Racism And Prejudice In Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird

In To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, conflict is driven throughout the novel from racism and prejudice. The characters in the story must determine what is right and what is easy. Atticus Finch, a lawyer, and father, does what is right all the time. Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man, in a rape trial against a white family. Harper Lee’s novel is built to make people uncomfortable. Atticus defies what is common and does what is right throughout the story by his actions. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch throughout the story demonstrates many characteristics including being brave, fair, and thoughtful. Atticus shows his bravery throughout the story by doing what is right no matter what happens and doing

In Maycomb County, Alabama in the 1930’s, it was unheard of for a black man to get a fair trial. Atticus takes the trial and does everything he possibly can for Tom and it doesn’t matter what people say to Atticus. He tells his kids that to understand what someone is going through you have to be in their shoes. Atticus is talking about Tom and Boo who have completely different lives but are both terrific people and Atticus is fair to both (Felty). Later on, Atticus tells Scout, “‘...you mind Jem whenever he can make you. Fair enough?’” (Lee 157). Instead of allowing Jem to try to take control of Scout, Atticus tells her to listen to Jem but you do not have to mind him all the time. Atticus is as fair as possible with his kids and treats them as equals. Atticus knows that he will be preparing for the Tom Robinson trial so he makes everything as fair as he can at home so there will not be a falling out at a very important

Throughout the trial, Atticus does many things to help his family and everyone around him. Right before the trial starts Aunt Alexandra come sand moves in the house to help take care of Scout and Jem (Gillespie). Atticus knowing he is a single parent and needs help at this time isn 't afraid to ask which can be the most thoughtful thing that you can do. During Atticus’s cross-examination of Mayella Ewell, Mayella says she is scared of Attius. Instead of getting upset and raising his voice, Atticus become as calm as someone can be and politely ask her questions to where she cannot be scared of him (Harris). The impact that Atticus’s actions have on the jury is unheard of in a case like this. Atticus is also thoughtful for everything around him. When Jem and Scout get there guns Atticus gives them one instruction, “... but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 103). Atticus says they can shoot at tin cans and blue jays but not to shoot a Mockingbird. Throughout the story, it is told that mockingbird just sings and spread and cheer and do not do anything bad. Atticus is thoughtful for everyone and everything near and far from