To Kill A Mockingbird Identity Analysis

One's identity is fluid and constantly changing according to events one experiences. It is difficult to define who one is. This is why it is tempting to equate one's identity with their background

In "To Kill A Mockingbird," Harper Lee uses two different characters to show that those who attempt to live unconstrained by convention or circumstance are viewed with fear by others.

In the small town of Maycomb, people are defined by the circumstance and family they are born in. Aunt Alexandra best demonstrates people's tendency to classify people by their blood; she brands all members of a family with a collective character trait. "A morbid streak in the [Merriweather] family" means all Merriweathers are grim. "If [one] sixteen-year-old giggle[s]

When a central part of one's character is based their family and social class, not complying with stereotypes of the group one belongs to can feel like losing part of one's identity. It is also difficult to not follow other people's expectations. If someone is told they will always act a certain way, and they cannot change because their personality is an inherited trait from their family, this person will believe there is no point in attempting to

His decision to defend a black man is shocking to the townsfolk because African-Americans are considered second-class citizens. "White men gambl[e] in [their] church on weekdays," and they must "wai[t] for the white people to go up the [courthouse] stairs" before entering themselves. An affluent, white man should not support a black man, but Atticus ignores these prejudices in order to stand by his belief that "all men are created equal" and deserve a fair trial in court. Despite being a well-respected and well-known member of the community, Atticus is approached with trepidation after his decision is made known. The citizens of Maycomb cannot believe a man with the social class of Atticus would choose to support a black man; they have never experienced such a thing. When the Cunninghams confront Atticus outside of the jail, they are prepared to attack him. However, they immediately obey his orders to be quiet and "not wake [Tom Robinson] up." The Cunninghams are surprised Atticus is defending a man they view as a second-class citizen; they have little experience with men who view all races as equal. Fear of the unknown prevents the Cunninghams from assaulting Atticus; they do not know how to deal with