one hand you have the misplaced high-and-mighty attitude of economically underprivileged white folks who feel they are privileged only because of the color of their skin. They are unable to understand that they are in no way better than the colored folks who eke out a living on a seamy side of town.

There are those who believe that a crime like rape can be committed only by a black man and that there can be no way to establish his innocence, however hard his lawyer might try. There is hurt and resentment in the Finch children who are subjected to taunts and barbs, merely because their father chooses to represent a black man, wrongly accused of raping a white woman. This is an indication that racism affects whole communities which comprise both black and white people  a situation similar to the novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God (Hurston, 2002).

The intensity of hatred that people harbor towards one another, based on the color of the persons skin is yet another offshoot of racial prejudice that tends to engulf the whole village and leave people sharply divided on the subject of whether or not a black man should be defended by a white man. The hatred is evidenced by the fact that the father of the so-called rape victim turns his ire towards the children of Atticus Finch, the man who has stood up to defend the fundamental rights of a wronged man. The black mans envy of the white mans ability to move forward in life is akin to the feelings of Booker T. Washington, as expressed in his autobiography (Washington, 1986).

The flaws in the legal system and the eventual decision of the jury are clear indications that justice is not on their minds. They are unable to stand up for justice and succumb to the racial prejudices that prevail around them. This leads to a breakdown of justice and the unnecessary killing of an innocent man. In spite of the best efforts of Atticus Finch, the jury is unable to accept the fact that the rape victim could actually be the perpetrator.

They are of the opinion that the accused is guilty, merely because of the color of his skin. Though they (the jury) have the freedom to endorse right and condone wrong, they do not use this freedom justly, because they do not want to take responsibilities that might have further repercussions. Freedom carries an awesome responsibility. (Hughes, 2000)

Summary

Surrounded by the turbulence that characterized the lives of black and white people in the little town in which Atticus Finch lived with his children, it is difficult to believe that justice would be delivered without a hitch. Desperate attempts are made to right a wrong, but it is to no avail. The color of a mans skin has sealed his fate. The Finch children try to make sense of the animosity that people feel towards each other, only because of their color. As children, they realize that it hurts to be different. The family of the man who was accused of a crime he did not commit is left to ponder over the injustice meted out to them.

Though they know that by having a white man to argue their case, they have won a battle, they are still unable to come to terms with their loss. This is reminiscent of the anguish described by DuBois, Doth not this justice of hell stink in Thy nostrils, O God? How long shall the mounting flood of innocent blood roar in Thine ears and pound in our hearts for vengeance? (DuBois, 1999). One can only hope and pray that instances of such injustice decline into non-existence as more and more people understand the fact that color is just skin-deep.

References

Dunbar, P.L. Sympathy published in Lyrics of the Hearthside. Dodd, Mead & Co. 1899.

Du Bois, W.E.B. The Souls of Black Folk. Courier Dover Publications. 1994. p. 2.

Du Bois, W.E.B. Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil. 1999. p. 15.

Hughes, D.P. Wake up and smell the dollars! Whose inner city is this anyway. Amber Books Publishing. 2000.

Hurston, Z. N. Their Eyes Were Watching God. Spark Publishing Group. 2002. p. 18.

Washington, B.T. & Harlan, L.R. Up from slavery: An Autobiography. Penguin Classics. 1986. p. 39.

Racial discrimination is an acute issue in the modern world, and while the situation starts to change, with people witnessing justice being administered and racists being punished, this is not always the case. As a matter of fact, many predecessors of people of color had to endure much harassment, violence, and disrespect before their rights were acknowledged, and discrimination became an abhorrent phenomenon.

Among the sources that illuminate the topic of racial discrimination are literature and films, which shed light on both sides, the oppressed and oppressors. Such works as The Help, written by Kathryn Stockett with its further film adaptation, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee illustrate the necessity of empathy in relation to racism. The solutions that were covertly offered by the authors are the confrontation of racism, raising awareness, and increasing societal conscience.

To start with, the first approach to racism and promoting empathy is to confront prevalent discrimination and racism, which was often shown in The Help. Celia, a recent newcomer to Jackson, Mississippi, longs to join the Junior League but discovers that she is not allowed since she wedded Hillys former partner, Johnny Foote. To keep Johnny from learning about Celias lack of feminine prowess, she employs Minny to cook and keep the house clean in secrecy.

From the personal recollection of Minny, the readers and the audience learn that Missis Foot was always grinning and good morning and glad to see-ing her, and it was not a problem for her when she sat down and eaten lunch with Minny (Stockett 215). Celia is considered white trash, and she knows what it is like to be mistreated, which is why she is respectful to Minny (Stockett 31). By being kind to Minny, she breaks the societal rules established in Jackson, which is important to break the vicious circle of discrimination.

Another solution to racism and the possibility of promoting empathy is to raise awareness through the voice of the discriminated. The majority of works of literature serve as verbalizations of social truths, and the novel The Help is among such works. This book focuses on how different origins, ethnicities, and skin tones lead to racial disparities. To demonstrate how life in Jackson centers around The Help, the book chronicles the intertwining experiences of the three women.

Complex relationships of power, wealth, compassion, and connection bind Jacksons white and black communities together. The one character who decided to shed light on such issues and raise awareness is Skeeter Phelan. Having been raised by a black servant and learning about the reason for her resignation, Skeeter felt uncomfortable with such injustice (The Help). The young woman interviewed the servants who were women of color, and in her collection, she desired to revolutionize societal norms (The Help). Such an approach allows people to lose a one-sided perspective and learn about the unfairness toward the oppressed.

