Examples Of Stereotypes In To Kill A Mockingbird

Nolan Baker

Mr. Columbo

English 1H

27 February 2023

To Climb Into Someone Else’s Skin and Walk Around in It

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Harper Lee explores the issue of stereotypes through several characters and their stories from 1930s Maycomb, Alabama. By following Scout Finch as she interacts with preconceptions, the reader is able to observe how deeply ingrained prejudices impact individuals. The book addresses the injustices that African Americans experience as well as preconceptions about persons who are difficult to identify in order to demonstrate the negative effects of prejudice. These preconceived beliefs could never have been true in the present given how much society’s attitudes have changed over time. Lee's portrayals of Boo

As a black man in the 1930s South, Tom is automatically assumed to be guilty of the crime he's accused of simply because of his race. In Mr. Underwood’s editorial, he highlights Tom’s case when he writes “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed” (Lee 245). Despite the lack of evidence against him and the testimony of the white protagonist Atticus Finch, who defends him in court, Tom is ultimately convicted and killed. During the court case, Atticus asks Tom “Were you so scared that she'd hurt you, you ran, a big buck like you?" (Lee 202) where Tom responds "No suh, I's scared I'd be in court, just like I am now" (Lee 202). This shows how Tom wasn’t meaning to hurt anybody and is further evidence that he is not guilty while he is ultimately convicted. This tragic outcome underscores the pervasive and unjust stereotypes that were common during that era, as well as the dire consequences they could have for innocent individuals like Tom

Atticus expresses his inner thoughts about courage to Scout when he says "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway, and you see it through no matter what" (Lee 112). While the people of Maycomb attack Atticus, they have no idea how good of a person he is and how courageous he is being by standing up for Tom. Atticus is stereotyped as being a traitor to his own race for taking on such a case. The white community believes that Atticus should not be defending a black man, as it goes against their social norms and values. Bob Ewell thinks that Atticus is wrong when he threatens to kill him. According to Miss Stephanie Crawford’s account, “Atticus was leaving the post office when Mr. Ewell approached him, cursed him, spat on him, and threatened to kill him” (Lee 221). However, Atticus believes in justice and equality, regardless of race or social status. Through his defense of Tom Robinson, Atticus challenges the prevailing stereotypes and prejudices of his community and encourages his children to do the