Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is an iconic and award winning novel written by Harper Lee (1960), which showcases the racial discrimination, and inequalities within society. Set during the Great Depression, a prime era of racism, the fictional Alabaman community; Maycomb explores the effects of stereotyping and prejudice to raise awareness of racial inequalities and its damaging consequences. This inspires eradication of discriminatory inequalities within society, through the novel’s powerful themes of innocence loss, prejudice, and empathy. Lee drew inspiration from the Scottsboro Boys, who suffered the false accusations of gang rape by two young girls, which prominently showcased the racial injustices and biasness as they were sentenced to death.

Lee’s portrayal of innocence within To Kill a Mockingbird showcases Maycomb’s naivety and somewhat ignorance towards the true depth of prejudice and discrimination within society. Scout and Jem both matured as the novel progressed, ultimately losing their innocence, a transformation which is often considered negatively, due its association with children losing hope, and idealistic views. Although, Atticus thought their innocence would be their saviour, getting “through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb’s usual disease,” (Harper Lee 1960, page 95) as “there’s a lot of ugly things in this world. I [Atticus] wish I could keep ‘em all away from you. That’s never possible.” (Harper Lee 1960, page 145). Scout’s open-minded innocence was also his saviour, taking “an eight year old child to bring ‘em to their senses… [which proves] that a gang of wild animal can be stopped, simply because they’re still human,” (Harper Lee 1960, page 172) however her perceived innocence was subconsciously the values instilled by Atticus. Scout developed an understanding of society, recognising that people’s opinions can differ as “they’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions,” (Harper Lee, page 114) although her mature and just perspective remained. This understanding strongly reinforces

Lee’s portrayal of empathy is a reminder of human dignity, and its importance, as “you never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Harper Lee 1960, page 31). Throughout the novel, Atticus refers to this as the basis of human nature, acknowledging the vitality of understanding differing social situations, and the subsequent perspectives, which at heart of society individuals are “entitled to full respect for their opinions” (Harper Lee 1960, page 114). However Atticus’ continual demonstration and encouragement towards his children of morality is an inspiration in the modern world, as his character remains both unrealistic, and idealistic, through his ultimate expression of continuous empathy and appreciation of others. Therefore Atticus consistently violates and disregards the typical expectations of racial and social segregation during this era, which is the lingering inspiration to eradicate prejudice within society. However, the sense of empathy within To Kill a Mockingbird provides idealistic and unfathomable hopes, which have endured time, to prevail hope of equality as a popular theme. This therefore allows for Lee’s message to remain both inspirational and relevant due to the endemic nature