The last solution revolves around increasing societal conscience by educating people about the negative effects of prejudice, showing how it erodes the conscience of the community. The author of To Kill a Mockingbird employs character development throughout the book to show how a lack of compassion prevents cultural transformation in Maycomb and fosters societal unrest. Lee demonstrates how racial discrimination and the unwillingness to see through it may result in the deaths of innocent people. In one of the scenes, Lee used the line Mr. Finch, if you was a nigger like me, youd be scared, too, to emphasize how crucial it was for the white people to understand Tom so that he could obtain the proper trial (Lee 228).

As seen from the trial process, almost every person in the room was prejudiced against the man of color, including the judge, whose reaction to a man defending Tom was a reply, Shut your mouth, sir! (Lee 228). This situation illustrates that with discrimination present in the world, one would not even be able to be treated with fairness in legal or other aspects, which kills the core notion of democracy.

In sum, the writers subtly proposed three solutions, including confronting racism, boosting awareness, and sharpening social conscience. Probably the most effective solution is to boost awareness. Without spreading the information about discrimination and injustice, communities will continue to live in a bubble where they will not be exposed to the atrocities and disrespect that people of color experience.

As shown in the movie and the novel The Help, interviews can be conducted to bring awareness and illuminate the effects of racism. Skeeter was a woman who was not ready to observe the inequality and decided to spread the information in a collection of stories of black female servants who had to face disrespect and humiliation while working in white households. Therefore, such methods of using various platforms as conduits for acute issues in societies can serve as a solution to racism and encourage people to have more empathy for others and not discriminate against minorities.

Works Cited

Lee, Harper. To Kill A Mockingbird. United Kingdom, Random House, 2014.

Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. United States, Penguin Publishing Group, 2009.

The Help. Directed by Tate Taylor, performance by Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain, DreamWorks Pictures, 2011.

The phrase to kill a mocking bird stands out as a metaphor in the book To kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus laments that Remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird (Lee, 1988, p. 87). Mocking birds symbolizes innocent people like Boo and Radley in the novel. Despite the innocence of the mocking birds, which only sings to people, some evils such as Boos abusive father harm them. The likening of the innocence to songbirds comes out clearly, when Boo appears not to contemplate to harm Jem.

During the fire, he covers scout with blanket and consequently secures kids from Bob. Such acts depicts Boos cleanness of heart which proves not to hypocritical as he puts it into action just like mockingbirds sing out their hearts. The idea of using the metaphor is to inculcate the morals in people to see them find out a need to safeguard the venerable species: analogous to songbirds, which are ever prone to damage by children and people at large.

The mother adds, Mockingbirds dont do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . but sing their hearts out for us. Thats why its a sin to kill a mockingbird (Lee, 1988, p.197). The author achieves an imperative moral sense as Atticus makes a decision to consider Toms case. On the other hand, Jem aims to protect Roly-poly.

Lee uses a number of symbols and motifs to deliver the intended message in the novel. A symbol like mockingbird permits the author to portray abstract ideas vividly. Ideally, mocking bird, as a symbol takes the place of innocence.

Thus damaging mocking birds, in contemporary language would be tantamount to destroying innocence. Several characters such as Boo, Jem, Radley, and Tom Robinson among others stand out as mockingbirds, which suffer destruction when they encounter the evil. Mr. Underwood relates Tom Robinsons shooting to a &senseless slaughter of song birds (Lee, 1988, p.237).

Further, in the novel, scout attributes attempts to hurt Boo Radley to shooting a mockingbird (Lee, 1988, p.250). Fragile innocence of children in particular seems endangered by the world of racists who treat it harshly. On the other hand, Lees choice of motif allows informing and development of the novels major themes. The motifs employed included: mad dog incident, or the items Boo Radley leaves for the children in the tree. The deployment of motifs serves to provide gothic details in the text.

This way, Lee is capable to bring up the spirit of drama in the novel. The incorporation of elements such as the fire, which damaged Miss Maudies house, the mad dog shot by Atticus, superstitions of the children concerning Boo Radley among others help to create tension in the narration of the events surrounding the novel.

Scout learns life lessons on the significance of the moral subscription not to hurt the innocent. The innocent are always vulnerable and have no mechanism to self protect from abuse. Atticus bears a gothic name finch, which is a typical small harmless bird. By revolving issues around him, Lee is able to explore and create avenues for making recommendations on how right society should live.

Atticus finch stands out as morally upright character whose ideologies amounts to heroism making all other characters subscribe to his way of doing things. Upon reading To Kill a Mockingbird, the reader hardly leaves without a different sense of life. Lessons on coexistence of evil and good in the society and the importance of moral education as bridge to emergence of socially upright society are worth noting.

Through an entertaining tone, literature is able to educate the society in various indulgencies, which by scaly scrutiny may seem right. To kill a mockingbird also serves to solve even the modern worlds prevailing challenges such social inequalities and inhumane acts toward innocent citizens for instance corruption which can be compared to an act of killing a mockingbird.

Reference

Lee, H. (1988).To Kill a Mockingbird. New York, NY: Popular Library.

Harper Lees book was released in 1960. This novels name is important in several ways. It alludes to the novels core topic: the brutal reality of racial discrimination and injustice in the 1930s southern United States. The title is derived from a section in the novel in which Scout, the narrator, is warned by her father, Atticus Finch, that killing a mockingbird is a sin (Lee 93). This expression refers to mockingbirds, harmless animals that whistle to delight individuals who listen to them. The title To Kill a mockingbird highlights systemic prejudice and loss of innocence in an empathetic manner that helps its readers relate to the destructive impact of such immoral acts on the common good.

Atticus comment is an analogy for the belief that it is bad to hurt something harmless that provides joy to others. In this respect, the Mockingbird symbolizes Tom Robinson, an innocent African American lad falsely convicted of raping a white lady in the novel. Through Tom Robinsons tribulations, Scout and Jem discover the reality of racial discrimination and injustice (Lee 78). Atticus, Toms defense attorney, receives hostility and harassment from many in town who oppose him for defending a black man. The subject of heroism and integrity in the face of hardship is highlighted by Atticus persistent commitment to protect Tom and rise to defend what is right, regardless of the consequences.

