Atticus Racism Quotes

In the text of To Kill a Mockingbird, the theme of racism is conveyed to the reader and is prevalent throughout the text. It handles the theme well, and it is shown that racism in the 1930s was taken into account when the author was writing it. The way racism is conveyed to the reader is through the constant name-calling and insults Scout witnessed towards her father and the scenes that witnessed the trial. Before and during the trial, Atticus is called numerous names. Often, people pick at him for defending a black man in a court case and trying to properly defend him instead of just acting the part as a lawyer. They use names like negro lover and n…-lover. Mrs. Dubose hurls insults at the children and talks badly about how his father is

The use of the racial slur is a means to insult them. The reason why Atticus is called these names is because people view liking an African American as something distasteful. They viewed that group of people as dirty and non-human. They also believe that Tom Robinson is automatically guilty due to his skin color and cannot fathom Atticus trying to prove his innocence. As the trial progresses, the evidence is presented to the court. The only physical evidence is a choke mark, yet the all-white jury decides that Tom is guilty unanimously. Although the evidence is mostly circumstantial, the jury follows their beliefs and votes for the black man to be convicted. These scenes can thoroughly show the disgust the white townsfolk had for Mr.

The trial is a clear-cut case that should not have even made it to court, as Atticus says. The only reason the case makes it to trial is the fact that it is an African American versus a white woman. In Atticus’ closing statement, he speaks briefly about the state not producing a single piece of physical evidence that could convict Tom Robinson, as the only physical evidence that can be held against Tom Robinson is the bruise marks Mayella received. This still does not correlate with Mr. Robinson because not only is he not left-handed, but he also has an arm that is lifeless. “...but there is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left…and Tom Robinson now sits before you, having taken the oath with only good hand he possesses—his right hand.” (232) It is merely impossible to hold such strength with only one arm. Atticus also brings out the fact that Mayella Ewell is a white woman who most likely can win the heart of the jury because she is white. “She is the victim of cruel poverty and ignorance, but I cannot pity her: she is white.” (231) This worsens the case for Mr. Robinson. An African American man who only has his word has to go against the words of two white people. His closing statement introduces the stereotypes against African Americans and how that would very obviously affect someone’s judgment on the case. “...the assumption—the evil