ipl-logo

Malevolence Coexisting In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

814 Words4 Pages

Righteousness and Malevolence coexisting “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin To Kill a Mockingbird" illuminates a metaphor used within Harper Lee’s celebrated biographical novel. Atticus’s instruction regards the coexistence of good verse evil represented within Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird. The novel is a commentary on Alabama in the 1930’s and the journey of children grappling with the complexities of racism and prejudice. Lee intends to show audiences that part of developing a mature understanding of the world you live in includes realising that some people who appear good can have ‘evil’ characteristics, and at the same time some people with morally ‘evil’ characteristics can still have certain …show more content…

Initially Scout believes that the family, friends and neighbours she has in Maycomb are all good people, but the trial marks a turning point where she realises that they are also racist and morally questionable. Scout is confused as to why Atticus takes on the case when the town’s attitude is that he “shouldn’t”, and he explains that it’s the right thing to do. When she asks if he’ll win, he says “No” but that he is still going to try. This shows that Atticus is aware of the racist attitudes and history in Maycomb, and recognises that the evil nature of the prosecution will probably win. The outcome of the trial is correctly foreseen by Atticus, but comes as a shock to Scout and Jem, because they previously believed that good and truth and reason would always win. Atticus has to explain “they’ve done it before, they’ll do it again” which shows the kids that the truth is irrelevant to the jury and the people in Maycomb. At the same time, Atticus encourages them to keep their hope about Maycomb. He comments on Mr Cunningham “He didn’t do it because he’s a bad person, it was the mob’s frenzy that made him do it” which suggests to the audience that Atticus still believes in the goodness of people, even though he is very familiar with their evil side. - “In the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case” (another point of evidence if

Show More
Related

Atticus Influence On To Kill A Mockingbird

877 Words | 4 Pages

When Mr.Cunningham is about to leave after conversing with Atticus about his entailment, he exhibits his thoughtfulness; influencing Scout to have better compassion. He says to him “‘Let that be the least of your worries, Walter,’” Atticus's effective interactions with other members of Maycomb, such as his conversation with Mr. Cunningham, influence Scout to be more compassionate and understanding of others' situations. After Scout reads Mr.Underwood’s editorial, she realizes how much effort Atticus put into freeing Tom Robinson even though he knew he would lose; causing her to have a better understanding of certain concepts. According to Scout, “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.”

Read More

Examples Of Atticus Protection In To Kill A Mockingbird

915 Words | 4 Pages

Like most places, Maycomb County, Alabama was full of hardworking people of integrity, as well as dishonest, indolent citizens. Atticus, a distinguished lawyer, raised his two kids, Scout and Jem, to be disciplined youth, practicing honest morals. Everyone in Maycomb admired Atticus for his respectable character, just as they all abhorred the Ewell family, for their cheating and lying ways. However, Atticus’ prominent role in town was suddenly challenged when he was chosen to defend in court Tom Robinson, a black man whom Mayella Ewell accused him of taking advantage of her. Eyes that once looked up to Atticus with deep admiration, now glared at him in disgust.

Read More

Mayella Ewell To Blame For Tom's Death Analysis

1245 Words | 5 Pages

The significance of this event is that it emphasises to the reader that the prejudices of Maycomb were essentially a death sentence to Tom, or more figuratively to the black community as a whole, long before the Ewell’s ever screamed rape. In the end, not even Atticus’ stirring defence of Tom is enough for the white community to abandon their prejudices. Scout realises the frivolousness of the trial whilst reading Mr Underwood’s editorial - no matter how astounding of a

Read More

Matilda Quotes In To Kill A Mockingbird

1663 Words | 7 Pages

Scout’s innocence and bravery manage to make the men leave. Despite feeling intimidated by all of the looks she received from the men, she still found the courage to talk to Mr. Cunnignahm. In the end, her bravery and ability to stand up to the men unintentionally save the lives of Atticus and Tom Robinson. In addition, Scout also expresses her bravery when she fights Cecil Jacobs. Everyone learns that Atticus is appointed as a lawyer for Tom Robinson’s case and the people of Maycomb are not happy about it.

Read More

To Kill A Mockingbird Innocence Quotes

419 Words | 2 Pages

Additionally, from other people’s perspective, Atticus has lost, his innocence because of him defending a Negro. However, it is not true because Atticus is a lawyer and he is doing his job without criticizing him. This incident made Scout ask Atticus that if it is right to defend a Negro. By this, Scout is able to gain the ability to look from new perspectives on how the world works in very early age compared to her brother, Jem and other children. Secondly, Jem is not completely disillusion until a guilty verdict is returned to Tom Robinson at the end of his trial.

Read More

Discloses Atticus Finch In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

1836 Words | 8 Pages

Atticus’s strong reputation and strong character set the stage for him to pioneer a change in Maycomb’s view. After defending Tom and losing the controversial case, the town notices Atticus’s impact. The long amount of time the jury took to decide Tom’s verdict, showed the town that Atticus sparked thought and true consideration in their decision, a tough goal to achieve with a biased, ignorant jury. Later, in response, Miss Maudie explains to Scout, “ . . . I thought, Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win, but he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that.