The novels name also emphasizes the concept of innocence and how it could be lost or taken away via Scout, Jem, and Toms experiences. Scout, who began the book as a young, innocent kid, learns about lifes harsh facts as she experiences Toms injustice. Similarly, Jems innocence is questioned when he learns about the degree of racial discrimination and injustice in their culture. Portrayed as a gentle and honest person, Tom Robinson gets his life snatched away because of his skin color (Lee 122). The novels core topic is the disappearance of innocence and the influence of bias on the lives of the novels characters.

The title To Kill a Mockingbird conveys the theme of empathy through the life experiences of Scout, as mentioned above. She realizes the value of understanding and supporting individuals different from herself. This is demonstrated through her encounters with individuals like her father, Atticus, who teach her to view things from the perspectives of others (Lee 77). Moreover, her connection with Tom Robinson, a black individual wrongfully accused of a crime. Scout comes to view the world through the characters eyes and comprehend the injustices they suffer, which helps her develop empathy and compassion.

Furthermore, the title To Kill a Mockingbird might be seen as a call to action in two stages. First, the author shows the readers the extent of animosity resulting from systemic racism with the sole intention of evoking emotions. It urges the reader to contemplate the damage that prejudice and inequality can do to society. For instance, the case against Tom Robinson reveals much about how cruel and unfair, and biased laws can become. The accused persona was an African American man accused of raping a white lady. Despite substantial proof to the contrary, Tom is convicted and subsequently dies while attempting to flee jail (Lee 207). This demonstrates the justice systems unfair treatment of black people and the sheer disregard for their existence.

The second part of how the title acts as a call to action to the readers is by how it presents the character of Atticus. Atticus character is an instance of an individual who, despite the repercussions, fights for what is right. He is an imperative character in the book that exemplifies how to behave in the face of discrimination. The novel uses the metaphor of To Kill a Mockingbird to communicate that it is critical to defend the helpless and stand up to injustice, regardless of how challenging or controversial it may prove to be. To kill a mockingbird was a novel intended for a general audience, so it reached a diverse audience who were better able to understand the plight of people that faced different forms of discrimination.

One school of thought would also postulate that the title To Kill a Mockingbird is a subliminal message to the books readers. As aforementioned, the Mockingbird is an amicable creature that uplifts peoples sense of well-being via the language of music. It is necessary to understand that the sentimental value of the Mockingbird is highly attributed to its natural musical ability to speak positivity via her chirps. Similarly, there are several instances in the book where the characters feelings are affected by the use of language.

However, the impact of language in the novel is contrary to that manifested by the Mockingbird. Instead, personas in the novel use condescending tones and language to tear down others. An excellent example is To Kill a Mockingbirds use of racist remarks and insulting phrases has a tremendous impact on the reader because it exposes the deep-seated prejudice and racism that prevailed in the Southern hemisphere of the U.S. in the 1930s when the novel is set. The frequent usage of the N word emphasizes the dehumanizing and demeaning essence of the word and its effect on the novels black characters.

Similarly, using the term boy to refer to an elderly black man reflects the condescending and patronizing feelings that many white people had toward African Americans during the particular period the novel was written. The employment of these phrases evokes a strong emotion in the reader and demonstrates how language can be used as an oppressive tool and control. Overall, using such terminology contributes to the novels feeling of historical accuracy and raw authenticity while also putting a light on historical injustices and their continuing influence on society today. Therefore, it emphasizes languages impact in evoking positive or negative emotions.

In conclusion, the name To Kill a Mockingbird is meaningful to readers in various ways, especially in creating an empathetic appeal. The key themes of racial discrimination and injustice, loss of innocence, and the significance of standing up for what is right are all included within the title. The title is intriguing because it encourages one to contemplate its connotation, which helps one profoundly relate to the novels personas and experiences. As a result, this work has had a tremendous influence on readers and is regarded as a classic in American literature due to its compelling message and timeless themes. It is salient to understand that the theme of prejudice applies not only to the issue of racism but also to any other form of discrimination, such as misogyny.

Work Cited

Lee, Harper. To Kill A Mockingbird  Full Text PDF.Pdf. McIntosh and Otis, Inc., 1960.

Introduction

To Kill a Mockingbird sends the main message that every human deserves to be treated with dignity. All humans have the right and freedom to access different activities, and these remain vital for the survival of people. Human empathy is one of the most critical human characteristics that define the relationship between different people and their survival in society. To Kill a Mockingbird shows how Atticus Children informs his children to have empathy and avoid killing mockingbirds since killing the mockingbird is sinful. Therefore, To Kill a Mockingbird is an article that should not be banned since it teaches people the concept of empathy and how people should respect each other and the rights of various individuals.

Jeremy Atticus is the father of Finch, who is also a lawyer. He teaches Finch how to show empathy and how not to kill the mockingbird. Jem tells his children that killing a mockingbird is a sin. Jeremy also teaches his children how to be just and show empathy. Being empathetic and remaining just are two values that are essential in society since they define the relationships between different individuals (Allen, 2021). In the case presented, Jeremy alludes that birds are always innocent and harmless and that they should not be killed. In the book, Jeremy argues that mockingbirds should not be killed because killing them is unjust. The concept of justice and fairness is brought out in other cases that Jeremy would handle later on.

Therefore, To kill a mockingbird focuses on society and how humans should relate to each other while respecting the space and interactions between various individuals.

