Theme Of Law And Justice In To Kill A Mockingbird

The theme of law and justice is one of the most significant themes in To Kill A Mockingbird, as the setting of the novel is heavily segregated, which highlights the importance of order and equality. It starkly contrasts with the theme of racial segregation and social ranks, therefore bringing about the concepts of good and evil in Maycomb society.

Although law and order is present throughout the novel, it is presented as the weaker force when compared to segregation and chaos. This is shown when Scout describes Tom, “If he had been whole, he would have been a fine specimen of a man”, the word “whole” meaning disabled literally. However, there is this symbolic meaning of “whole” describing Tom’s skin colour, making him not whole as a person.

In part one, Scout has seen Jem’s snowman and comments on it, stating “Jem, I ain’t heard of a nigger snowman.” As snowmen are usually white, the word “nigger” contradicts the common appearance, indicating that she has been heavily influenced by the environment, thinking that it is normal to say this as it is heard many times. Later on in the novel, Dill, having heard the racist speech delivered by Mr Gilmer, had to leave. He “seemed to be all right that day, nothing wrong with him, but I guessed he hadn’t fully recovered from running away.” It becomes evident that the court has opened up old wounds once again, also signifying that the fate of Tom Robinson is sealed, since the court is served by an all-white jury and are heavily prejudiced. “Running away” could connote to the cowardice the jury exhibits in declaring Tom as guilty even though substantial evidence shows that he is

Tom is saved from a lynch because Atticus, an embodiment of law and justice, successfully prevents the mob in achieving what they wanted. When the commotion ended, “A soft husky voice came from the darkness above: “They gone?”” “Soft” and “husky” suggests that Tom is afraid and nervous as he knew it would end unpleasantly without Atticus’s help. Despite this, he still maintains his politeness and addresses Atticus as “Mr Finch”, which is a very well-mannered way of addressing people. This suggests that he is grateful and appreciative of Atticus’s help, implying that law is not always easily defeated even when the society isn’t