The novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee presents a straightforward portrayal of life in the Deep South of America during the 1930s. Through the perspectives of Scout and Jem Finch, two young siblings, the narrative offers an innocent yet amusing outlook. Scout, being a teenage girl, grapples with the controversy surrounding her father's legal case. Her father, Atticus Finch, serves as Tom Robinson's defense attorney; Tom Robinson being a black man accused of raping a white girl. Racism profoundly impacts the characters' lives and stands as the central theme of this story. As previously mentioned, Scout is our narrator.
Scout's upbringing has instilled in her a deep respect for African-Americans in her society, as evidenced by her respectful relationship with her maid, Calpurnia. However, many children her age have absorbed their parents' racially prejudiced views, which has caused Scout
...countless problems. Unfortunately, Atticus's lawsuit further isolates his children, leading to Scout being taunted with hurtful remarks on the playground. In response, Scout's only instinct is violence. However, Atticus, being a virtuous father, does not condone this behavior. Scout recalls how her fists were clenched and she was ready to retaliate when Cecil Jacobs spread the rumor that her father defended African-Americans.
In the narrative, Atticus's pursuit of justice causes Scout more problems as she continuously finds herself defending him against racist remarks. These hurtful comments only serve to demonstrate the cruelty that children can inflict upon one another. Scout feels compelled to protect her father from her cousin Francis, who taunted her by hurling accusations such as, "He's nothin' but a nigger-lover," from a safe distance. The archaic and discriminatory views held by the younger
inhabitants of Maycomb have disrupted their lives, particularly Scout's. Thus, my perception of racism has evolved throughout the story.
Mr Dolphus Raymond discusses my emotions while speaking to Scout and Dill during the trial as he is considered a sinful man within the community due to his mixed-race children. To address this wrongdoing, he pretends to be an alcoholic, stating: "In reality, Miss Finch, I am not much of a drinker. However, they could never comprehend that I live as I do because it is my own choice." He confides in the children, knowing that they are already aware of the injustice of racism and will not be confined by outdated views. The children will become individuals who embrace new perspectives, including the principles of equality.
The Finch family exemplifies egalitarianism and their society mirrors the viewpoint of the Ewell family. According to Atticus, the only truly fair place is the courtroom. However, the court's decision does not favor Atticus because it still refuses to convict a white man over a black man. Jem, who is not racially prejudiced, does not comprehend this. While aware that the jury is still racist, Atticus comforts Jem by saying, "If you had been on the jury, son, and eleven other boys like you, Tom would be a free man." Racism has disrupted and transformed the lives of the characters in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
The Finches, who are the main characters, face persecution due to Atticus defending a black man in court. Initially, my view on racism undergoes a change as Scout is only bothered by this force at the beginning of the story. Initially, racism is seen as bullying and
discriminatory on a basic level. However, as the force of racism starts affecting numerous individuals in Maycomb, my perspective evolves. Moreover, racism has life-altering effects and leads certain people, like Mr Dolphus Raymond, to become outcasts. Racism serves as the foundation of this story, and currently justice cannot triumph over this discrimination.
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