Examples Of Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird

Overcoming Prejudice

Prejudice is like a nimbostratus cloud. It blocks the light of thinking with an open and impartial mind. However, through experiences someone can overcome prejudice and see the world through a new, benign light. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, prejudice is deeply rooted in the county of Maycomb. Some characters of the novel are able to let go of their prejudice towards people in the Maycomb community as they grow and gain new experiences. One example of this is how Scout, the protagonist, is able to see past the rumors of her neighbor and form her own opinion of him after he saves her life. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee uses point of view and character development to reveal that through a person’s

After Tom Robinson’s trial, Atticus discusses the jury with Jem and reveals that “there was one fellow…rarin’ for an outright acquittal” (Lee 253). The use of the word “rarin” reveals that he wasn’t passive about Tom Robinson’s innocence. He was eager and enthusiastic when trying to convince the other men on the jury of Tom’s innocence. Atticus revealed that the man was Mr. Cunningham. However, Mr. Cunningham didn’t always believe in Tom Robinson’s innocence. Before the trial, Mr. Cunningham and a group of people went to the county jail to kill Tom. Scout dispersed the tension, and Mr. Cunningham got everyone to go back. Mr. Cunningham, like many others in Maycomb, disliked Tom Robinson after he was convicted of rape. After the incident at the jail, he gained a respect for Scout and her father, so he fought on Atticus’s side. His perspective changed due to his newfound respect for the Finch family, thanks to Scout, and he fought for Tom’s innocence on the jury. After the trial, life seems to go back to normal. Bob Ewell is angry with Atticus, even though he got what he wanted, but doesn’t seem to be much of a danger. However, Bob Ewell ends up attacking Jem and Scout

Scout beats Walter at school, but Jem steps in and invites him over for dinner at their house. She makes a comment about Walter pouring syrup on his food, and says to Calpurnia, “He ain’t company…he’s just a Cunningham” (Lee 27). Scout says Walter “ain’t company”, revealing that she doesn’t view him as the same, or on the same level. She doesn’t view him as good enough to be considered company. The phrase “just a Cunningham” reveals that Scout sees Walter as less. Walter is from a poor family, and Scout wasn’t able to see beyond that. Calpurnia tells Scout that everyone that comes into their house is company, and she shouldn’t make remarks about what other people do. Through Calpurnia’s words, Scout is able to view Walter as a friend instead of just a poor kid. Later, Scout, Jem, and Dill go to see Tom Robinson’s trial. Dill and Scout leave the courtroom after Dill gets upset, and they encounter Dolphus Raymond, who tells them the people of Maycomb could “never, never understand…the way I want to live” (Lee 228). The people of Maycomb do not understand Dolphus Raymond, and don’t make an effort to. Dolphus Raymond is known for always drinking alcohol. However, after Scout and Dill meet him outside the courtroom, they find that it is only coca-cola. He rarely drinks, but lets people believe he does so they