Ideals Presented

In the book, prejudice and superstition are also played out by the children who become interested in Boo. Prejudice defines the judgments that people hold against other groups that are distinct and different from them. Prejudices have been witnessed in society and have been critical in defining how people are judged and how society functions. Arthur Radley, Boo, is a reclusive neighbor who is also regarded as a local legend. The children have a different idea about Boo and are always trespassing on their property of Boo. There is the dehumanization that has been perpetuated by their elders that strike the children. However, Atticus attempts to tell the children to be more sensitive in handling Boo. The step that is taken by Atticus indicates that he is sensitive enough and is working towards ensuring that society as a whole remains just and fair.

The book uses childrens characters to show how society works. The society that has been presented is critical in understanding how the foundation of a society is built. The childrens characters that have been used paint the empathy of different individuals and how they can be vital in building a relationship between the people and the texts that are developed. Understanding the themes remains vital in ensuring that different objectives are achieved while at the same time ensuring that the issues facing society are critically painted and understood. The story that has been painted in To Kill a Mockingbird shows how people should treat each other and symbolizes the interactions of different people. The mockingbird represents the innocent and fair individuals in society. Therefore, the book should be left to pass information about people and ensure that different activities are achieved.

The moral of the society has been brought out in the story and painted in the activities that the protagonist in the story does. Even though the setting of this story was during the Great Depression, the morals and values that are depicted in the story cut across generations. It is a story that teaches people how to treat each other and how to respect people in society. The moral values and practices in society have been brought out succinctly and teach people how people should behave. To kill a mockingbird depicts different aspects that remain relevant in societies irrespective of the nature of the society. The interactions among different individuals have been critical in building a society of empathy that promotes justice. A just society has been critical in ensuring that different objectives are achieved in the understanding of societal values.

In the state of California, To Kill a Mockingbird has been banned over racism concerns. Racism has been a major negative issue in the United States. Racism has been connected to prejudices among different individuals (Ako-Adjei, 2017). Therefore, in United States, whatever causes racism in the United States is frowned upon and has been determined to be a major factor that causes problems among different people. In California, there have been various issues that have been linked to racism and have been determined to cause problems for various individuals in various counties and areas (Saney, 2003). The proponents of the ban have argued that killing a mockingbird teaches young children about racism and makes them aware of it in the United States.

Contrary to the proponents arguments on the ban of the book, it makes the children aware of racism and inculcates positive mindsets in the people of the United States. It makes people aware of the problem of racism and how they will improve different activities in the process (Macaluso, 2017). Proponents argument is based on the fact that different activities are achieved, and this works towards ensuring that different positive objectives are achieved. Children will be able to learn about the problems that the United States has faced and understand what racism can cause. Most importantly, the book helps inculcate positive values among the citizens of the United States (Khokhar and Moshai, 2019). Therefore, the proponents views are disabused since many people will become aware, and the foundation of a society with no racism will be built. Understanding different activities have remained vital in society.

Conclusion

To Kill a Mockingbird is a book that explains the problems of the United States and promotes people to be just and respect human rights. In the United States, the American dream is based on equal opportunity and hard work. These values have been reflected in the story presented in the book. To Kill a Mockingbird is a story that also reflects different activities and is based on the handling of various problems while at the same time building a scenario that is workable for resolving racism. Racism has caused problems for many people and thwarted dreams. Therefore, To Kill a Mockingbird is a book that has been vital in explaining the problems while reducing the effects of the racism that exists in society. Therefore, To Kill a Mockingbird should be retained as it addresses different societal issues related to the activities in the United States.

References

Ako-Adjei, N. B. (2017). Why Its Time Schools Stopped Teaching To Kill a Mockingbird. Transition, (122), 182-200.

Allen, R. M. (2021). Dont Kill Mockingbird: An Educators Guide to Teaching To Kill a Mockingbird in the 21st Century.

Khokhar, M. I., & Mashori, G. M. (2019). Marxist Analysis of to Kill A Mockingbird According To Peter Barry. Grassroots, 52(2).

Macaluso, M. (2017). Teaching To Kill a Mockingbird Today: Coming to Terms With Race, Racism, and Americas Novel. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 61(3), 279-287.

Saney, I. (2003). The case against to kill a mockingbird. Race & Class, 45(1), 99-105.

Introduction

The author, in the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird presents a deeper understanding in relation to events occurring in her novel. The author uses symbolism to link events which takes place in the novel. To Kill a Mocking Bird, according to Lee and Bloom (29), can simply be translated to mean to wipe out the virtue of a person. According to the author, the mocking bird designates an upright individual, but rather destroyed by suffering bestowed as a result of other individual evil deeds.

The Author further describes Mocking bird as a small bird recognized by its non-stop irritating singing sound, thus, the noise possess nuisance to people, though that is its nature. However, to its own self, it may be an expression of different emotions such as; excitement, anger and hunger.

To Kill a Mocking Bird is presented as novel crafted with symbolism. Symbolism has been enhanced using characters such as children, Tom Robinson, Boo Radley and Jems Finch. The writer explores how individual characters mentioned contribute to enhancing the style of symbolism in the novel. Besides, the writer explores other non-character elements such as the; the gun, mad dog and the house as major contributors of authors work towards forming symbolism in the novel.

Symbolism

To enhance understanding of the novel, the author has widely embraced symbolism in the novel. The most important symbol used and which helps us to understand the rest of the novel is the Mockingbird itself. The author has constantly used the word to symbolize the virtue of innocence (Lee & Bloom, 46).

Although the title has little to assert what the actual novel illustrates but it has contributed significantly to the development of the plot. However, other several characters have strengthened the authors ability of embracing symbolism in the novel.

Children have been depicted in the novel as innocent and not susceptible to exacting vices of the present-day world (McCarty, IV). In this case, the novel contrasts mocking bird in the sense that, the children world is anchored on innocence, until they begin to mature into adulthood (Lee and Bloom (63),

Tom Robinson, a notable character in the novel, is a black man accused of raping and violently attacking Mayella Ewell (Lee and Bloom, 15). The allegations leveled against him seem to be untrue because Mayella had desired and thus, went a step further of making sexual advances to Tom Robinson. Her father notices her and brutally punishes her.

