To Kill A Mockingbird Values And Knowledge Essay

One doesn’t learn how to cook, read, talk, or even walk on their own. In each person’s life, there is a significant individual who teaches a child how to complete tasks properly. The values and knowledge are instilled in the apprentice as they mature. Is it possible that those values and beliefs can negatively or positively impact a community? Within the book To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel created by Harper Lee, it demonstrates how traditional knowledge passed down from Western ancestors can negatively and positively influence a community. Throughout the novel consistent examples of ‘Ike Kūpuna, good and bad, are seen within the characters, Atticus Finch, Aunt Alexandra, and Bob Ewell. To begin, ʻIke Kūpuna, further known as ancestral knowledge,

Unlike Atticus, his sister Alexandra’s use of traditional knowledge segregates the duties, attire, and lifestyle of both men and women. She is a firm believer in perpetuating sexism where women should only be seen in modest dresses, cooking, and tending to the children. For instance, she pesters Scout to follow societal roles such as, wearing dresses instead of breeches and behaving like a proper lady. On page 92, the author states, “Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches; when I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn’t supposed to be doing things that require pants” (92). This indicates that women have specific roles in life, and anything that is necessary to wear pants are not for women. In addition, Aunt Alexandra does not condone the way Scout carries herself with her use of words. Scout tends to use foul language, Aunt Alexandra’s response to this is, “Did I hear you say hell a while ago”, “I’d better not hear it again” (95). Aunt Alexandra has a dislike towards Scout’s tendency to use profanity because it was considered masculine. Although it may seem like Aunt Alexandra’s behavior is solely provoking, her beliefs in sexism have a negative chain reaction on her family through the novel. Her sexist behavior has reflected on Atticus, in hopes that he will teach his children how to utilize proper behavior.

A great deal of racism was seen throughout the novel from numerous characters. Bob Ewell being one of those individuals demonstrated countless acts of racism. He serves as a symbol of racism especially towards Tom Robinson, previously mentioned as the man who was accused of raping Bob Ewell’s daughter. Mr. Ewell constantly refers to people of color using a derogatory slur. On page 197, Bob Ewell states, “I seen that black n***er yonder ruttin’ on my Mayella! (197). The diminishing term was mainly used to refer to slaves in the early 1800s, therefore it is very offensive to people of color. Furthermore, Bob Ewell’s discrimination goes as far as being cruel to those who defended him. On page 248, “Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he’d get him if it took the rest of his life” (248). Later in the novel, the children were attacked during a late night walk back home and mysteriously saved by their introverted neighbor. Jem was rushed into the house where Atticus was frantic and stated, “Someone’s been after my children. Jem’s hurt” (303). Later to find out, “Bob Ewell’s lyin’ on the ground under that tree down yonder with a kitchen knife stuck up under his ribs. He’s dead” (306). Mr. Ewell was antagonized due to Atticus trying his very best to defend Tom Robinson that he attempted to harm Atticus’s children. The consequences of