In the book: “To Kill A Mockingbird,” the idea is developed by Harper Lee that significant events can have a profound impact on individuals, shaping their beliefs and values. This is showcased with Scout through her experiences with Tom’s case and Boo Radley, Scout learns valuable lessons about empathy, respect for others, and standing up for what is right, ultimately developing into a mature and empathetic young woman who embodies the novel’s themes of social justice and equality. Tom Robinson’s case had a significant imapct on Scout. She learned about the harsh realities of racial injustice and how it affects peoples lives. She was also exposed to the hypocrisy of the justice system and the the towns prejudices. Scouts innocence was shattered, …show more content…
Growing up in a small town in the South, Scout is exposed to the racism and prejudice that exists in her community. She witnesses the unfair treatment of Africain Americans and the way in which they are discriminated against on a daily basis. However, it is during the trial of Tom Robinson that Scout’s perspective is truly challenged. She sees firsthand the way in which racism can influence the legal system and how despite overwhelming evidence that Tom is innocent, he is convicted simply because he is black.. This experience forces Scout to confront the reality of the world she lives in and to question the values and beliefs of those around her. It also teaches her the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Scout sees the ways in which African Americans are marginalized and excluded from society, and it teaches her to empathize with those who are different from her. Additionally, Scout's experiences with racial injustice show her the power of language and the way in which words can be used to oppress and dehumanize others. The prosecutor, Mr. Gilmer, repeatedly refers to Tom as "boy," a term that is used to diminish his humanity and reinforce his inferiority. This teaches Scout to use language which is inclusive and respecting of all those around
Throughout the novel both kids learned life lessons from different people in their community. After seeing part of the trial a man said to them, “Cry about the simple hell people give other people- without even thinking. Cry about the hell white people give colored folks, without even stopping to think that they're people too” (Lee 269). This was a major turning point when Scout learned
Tom Robinson is caught kissing a white woman from Maycomb named Mayella Ewell. To prevent being frowned upon by the local citizens, she instead said that Tom Robinson raped her even though that was far from the truth. He’s taken into trial with the help of Atticus, and the case is unarguably one of the factors that help further the theme of innocence in Scout’s view. Atticus is determined to help Tom, even if it means that the citizens will turn against his own family because “killing a mockingbird is a sin.” As events progress, Scout is taught that discrimination solely because someone is “different” is
Most young children are yet to discover that there is more to life than themselves. In this particular novel, the main character Scout, tends to think more about herself than others. Although she attempts not to do so, her childish self-kicks in which results in selfish actions. For example, Scout is heated that her cousin Francis, is disrespecting Atticus because he is defending an African American. Although Scout does not understand the meaning of a “nigger lover”, she simply assaults Francis because of the humiliation she faces and the tone of his voice.
Throughout the novel, Scout is faced with situations that challenge her understanding and compassion for others, particularly in the context of racism and misogyny. For instance, when Scout learns about the treatment of Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of rape, she is forced to confront the reality of racial injustice and question her beliefs about fairness and justice. As she becomes more aware of how racism and misogyny pervade her community, she experiences a growing sense of frustration and anger, struggling to reconcile her empathy with the harsh realities of the world around her. In the novel, Lee attempts to explores the concept that empathy is not always easy but is a continuous journey of growth and self-reflection. Through Scout's struggles, the novel highlights how privilege and power can blind individuals to the experiences of others and the importance of examining one's own biases and prejudices to cultivate a deeper understanding and empathy.
She believes what others tell her instead of figuring it out for herself, which shows that she is quite young and lacks maturity from real world experience. As a result, watching the court case is an essential experience that pushes Scout to figure out for herself what is right and what is wrong. Outside of the courthouse, Scout and Dill speak to Mr. Raymond about the injustice of racism taking place. “‘Cry about the simple hell people give other people - without even thinking’” (Lee 269).
Scout was exposed to racial slurs at a young age. Though she does not know what a nigger is, she knows it is something bad. No child should experience racial name calling at that age, but it was something they could not
In the text it states, “‘Scared of arrest, scared you’d have to face up to what you did?’ ‘No suh, scared I’d hafta face up to what I didn’t do.’ ‘Are you being impudent to me, boy?’” This dialogue illustrates that Mr. Gilmer has no respect for Tom Robinson because of his color. Scout witnesses the prejudice that exists in the town and learns how not to act and treat people as she grows up.
Moreover, Scout displays a coming-of-age moment that reveals her sympathy toward Tom Robinson. She further sets the fact that the judge will not free Tom, and they will not receive justice for him. Proving everyone is worn out, they will conclude the case rapidly. Now, Scout undertakes the viewpoint of the world and comprehends the point not everyone is treated
Scout had decided to follow her father when he had gone to visit the jail. Immediately, she runs up to the hostile group with no concept that they could be malicious; this is a prime example of Scout’s innocence, assuming that the world is pure. Through the trial, Scout’s belief that everyone is good starts to waver as she is exposed to more serious topics.
The book and movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”, shows how the racial discrimination was in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930’s. However one of the main charaters Tom Robinson was accused of raping and beating up a white woman. Even with all the hate in the town against him and knowing he could possibly be killed, he stood up for his innocence. Tom Robinson is a man of courage, honesty, and a hard working man. Tom Robinson plays an important role in the novel because he represents the victim of black people during that period of time.
The trial of Tom Robinson helps Scout better see how prejudice directly harms certain individuals. Toward the end of the trial, Scout realizes what is going
Additionally, from other people’s perspective, Atticus has lost, his innocence because of him defending a Negro. However, it is not true because Atticus is a lawyer and he is doing his job without criticizing him. This incident made Scout ask Atticus that if it is right to defend a Negro. By this, Scout is able to gain the ability to look from new perspectives on how the world works in very early age compared to her brother, Jem and other children. Secondly, Jem is not completely disillusion until a guilty verdict is returned to Tom Robinson at the end of his trial.
She grew up never understanding what was going on around her, but as she grew older she understood the bad things that were happening around her. Scout grew up in a very racist town, surrounded by racists every day she had to know what was right and what was wrong. “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 330).
Think back to when you were little kid around 7 or so and you had no worries about life or anything. All you would think about is candy and toys and nothing about the world of adults. No worries of the weather or what the grown ups would talk about. Scout’s childhood innocence takes a turn from her care free days to the real world of racism and bad people. In To Kill a Mockingbird Scout witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson and how racism is taught to her unknowingly from it.
Tom Robinson is a black man who is wrongfully convicted of raping a white girl, Mayella Ewell. This novel goes through Scout's life from when she was 6, till she is 9. She lives in the town of Maycomb Alabama, and lives an innocent life until about halfway through the story, where she begins to ask questions. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Scout shows the readers that racial inequality creates an unjust society through the African American community, through the people surrounding colored folks, and through Tom Robinson’s Case. The first example of the consequences of racial inequality is the African American community in Maycomb.