Theme Of Tolerance In To Kill A Mockingbird

The novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee depicts and portrays many important themes, including compassion and justice. However, the theme of tolerance of others is significant. In the world of the 1930’s South, prejudices and biases of many types are plentiful. Nonetheless, many of the important characters of the novel, such as the entire Finch family, learn and demonstrate this theme in relation to other members of the community. They are not fazed by the norms of their society, and instead try and put themselves in other’s shoes. Throughout the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, the most significant theme is the need for tolerance, which is demonstrated through class, gender, and racial biases, and how characters react to them. Tolerance for others in regards to class prejudice and bias can be seen throughout the novel. In the Maycomb culture, those with less money or rough situations are often looked down upon and seen as lesser to the “town folk.” When Jem invites Walter Cunningham over to their house for lunch, Scout is ignorant of the reality of Walter’s home and economic situation, and proceeds to judge him, by saying, “‘He ain’t company, Cal, he’s just a Cunningham...’”. This angers

It can be seen in class, gender, and racial prejudices, as well as characters’ reactions to these biases. The setting of To Kill a Mockingbird is one that has many of these prejudices ingrained in the roots of its society. As a result, it is difficult to overcome these prejudices without tolerance of others. By being tolerant towards others, characters can put themselves in another’s “shoes,” and see life from their perspective to better understand and sympathize with them. Currently, the need for tolerance is still an important issue. If people of our society were able to be more tolerant, the hate and prejudice that is still plentiful could be reduced, and the lives of many would be