The Theme Of Prejudice In 'To Kill A Mockingbird'

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

By Nicholas Morency

My Claim is that racial injustice and prejudice meant that tragedy was inevitable

Prejudice can be understood as something that can divide cultures and countries and ultimately lead to death and destruction. Prejudice has plagued humanity throughout history and has led to the despair of many cultures because of an inhumane viewpoint from another party. People's morals and kindness are destroyed the second a chance at power or currency is available.”Prejudice is a learned trait. You're not born prejudiced; you're taught it” Charles R Swindoll” This quote deeply resonates with the ideology that surrounds Maycomb, An example of instances similar to this quote is Burris Ewell. Burris grew up

He was a nice man who showed respect to everybody, including the infamously racist and poor Ewells. It's very unfortunate how Tom's case and life ended because he was nothing but a respectful person to everybody. During his Trial life was impeccably distressful and difficult. Being a black man accused of raping a white woman he was faced with possibly the most prejudice a man of color has ever seen. He was treated unfairly in court and despite having an immense amount of evidence suggesting his innocence the all-white jury found the defendant guilty on all charges. Tom Robinson also faced unfair and unjust questioning from the prosecution and the judge, despite this Tom was very calm and composed. Tom is seen as a symbol of hope for the black community of Maycomb as well as a resilient man. After Tom is sent to jail he is sent to prison and being sent to a predominately white prison with rape charges he realizes his future is bleak. He decides to make a run for it attempting to jump the fence and burst for freedom, much like his future in prison, this attempt was short and bleak resulting in the death of Tom Robinson. Tom is seen as one of the “Mockingbirds' 'because he does nothing but help people, for example when he offered to help with Mayella Ewells Chiffarobe but obviously ended horribly. Referring back to Atticus Finch's quote “Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit them but remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird” he says this because it's wrong to kill innocent and vulnerable people which is similar to Tom