Read More

To Kill A Mockingbird Jem Character Analysis

682 Words | 3 Pages

After this verdict Jem’s point of view on the world shifts, and Jem is slowly realizing that racism lives in the hearts of people in Maycomb. When Jem heard the word guilty he gives up a little bit of his innocent childhood because he is starting to notice how racist people are. When Atticus walks out of the courthouse to meet up with Jem and Scout, Jem is in total disbelief of what the verdict because he thought that evidence could win a case alone, “It was Jem’s turn to cry. His face streaked with angry tears as we made our way through a cheerful crowd. ‘It ain’t right’ he muttered all the way to the corner of the square where we found Atticus waiting.

Read More

Atticus Finch Justice

1938 Words | 8 Pages

Scout is naive, innocent, loving and through her eyes she can see the racial injustice accepted by all of the adults and Maycomb as a whole. Atticus tries to be as clear and just as he can be with his children and as a result the children see more perceptively. They see right and wrong for what it is. Atticus shows justice in the end of the book as well, when he thinks Jem might have killed Bob Ewell. He wants to go to court and say Jem did it out of self defense.

Read More

How Does Atticus Change In To Kill A Mockingbird

1058 Words | 5 Pages

The trial of Tom Robinson and the racial injustices in Maycomb deeply impacted Scout and Jem, shaping their views on morality and justice. The unfair conviction of Tom Robinson shocks Jem, who cries, “It ain't right, Atticus” (Lee #). Jem’s emotional reaction signifies his loss of innocence and discouragement with the justice system. This moment is important in shaping his understanding of the harsh realities of racism and injustice. Scouts are also affected by the trial, although in different ways.

Read More

Examples Of Adversity In To Kill A Mockingbird

589 Words | 3 Pages

Even though the innocent was found guilty and Atticus had lost, he was still “...the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that... we're making a step--it's just a baby-step, but it's a step." (Lee, 289). Even though it was a “baby step”, Maycomb community shared personal growth through the court case. Scout also take’s on personal growth throughout her series of fights, but grows past these experiences after falling witness to the injustice Uncle Jack brought and learns fighting is not the answer when Atticus tells her “try fighting with your head for a change… it’s a good one even if it does resist learning” (Lee,

Read More

Examples Of Loss Of Innocence In To Kill A Mockingbird

1045 Words | 5 Pages

It is at this moment that Jem and Scout realize that as much as they want the world to be fair, it is never going to be in favor of them. The morals in Maycomb, no matter how unfair and biased they may be, will not change as the racism and prejudice present in the novel have been in Maycomb for as long as the people living there can remember. This incident is another example of a lesson learned for both Jem and Scout as they see that life is not always perfect, but they have to make out of it what they

Read More

Stereotypes In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

1010 Words | 5 Pages

Atticus believes words can't hurt him, because he is following his morals., which would be to defend who is right. Although, Atticus thinks that it won't hurt him, Scout knows that everyone in the town hates Atticus, for defending a Negro, and realizes how hard it is for Atticus to defend a black man. Scout learns more about the racism in Maycomb during the trial. Atticus knows why he lost and explains it to Scout how "people have a way of carrying their resentments right into a jury box"(220). The opinions of the white men in the jury box, are hateful for black people, and jurors won't listen to Tom Robinson's story one bit.

Read More

To Kill A Mockingbird Innocence Quotes

1012 Words | 5 Pages

Her words not only exemplify her purity of heart but also serve as a powerful reminder of the values she embodies throughout the novel. As Scout's understanding of the world expands, she encounters significant events that shape her perception. Scout witnesses the racial inequality prevalent in Maycomb through the trial of Tom Robinson and the prejudice her father, Atticus, faces for defending him, highlighting the harmful effects and discrimination. During the Halloween pageant, Scout and Jem are walking home and are attacked by an unknown assailant in a darkened area, leading to a violent confrontation. “Something Crushed the chicken wire around me.”

Read More

Essay On Read Across America

661 Words | 3 Pages

The Read Across America Initiative is an annual awareness program dedicated to getting children to start reading more. The National Education Association is in charge of this Initiative. On this day, kids pick their favorite book and choose to read it or it be read to them. The program is held on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March 2nd, as a special recognition to the children 's author who inspired children to read because of his unique books. This program is conducted by teachers and volunteers at many schools and libraries across the country.

Read More

Red Death Symbolism

752 Words | 4 Pages

Death is not red but does not avert. With the short about the hidden meaning of the red death during a masquerade ball, held by Prince Prospero, while hiding from the death of the outside. Soon before, the prince through a masquerade party, he was isolated for 5-6 months. Clues were given with the irregular details, never showing that the plague is killing most of his citizens while being barracked. Even though “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allen Poe uses word choice and symbolism to create the theme that death is neither breakable or escapable, only by time.

Read More

More about Malevolence Coexisting In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

Open Document