Examples Of Equality In To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

In the 1930s, the United States had regressed into economic ruin, open racism, and nationwide segregation. A novel titled To Kill a Mockingbird took place during this decade. The Great Depression, which was a pressing issue in the 1930s, was responsible for the nation’s financial deficit, and the racism within the government and community showed little signs of slowing. Equality, whether it be economic, political, social, or any other, seemed to become more unattainable with each passing day. That notion aside, one particular character in To Kill a Mockingbird made an example of himself by teaching others about the importance of equality. Atticus Finch, the father of Jem and Scout, educated his children and peers

The most prominent example of Atticus taking a stand against racial discrimination is during the trial, when he gives a speech publicly addressing the issue of racism in their community and country. In this speech, Atticus points out the present unfairness in the court of law and the unnecessary, baseless hate towards others. He specifically targets the injustices present in a federal system that was created to be fair: “But there is one way in which all men are created equal… that institution, gentlemen, is a court” (274 Lee). In doing this, he is offering the idea that a black man is wholly equal, no less or more, than a white man in court. This was, unsurprisingly, frowned upon and rejected by his peers out of their ignorance. Even if they refused to accept it, Atticus Finch still made a difference in people’s perspectives through the convincing arguments in his speech. Atticus does not only do this for his community, though - he does the same for his children. There are several occasions in which Atticus teaches his children how to rise against the world’s

Atticus has proven himself to be an excellent father figure by teaching Jem and Scout about what is right and wrong. He does this in a firm but gentle manner, not aggressively or forcefully. In one instance, when Scout asked Atticus if he was a ‘n****-lover’ (the community frequently referred to him as one), he responded honestly. Atticus said, "I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody…” (144 Lee). This shows Atticus’s loving nature, honesty, and open mindedness towards progression. Atticus Finch had a mindset that was unlike many others during that time, and he was not afraid of admitting so. Another example of this is when Atticus was explaining to Jem about the courtroom. Atticus told him: “The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in the courtroom, be he any color of the rainbow, but people have a way of carrying their resentments right into the jury box” (295 Lee). Atticus did not shy away from the topic of inequalities in the court of law at all, he instead told Jem exactly how it was - which happened to be that it was full of bias and prejudice. By teaching his children through lessons and example, Atticus is ensuring that the future generations take steps towards