However, Mayella suppresses her feelings publicly for fear of racial discrimination which existed in England (McCarty, VI). Besides, it is noted the Mayellas father is a social drunkard thus, causing much pain to Mayella.

Further the white panel of judges. Though they do not possess credible evidence on the allegation tailored towards Tom Robinson, their verdict to imprison him is linked to racism. Consequently, Tom Robinson while escaping from the prison is shot to death. In this case, Tom Robinson has been exposed to racial prejudice which cost his life despite of his innocence (Lee and Bloom, 63). Tom Robinson and Mayella have been used in the novel to symbolize the social bias that society is made up of.

Racial profiling has been a common phenomenon in present world whereby individuals have been discriminated in terms of getting favors or opportunities. Besides, the white judges have been used to suggest the evil and favoritism in terms of asserting justice in the society. Consequently, the imprisonment of Tom Robinson illustrates the harsh punishments and sufferings which the innocent always go through in the society (Lee and Bloom, 76)

Boo Radley is the son of the late Mr. Radley and brother to Nathan Radley. Boo Radley is subjected to home imprisonment by his father for childhood mistakes. The harsh treatment is still perpetuated by his elder brother after the demise of his father (Milton & Lee, 7). The harsh treatment of Boo Radley compels the residents of Maycomb to discuss his predicament in hushed tones. Besides, children fear and run-away whenever they spot him.

His contact with the outside world is barred, as we see his brother Nathan sealing the knot-hole with cement, which served as his way into and out to meet the Finchs children. He has been confined in the house for many years that the residents of Maycomb have started to forget about his existence.

Boo Radley symbolizes a portrait of a good child, who, despite of having being exposed to cruelty and hatred by his father and brother, continues to do good to others. Symbolism is further illustrated in his endless good deeds.

For instance, he mends and places on the fence Jems torn pant which was torn as he was running from Nathans shot. Also, despite the Flinchs children belittling and seeing him as less human, he constantly gives them presents, and even goes to the extent of saving them from Bob Ewells stab on their way home from the Halloween party (Lee & Bloom, 98).

He also carries the wounded Jem home, who previously viewed him as a supernatural being, from being locked indoors always and not being able to mingle with the residents (Milton & Lee, 45). Boo Radleys good behaviors are symbolism that makes up conscience of a good person in the society.

Besides, Lee on the other hand in the novel is portrayed as a figure of superstition, thus this depiction symbolizes bad things in the house in which he lives. The superstition is strengthened because when the childrens looks for him in the house, but what they actually see is the exterior of the house.

The exterior of the house in this sense becomes Boo himself!, Further, the house linked to Boo is isolated from the rest of the community. This is illustrated by Lee when she says,  &. The shutters and entrances of Radley house& Radley house never possessed shades I once probed Atticus if it ever possessed any (Lee, 45)

The novel symbolizes Jem Finch as an innocent boy growing to fight off the vices of the society. For example, many vices encountered by Jem such as; abuses from other children, and the unfair trial of tom Robinson has instilled in him strength and vision he to conquer life. With a scout, he tries to be strong and faces lifes challenges with optimism and hope. Also, the moral upbringing by his father has helps to shape him as responsible and an upright individual (Milton & Lee, 14). The childs innocence in Jem

The unfair trial of Tom Robinson and his fathers good and wise parenting symbolizes Jems desire to become a lawyer. The good in Jem is further symbolized his action of stopping his sister scout, from crashing the insect, arguing it had done no wrong. In a nut shell, Jem understands living things and people we do often overlook and criticize contributes to creating a positive impact in our lives (Milton & Lee, 69).

The author has greatly embraced use of other non-character objects in the novel to sustain the style of symbolism in the novel. One of the objects widely used is the guns. Guns in the real world serve as a mean of protection and fighting an enemy. However, in the novel, they have been used to symbolize untrue strength. This is noticed when Atticus says that, that gentleman holding a gun is is a coward man (Milton & Lee, 78).

Also, a mad dog has been used in the novel to illustrate the madness created by madness. Lastly, the fire that burns Miss Maudies house and dissolves snowman has been used to symbolize a fiery bearing that the city takes in terms of mingling of race because the snowman is done using snow, thus white people and the dirt, represents black people

Conclusion

To Kill a Mockingbird, has enhanced symbolism to assert the authors message. The author has extensively used characters such as the children, Tom Robinson, Boo Radley, Jems Finch and non-characters such as guns among others to aid the readers understand symbolism in the novel.

Tom Robinson and the snowman have been used by the author to illustrate the racial profiling that exists in our society. In the case of Tom, her association with Mayella, a white girl against the wishes of her father shows how deeply the society is bedeviled with this vice (Lee, 63).

Besides, the tittle of the novel illustrates the symbol of innocence, thus, the mockingbird only enjoys happy moments characterized by singing beautiful songs.

Killing the mocking bird is regarded as a sin. This is illustrated by Atticus when he tells his children, as you grow, you ill witness white men (Lee, 45). Further, Atticus warns his children against using the gun to shoot the mocking bird; this illustrates his caring nature for mocking bird.

Works Cited

Lee, Harper and Bloom, Harold. To Kill a Mockingbird, Infobase Publishing, New York, 2010

Milton, Joyce and Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird, Barrons Educational Series, New York, 1984

McCarty, Lisa. To Kill a Mockingbird, Saddleback Educational Publ, California, 2006

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Collins,New York, 1993

Harper Lees novel To Kill a Mockingbird is set in a fictional Southern town Maycomb during the Great Depression. The narrator Scout Finch describes Maycomb as tired and old (Lee, 1998, p 6). The main character says, A day was twenty-four hours long but seemed longer (p 6). In this way the author wants to emphasize an idea that this is a place where time virtually came to a standstill. Judging from the first eleven chapters, a reader can deduce that Maycomb is a very small community in which people know one another very well.

