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Examples Of Stereotypes In To Kill A Mockingbird

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There were many characters in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird that were victims of stereotyping. Some of these characters include Jean Louise Finch, or Scout, Atticus Finch, and Tom Robinson. Scout is often stereotyped by her Aunt Alexandra, and by her neighbor, Mrs. Dubose for not being ladylike. Usually, Scout is wearing overalls, and is outside throughout the day with her brother Jem, and her friend Dill, instead of following the expectation for a lady and wearing dresses, and doing housework. Scout is aware of the stereotype that is held against her. Throughout the novel, she tries her best to overcome this stereotype by acting more ladylike, especially in front of her Aunt Alexandra. Scout still remains a tomboy mentally, but physically, she tries her best to act like a lady. …show more content…

Atticus Finch is also a victim of stereotyping. After agreeing to defend a negro man, Tom Robinson, in a certain court case, people started to accuse him of being a “negro lover.” Many people in Maycomb believe that since Atticus agreed to help Tom, that he must love all blacks. Not only a stereotype is being held against him, but also a lot of hate is also piling up on him because of his decision to defend Tom. Almost all whites despise blacks in Maycomb, and since Atticus is white, he is also expected to despise blacks. Atticus does break through the stereotype and does show individuality and character by agreeing to help Tom, without caring about other people’s opinions of his decision. Tom Robinson was also stereotyped in the novel. Much of the evidence in the case showed that he was innocent, yet he still lost the case because of the stereotypes being held against him. He did not have a good chance, mainly because he was

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