The Theme Of Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates a story surrounding the prejudice of the time and its impact on the innocence of the children in the town. The narrative takes place in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. An old, suffocating town, home to aimlessly fueled hatred and bias. “Maycombs Disease” describes the behaviors portrayed by the residents, which embrace the racist and classist behaviors of the time. 1930, a period of depression, was infested with discrimination among many minorities. Lee uses time as a tool to indicate how innocence protects one from society's corruption of ideals and instead paints a much more honest view of the world.
While the children view each other as equals, the adults discover themselves

Skin complexion in the 1930s determined your wealth, status, and worth in the world. During Tom Robinson’s trial, Jem saw factual evidence, which was equivalent to the truth. He even questioned Atticus if “they’ll acquit [Tom] that fast” (236). This demonstrates Jem’s lack of knowledge when it comes to the injustice side of the court system. His lack of experience with racism and the unbalanced court makes him question the truth, as well as right and wrong in the world. Jem’s anger reflects how dismayed he felt after seeing the truth fail. The empathy Jem felt towards Tom was a lesson that Atticus taught him and Scout from a young age. The blatant disregard for truth and honesty in court displayed everyone’s true thoughts and intentions. Another example of prejudice based on skin color was when Miss Gates said “we don’t believe in persecuting anybody”(281). She exclaimed her regards towards Jews, and how they didn’t deserve to be slaughtered by Hitler. This is completely ironic as black people are persecuted in Maycomb every day. Strictly based on skin color, as it determines their credibility. Her defense of Jewish people shines a light on her true intentions and beliefs, and in doing so she also confuses Scout and leads her to believe that she was a person of equality. Later Scout finds out that Miss Gates was talking badly about black people outside of

Atticus says that it “seems that only children weep,” (243) after Tom is convicted of a crime he did not commit. This line is used to show that only the children who have not been taught the town’s ideals felt deceived and betrayed by the outcome of the trial. Instead of being surrounded by the same prejudice as the adults, the children are shielded by their innocence, which leaves morals based on truth and justice. Such morals are commonly lost through the pressure of society and the nurtured mindset that Maycomb shares. Therefore creating confusion among the kids in the town and compassion for others; lies and judgment are prevalent in Maycomb, but if you fit the description your truth does not matter. Dill makes a comment about Miss Stephanie’s excessive drinking when Aunt Alexandra caught him and called him cynical when he questions whether “Tellin’ the [truth is] cynical, [or not]” (244). This action Aunt Alexandra took, shows her mindset based on others and their status. Dill, on the other hand, displays equality for all as he talks about her problems like he would anyone. This is significant because it shows he is not dismissing her problems. After all, she is white, but that doesn’t make her any better than those who are not. The kids of Maycomb show their compassion towards others through their actions and thoughts to treat everyone