Theme Of Discrimination In To Kill A Mockingbird

People must know others better for the world to grow. Ignoring certain knowledge can lead to significant negatives, issues, or problems. Discrimination is a prominent result of an impactful negative; it was vividly expressed in the early 20th century. Emily Shapiro from ABC News elaborates that the novel To Kill a Mockingbird influenced the discrimination in the civil rights movement. In Emily’s article, she writes, “she showed us the beautiful complexity of our common humanity, and the importance of striving for justice in our own lives, our communities, and our country” (Shapiro). Emily is insisting that the influence given to the readers is supportive of equal justice. Atticus, the father of the main character Scout, is a clear, understanding

Atticus being an attorney was assigned a black man, Tom Robinson. At the time in the Deep South of Alabama, most people discriminated against black people, so Scout Atticus’s daughter, asks why he took the case. While explaining, Atticus tells Scout meaningfully, “[...] I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man” (Lee, 120). Atticus knows that while not taking the case would make his life easier, he knew it was the right thing to do. He knows that anybody and everybody should be treated with kindness, concern, and goodwill. While Atticus was assigned Tom Robinson, he would guard him while he was detained due to the fear of people coming to harm him. Then at night, a mob showed up but left after Atticus’s children Scout and Jem found him. After, Atticus explained the situation to his children “Mr. Cunningham was part of a mob last night but he was still a man” (Lee, 179). The man who was a part of the mob, Mr. Cunningham, came to harm or even kill Tom; Atticus saw past Mr. Cunningham’s discrimination towards Tom, to who he really is. Atticus knew how to avoid conflict in the potentially stressful encounter. Unfortunately, Tom’s end is a bad one, but Atticus continued to understand others for compassion. Even after encountering a mob, one can know who people really are to preserve relations. Hate and discrimination can help to show people who

Earlier in the story, Scout and Jem get into a fight defending Atticus, resulting in a punishment detailing their reading to Mrs. Dubose, a neighbor who constantly hates them, for a month. Mrs. Dubose later died and Atticus expanded, “[...] I told you that if you hadn’t lost your head I’d have made you go read to her [...] I wanted you to see what real courage is [...]” (Lee 128). Scout and Jem hated Mrs. Dubose; Atticus makes his children read to her, having them unknowingly help her with her morphine addiction. Knowing Mrs. Dubose’s predicament, Atticus unselfishly assisted her. Closer to the end of the narration, Mr. Ewell, the man who condemned tom, threatens Atticus for ruining his family’s name more. Scout narrated, “Mr. Bob Ewell [...] spat in his face, and told him he’d get him if it took the rest of his life,” with Atticus only saying, “I wish Bob Ewell wouldn’t chew tobacco” (Lee 247-248). Atticus could remain well when given a direct threat by thinking in Bob’s ruined shoes. Bob’s foreshadowing presents another possible positive reaction for Atticus. Hat cannot stop Atticus from being a fantastic, positive person, Care and peace are used when one can learn of others’ backgrounds. Atticus dissipated hate given towards him and others such as Bob and Mrs. Dubose. Hate can be destroyed with one’s better