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How Does Lee Show Justice In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Task #1- To Kill A Mockingbird There are many different relationships within To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The relationships between the different hierarchies are complicated and difficult. The classes and standings between different groups in Maycomb county are apparent, and the people embrace these standings. Harper Lee writes, “There was indeed a caste system in Maycomb, but to my mind it worked this way: the old citizens, the present generation of people who had lived side by side for years and years…” (Lee 149). Scout brings this point to light on page 22 in reference to Walter Cunningham. Scout refers to the Cunninghams as a their own group, with their own specific characteristics. Maycomb county blatantly has a social ladder. …show more content…

Both authors are successful at showing that justice, when it is especially deserved, is not guaranteed. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout sees justice and the lack of it within Maycomb county. The lack of justice is shown when Tom Robinson is convicted for raping Mayella Ewell. Although it is obvious that Robinson was incapable of hurting Mayella, he is still sent to jail. Both Scout and Jem notice the unfair conviction. In the courtroom, unfair justice is seen, but this is made up for outside the courthouse. When Bob Ewell is killed, some justice is served. There is also a mixed amount of justice served in Bless Me, Ultima. When Lupito is killed for shooting the sheriff, appropriate justice was given. Also, justice is served after the killing of Ultima’s owl by Tenorio. Vengeance is taken by Uncle Pedro when he shoots Tenorio. By killing Tenorio, Tenorio received the punishment he …show more content…

In both novels, the symbol of a mockingbird and the owl, represent something. Lee’s use of symbolism, although similar to Anaya’s is much different. Lee’s symbolism with the mockingbird is much more abstract and the mockingbird is not used in a literal way. Lee writes, “‘ But remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird… I asked Miss Maudie about it. ‘Your father’s right,’ she said. ‘Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 103). Lee uses the mockingbird as a lesson, and it is compared to situations that occur in Maycomb county. The killing of the mockingbird is a symbol of the loss of innocence of characters such as Jem and Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson also looses his innocence literally and figuratively. After he was shot, his death was compared to “the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children” (Lee 275). This shows how the mockingbird is a prevalent symbol in To Kill A

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