Furthermore, Harper Lee shows that this is a town where racial prejudices and stereotypes are still prevalent (Lee & Bloom, 2010, p 71). Finally, it should be pointed out that these people live during the time of economic crisis which affects every layer of the population. To some extent, this only intensifies racial animosity in this place.

Harper Lee explores a great number of themes in the first chapters of the novel, for example, integrity of a person and his/her ability contradict the norms, adopted in the community. This question is particularly important when one speaks about Atticus Finch and his willingness to defend a black man Tom Robinson even despite the fact that other people ostracize him.

Other important themes include the gender roles, the generation gap and relations between parents and children, class differences and racial stereotypes. A person, who has not read the novel up to the end, can hardly predict how the themes are going to develop. Yet, one can assume that the core of this novel will be the conflict between Atticus Finchs values and those ones of the community.

The main characters introduced in the first chapters of the novel are Atticus Finch and his children Scout and Jem. The author let us know that Atticus raises his children on his own; his wife died several years ago and he never remarried. To a great extent, Atticus is greatly assisted by a familys housekeeper, Calpurnia, to whom both this family feels greatly attached. Another important character is Dill Harris, a friend of Scout and Jem.

Unlike his friend, Dill comes from a very poor family and he often lacks money even for food (Lee, 1998, p 9). From the very start, Harper Lee indicates that Atticus will be at the center of the novel. For example, his children, especially Scout, continuously ask him for his moral judgment, and he produces an impression of being a very honest person. Thus, the readers want to find out if he will be able to adhere to his principles in the future.

As it has been said before, the main conflict described by the writer is the differences between personal values and moral principles and the norms adopted in the community. Yet, there are other conflicts in the novel, for example, the confrontation between the forces of modernity and conservatism.

Additionally, we should mention the so-called clash of generations, in particular the willingness of parents to protect their children from any kind of threat, on the one hand, and childrens willingness to explore the world and become independent.

This story is told from the perspective of Scout Finch, a six-year old girl (Lee, 1998, p 9). However, she does not sound her age. If we look at her narrative from pure linguistic point of view, we can say her vocabulary is very rich, and her grammar is practically impeccable.

More importantly, Scout Finch is also able to capture complex moral issues and dilemmas, although she cannot solve them. Such attentiveness to the complexity of ethics is not typical of a six-year old child. This suggests that Harper Lees voice is more prominent, and that the author greatly relied on memoir technique while writing this book.

Reference List

Lee H. (1988). To Kill a Mockingbird. NY: Grand Central Publishing.

Lee H. & Bloom H. 2010 To Kill a Mockingbird. Blooms Guides. Infobase Publishing.

Introduction

The focal point of the paper is to evaluate the outcome of the trial of Tom Robinson, in the novel To kill a mocking bird by Harper Lee published in 1960 with huge success counting to 10000000 copies sold till date, if it took place in present time. (Bellafante, 1) For the purpose, evaluation would be made in the context of utilization of events, time and culture of the book and compare it to todays society, culture and racial attitudes.

Main body

In the novel, it was found that Tom Robinson, a black man, was accused and convicted of raping a young white woman Mayella Ewell. The court appointed Atticus as defense lawyer and he accepted the challenge against the general sentiment of the citizens of the town Maycomb. Atticus painstakingly found out that Robinson was innocent and the actual incident was much different. He provided evidences in the court that Mayella made sexual advances towards Robinson when her father Bill Ewell caught them. Though this evidence was enough to prove Robinson innocent of the charge, the judicial system with the help of the jury pronounced him guilty. It can be stated with certainty that such judgment would never be possible in present time United States but the period of the 1960s was much different in the context of racial acceptance.

The visible aspect of the story is racism and it covers the central theme of the text. This is at par with the civil right movements of the day that dealt with people from the alternate phase of social principals. The socio-economic context is the most important scenario to understand the narrative of the story. It should be noted that anti raciest activities and awareness was instrumental during this period in the social strata of the US and with the deaths of several African-American activists, the civil rights movement was rising at its peak. (Crespino, 116)

It can well be stated that for a democratic society with its democratic form of government system it is but an obvious choice to opt for a society that is predominantly colorblind. The basis norm of a democratic society is to provide its mass with a structural form that offers equality in terms of justice and social characteristic. It is an unwanted phenomenon but it is also extremely true at the same time that racism is a curse that exists among us whether we like it or not. The presence of racism is well documented in many societal domains including workplace, school, health care, and housing. It is very peculiar to consider racism is an ideology where humans are separated into various groups in the belief that some people are superior because they belong to a particular ethnic or national group. It could be summarized that racism is the result of having negative judgments, beliefs, and feelings towards certain identifiable groups. Particularly in the field of judicial system, this tendency has developed into both educational and financial discrimination at the same time. It is obvious in the novel that juries never accepted themselves as racist and never thought about being racist but they were negatively judgmental while conveying the verdict against Robison. They actually mitigated their view of racism. (Mancini, 31-4)

