Effects Of Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird

How Prejudice can Affect an Individual’s Behaviour Negatively Ultimately Affecting Oneself as well as One’s Family and Friends

“Prejudice is a chain, it can hold you. If you prejudice, you can 't move, you keep prejudice for years. Never get nowhere with that” (Bob Marley). Prejudice is a popular notion occurring in the world on a daily basis. Many characters in Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, experience discrimination, causing them to make bad decisions due to their clouded judgement from stress, poor health and depression; it freqently results in lifelong suffering that will not end up harming their own life but also their friends and family. In Lee’s novel, prejudice emerges as a force that is capable of changing the behavior and

The racial prejudice prevalent in Maycomb is exemplified through the accusations against Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape. The townspeople, clouded by prejudice, act with hostility and cruelty towards Tom, seeking to oppress and degrade him based solely on his race. Despite the clear evidence proving his innocence, the residents overlook that, blinded by his skin color. Following his prosecution, Robinson realizes that his attempts to be cordial were futile, causing him to crave the recognition of being a mockingbird. In the end, he escapes, but he gets shot, bringing immense sadness and anger to his family as they feel denied of the justice they sought for him. He received less attention and concern from people because of his skin color, resulting in a devaluation of his life and a denial of the justice available to white individuals. Prejudice fuels an irrational fear that transforms individuals, driving them to act in ways that betray their own

Scout, the young protagonist, grapples with the biases implemented in her society. As she witnesses the injustices resulting from prejudice, Scout faces a moral dilemma that challenges her understanding of right and wrong. The main moral compass in Scout’s life is her dad, Atticus. He is one of the few open minded and non-judgemental citizens in Maycomb and his commitment to defend Tom Robinson allows him to face animosity from the townspeoples. Not only does this affect himself but as a result, Scout and her brother Jem end up being alienated and ridiculed by fellow classmates and neighbors. Her development throughout the novel serves as a testament to the internal battle individuals face when confronted with prejudice, pushing them to reevaluate their actions and strive for empathy and