Atticus says, "I 'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you 'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it 's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (Lee 98). This shows that mockingbirds are sacred birds that do not do anything to harm or annoy humans. Elizabeth Schmermund says, "The mockingbird symbolizes innocence- an innocence that cannot, and must not, be destroyed.” She also says, "the animals in the book represent larger ideas - such as innocence” (65). The mockingbird symbolizes much bigger ideas such as innocence in the
Especially poorer whites feared that, following Claudia Johnson argumentation, the “breakdown of the class and, especially racial boundaries” (“Threatening Boundaries” 4) would deteriorate their standard of living, which is the case in Maycomb’s society as especially the family of the victim is considered “white trash” (Lee 33). 3.1.1 Social Coexistence Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird is segregated in its diverse class stratification and reflects the social, economic and political atmosphere in the United States at that time. The wealth belongs to a small white upper class, the rest is divided into different classes and increments, but poor whites feel they are in competition with blacks for a decent living and the whites-only advantage was their skin color. Generally, there is the idea that segregation results in discrimination, but Deborah Kenn argues that “indeed, discrimination is one of the most powerful enforces for segregation” (2). This discrimination starts with the low income of blacks, followed by housing prizes and segregated education.
Exposing Boo’s heroic actions would bring him to be the center of the public eye and it would truly be the end of his happiness. Mr. Tate knew this and had no reason to hurt Mr. Radley, and even wanted to reward him for his bravery. Overall the actions that happen in To Kill a Mockingbird all have fitting consequences as characterized by: the Bob Ewell situation, Jem breaking his arm and Mr. Heck Tate is protecting Boo Radley. We learn that the destruction of innocence has its own punishments. The karma that was written in by Harper Lee is a subtle warning to America and the rest of the world that if they continue in their racist, cruel ways there will be a fitting
They’re hard working boys that was foolish”. By saying they were just foolish, Bill implies that they should be forgiven, or should be treated easier. He disregards the fact that a man attacked and permanently hurt a woman. From this scene alone, the audience becomes aware that Little Bill is a morally stilted character, with little regard for people that aren’t like him. This is further proven when he beats Ned Logan, a black man, to death.
“mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy” (Lee 93). One of the examples of good vs evil in this story is Tom Robinson’s court case with Mayella Ewell. Tom Robinson is a black man named who is accused for a crime of raping and beating Mayella Ewell even though he just helped her with household chores. In the book Tom was seen as a bad figure for most of the book even though he was just a caring, harmless person. You can say many mockingbirds die in today’s reality, but it is the innocent that suffer the most often.
He defends innocent people and allows Scout to be herself. On top of that, Atticus is also sympathetic and understanding towards poor people. In this novel, Lee conveys to her readers that Atticus is the real defender and hero of “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Lee decided upon making Atticus an attorney for a case that could be conveying the theme of racism, which the two main suspects were Tom Robinson, an innocent man of colour, against Bob Ewell, a white racist. As the case unfolds, Atticus hears upon different witnesses and has decided to follow the lead of Tom Robinson, even though he is the supportive attorney of Tom Robinson, the reason being Mr Ewell either lying or is very hesitant about a question at different points of time.
Also, he was easily flattered. Anyone who praised him and his doings would be added in his good list. Even after having some minor flaws, Caesar was mighty. It was reflected from his power and demeanor. He was bold and royal.
"Scout? I 've got it all figured out now I 've thought about it lately and I 've got it figured out. There 's four kinds of folks in the world. There 's the ordinary kind like us and the neighbors, there 's the kind like the Cunningham 's out in the woods, the kind like the Ewells down at the dump, and the Negroes. " Jem is attempting to desrcibe the discrimination he witnesses everyday and the hatred of prejudice around him.
Furthermore, Okonkwo portrays a capability to conquer and hold honorable positions that make people admire him even more. Crowning it all Okonkwo “had taken two titles and had shown incredible powers in two inter-tribal wars” (pg. 7). Not only is he respected by his tribe, his significant accomplishments in wars and rising to power paints him as a powerful figure. His reputation is heavily built upon his success to his high-ranking titles that
Injustice was brought upon the defendants of the case as no evidence for their guilt were produced. This demonstrates the abuse of being the privileged race as no question or opposition would have been made against the fully accepted racism of the jury. The Trenton 6’s parallels the Tom Robinson trial within To Kill A Mockingbird as the conclusion of both cases were products of racism. As Atticus has stated about racism, “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” (Lee 220).