This hard pill of colonialism with brutality needed some spooning with sweetness to become a favorable aromatic digestible element for the general people of the imperial states. As a result this phrase white mans burden came into existence as a remedy to the enlightens of the industrial revolution and people were ready to buy this theory as this theory easily softened the guilt feeling of the educated class and apparently justified the brutal acts and decisions taken to control and cover the colonial agitations. It is not that the leaders of men and the men of their leaders never knew what was really going wrong in these colonies but kept both eyes blind towards these acts. This is because all of them and all the way they knew everything they did and everything they knew about the colonies were either immoral or tampered to the extent of fallacy but could never digest the fact as it was too decadent for their psyche. Therefore, this term white mans burden, almost tried to do a damage control act on their soul. (Riggs, 461-477) Ultimately, is could be well ascertained that familiarly to democratic governance system, knowledge and lack of economic bitterness seldom allows a person to express himself as a racist no matter how much deep rooted the ideal actually is. The members of the jury depicted in the novel based in the 1960s were infected with the same malady and the result was convicting of an innocent person, Tom Robinson. Their malady was deep rooted and it was beyond their consciousness. Such was the hate against the black community during the time; the term nigger-lover was quoted by the society on Atticus for his stance as a defense lawyer in favor of Robinson. So much so, that the term nigger-lover is used in the novel nine times. I guess it aint your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover (Lee, 63) or Mrs. Dubose calls you that. She warms up every afternoon calling you that. Francis called me that last Christmas, thats where I first heard it. (Lee, 83) Lines like these make it possible for us to understand the nature of hate the white society possessed against the black community. (Guerin, 29-45)

Appadurai states in this context that various forms of uncertainty create intolerable anxiety about the relationship of many individuals to state provided goods- ranging from housing and health to safety and sanitation- since these elements are frequently directly tied to who you are and thus to who they are. (Appadurai, 6) However, it should be mentioned in this context that in the modern concept of society it is not possible to stay only in connection of a specified set of personnel and detach from the other echelons of life, be it emotional of professional. It can be mentioned in this section of discussion that the term community in sociology indicates a group of people who share social interaction and some common ties between themselves and the other members of the group. It also indicates an area where the group gathers for at least some of the time. Following a principal it can be stated that in general sense it could be stated that a person as an individual belongs to few specified groups initially. First there is the ethnic community were the individual belongs, second it is the faith or belief, both in religious and idealist manner, and third is the community of the professional level. It is obvious the judicial system and the jury was a part of the existing society of the 1960s and the verdict they gave definitely reflected the general feeling of the mass in terms of racism. In todays world of US judicial system and social awareness, this would have never happened but as it is stated earlier the early parts of the 1960s were much volatile than today in terms of racism. (Johnson, 124)

It is thus no wonder that famous civil right activist Mary McLeod Bethune believes that it is very peculiar to consider racism is an ideology where humans are separated into various groups in the belief that some people are superior because they belong to a particular ethnic or national group. At the same time it should be remembered that the respected governor of Florida David Sholtz once said in an interview that racism is an unwanted fact but it is also extremely true at the same time that racism is a curse that exists among us whether we like it or not. However, it is also true that the United States of America has changed itself over the period and it is much receptive in terms of color, cast, race and beliefs. (Hook, 210-214)

Conclusion

In conclusion, it should be mentioned that one of the most compelling developments of our age is the recognition of multicultural of multiracial society and the manner they translate to each individual. The challenge is not just in recognizing other races but more importantly, the culture and heritage of people must also be recognized. Are people becoming aware and accepting of others? Are peoples view and minds growing broader? Is intolerance being decreased? Are we now on the path of building a society that does not just recognizes cultural and racial diversity but celebrates it? As much as we would like to think that we are accomplishing this, current evidences show that there is still much to do. However, returning to the main point of discussion, it should be stated that under the present situation, the jury would definitely judge Robinson innocent and he would have been a free man.

Works Cited

Appadurai, Arjun; Fear of Small Numbers: An Essay on the Geography of Anger (Public Planet); Duke University Press; June 2006; pp- 6

Bellafante, Ginia; Harper Lee, Gregarious for a Day; (The New York Times: 2006). Web.

Crespino, Joseph. The Strange Career of Atticus Finch. Southern Cultures (University of North Carolina Press: 2000)

Guerin, Bernard; Combating prejudice and racism: new interventions from a functional analysis of racist language; Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology; 13, 1, 29-45; (Department of Psychology, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand: 2006)

Hook, Derek; Racism; Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology; 16, 3, 207-232; (Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Research Associate, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa: 2008)

Johnson, Claudia. Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historic Documents. (Greenwood Press: 1994)

Lee, Harper; To Kill a Mockingbird; (J. B. Lippincott & Co: 1960)

Mancini, Candice, ed. Racism in Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird, (The Gale Group: 2008)

Riggs, Damien W. & Martha Augoustinos; The psychic life of colonial power: racialised subjectivities, bodies and methods; Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology; 15, 6, 461-477; (Department of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia: 2005)

Authors may use their writing to communicate sensitive societal issues, such as racism, rape, and discrimination. Nelle Harper Lee, known by many as Harper lee, was widely acknowledged because of the story To Kill a Mockingbird, released by Lippincott on 11th July 1960. The author was born on 28th April 1926, in Monroeville, Alabama (Zouaghi & Dib, 2019). She had three siblings, Alice, Louise, and Edwin, who participated in her upbringing.

The father, Amasa Coleman Lee, was a lawyer and a newspaper editor, where he practiced at the Alabama State Legislature (Burling & Barton, 2016). As a lawyer, he contributed to defending the black man accused of killing a white store clerk. She went to Monroe high school, and her teacher inspired her dreams of becoming a brilliant author. At 18, the author joined Huntingdon College in Montgomery and later studied law from 1945 to 1949 at the University of Alabama (Jay, 2018). She later transferred to Oxford University as an exchange student for a year, but six months before completing her studies, she went to New York to become a writer.

The author perfectly reflects her life in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird as her father played an essential role in creating the story. In 1960, during the books release, the author did not expect the book to receive a warm reception (Burling & Barton, 2016). Atticus Finch, the character portrayed as an excellent father in the book, depicts the picture of Harper Lees birth father (Lechner, n.d.). The actual father of the writer had played a significant part in helping defend the black people. In the novel, during Tom Robinsons trial, people showed much hatred towards the blacks as he was linked to raping Mayella, a young white lady. Finch also showed great courage in defending Tom against the accusations that were levied on him (Bond, 2018). Tom knew he had fewer chances of winning the court cases, but he dared to fight for the truth.

Scout, Atticuss daughter, was not familiar with some topics in society, and thus Atticus ensured she taught her about rape and how it was evil. She did not understand what the term niggers meant until she came one day at home and asked her parent what the term nigger meant (Al-Mamoory & Witwit, 2021). She asked her father if she supported niggers, and he replied he does and should avoid using the word. The father does not want her daughter to use the lousy term and discriminate against anyone. Scout and her brother Jem faced discrimination and other historical injustices directed against the blacks.

The author created the fictional character Finch to show the complicated feeling that her father had (Lechner, n.d.). Atticus Finch is a racially enlightened character, just like the writers father. It is indisputable that the writer had modeled her fathers life in her writing to portray the challenge they experienced due to racial discrimination. Atticus had become a vessel through which Lee showed displayed the difficulties faced by the people in the south.

Harper Lee used Finch as the fictional character to show how people may judge others based on appearance. The authors father was a lawyer, while the protagonist Atticus Finch was also a lawyer. Finch and Amasa were fighting for the rights of the blacks. It supports the claim that Harper Lee used the creation to reflect her life and family. Lee Harper must have ever experienced cases where black men were falsely accused of raping the white. The events that shape the story must have been related to the writers early life incidents.

References

Al-Mamoory, S., & Witwit, M. A. (2021). Critical discourse analysis of oppression in  To Kill a Mockingbird. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, 9(02), 1124. Web.

Burling, A., & Barton, R. (2016). Harper Lee : Pulitzer Prize-winning Author. Essential Library, An Imprint Of Abdo Publishing.

Bond, C. (2018). To Kill A Lawyer-Hero: Atticus Finch in the Law School Classroom, 45 Rutgers L. Rec. 191. UIC Law Open Access Faculty Scholarship. Web.

Jay, G. S. (2018). White Writers, Race Matters: Fictions of Racial Liberalism from Stowe to Stockett. Oxford University Press. Copyright.

Letchner, Z. J. (n.d.). To Kill a Mockingbird in Historical Perspective and Current Context: A Review Essay.

Zouaghi, Z., & Dib, F. Z. (2019). Racism in Harper lees to kill a mockingbird innate quality or learned prejudice. Univ-Oeb. Web.

The main themes of Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird cover both adult and childrens concerns, including the dignity of human life, the importance of truth, the rights of people to be different, the need for a humane and holistic approach to education, and the corrosive destructiveness of racism. Lee uses several story lines and a whole town full of vivid characters to make her points, and, along the way, honor her lawyer father.

She clearly has seen, in her own life, the worst of racism, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, as well as the best of integrity and upright behavior in a variety of people. She wants readers to think about how they treat others, whether of different race, or mental ability, or style of learning, or any other difference that does no harm to the rest of us, exactly like the harmless mockingbird.

Harper Lee grew up in a town very like the setting of the novel. Her father was a local lawyer, a lean and lanky man very well represented by Gregory Peck in the 1962 movie. There were mysterious and shuttered homes in her neighborhood, and doubtless racial tensions. She was admired by her fellow townsfolk for her writing and her bravery in articulating the poisonous atmosphere of racism (Life Magazine, 1961).

In the final section of the novel, these points come to a dramatic culmination. The trial of Tom Robinson, which showcases the venal, mendacious, and violent tendencies of the Ewell family, especially Bob Ewell, is unsuccessful in vindicating Robinson. Nonetheless, Atticus is recognized by the African-American community as having done a masterful job in defending Robinson.

This is evidenced by the way Scout and Jem are prodded to rise in respect, along with all the African-Americans in attendance in the balcony (Lee, 1960, p. 350). This unshaken conviction that Atticus has done his best is also supported by the gifts in kind which the African-American community leaves at the Finch home (Lee, 1960, p. 352).

The summer passes with an uneasy sense of threat from Ewell (Lee, 1960, p. 360). There is plenty of time for Atticus to explain the criminal justice system, and why no one like us shows up on juries, as Jem wonders (Lee, 1960, p. 365). He also theorizes about Boo Radleys motivations for staying shut up in his house (Lee, 1960, p. 376).

This is the calm before the storm, however, with the missionary circles almost surreally disconnected tea party that Scout is drawn into to teach her to be a young lady. It offers her an opportunity to listen to the sometimes-poisonous gossip (Lee, 1960, p. 379).

All this putative peace is shattered when Atticus announces Tom Robinsons deeply suspicious death during an alleged escape attempt. Ewells hatred and desire for revenge are well-known. The pace of things picks up here and it is during Scouts awkward homeward walk inside her ham costume that she is attacked by Bob Ewell, and rescued, as we learn later, by the reclusive Boo Radley.

In this event, Bob Ewell, the destroyer of Tom Robinson, a harmless cripple, is destroyed by Boo Radley, also a cripple. Radley has lived his life behind closed doors and shuttered windows because of his mysterious past behavior, but he has watched out for the Finch children, who are also harmless like the mockingbird.

Thus, there is a sort of justice carried out finally. The adults around Boo agree to ignore Boos role in the killing of Bob Ewell, and allow him to return to his secluded life undisturbed. Tom Robinson is avenged, although that does not help his wife or children. The Finch children are wiser, and perhaps sadder, but alive to tell the tale and change the world for the better. African-Americans are not any farther along, but there is some recognition of their worth as people (Shuman, 2002, p. 551).

Bibliography

Lee, H. (1960). To Kill A Mockingbird. New York: Harper Collins.

Life Magazine. (1961, May 21). Literary Laurels for a Novice. Life , 77.

Shuman, R. B. (2002). Great American Writers: Twentieth Century. Tarrytown, NY, USA: Marshall Cavendish.