Prejudice in To Kill A Mockingbird
The book "To Kill a Mockingbird" tells of many good examples of prejudice toward African-Americans and people they're associated with. During the trial, the town people, family members, and friends show prejudice toward Atticus for defending Tom, and toward Tom for just being an African-American. The people of Maycomb frowned upon Mr. Dolphus Raymond because of the way he chose to live his life. During the trial, the African-Americans were required to sit in the balcony of the courtroom, completely separated from the Caucasians. Prejudice was not only shown toward the African-Americans, it was also shown toward Atticus. Atticus, a lawyer in Maycomb was respected by almost the whole town. Unable to follow the town's racial prejudice, Atticus agreed to defend Tom Robinson, an African-American accused of rape. This is the point at which he loses his respect from his town people, friends, and even family members. Atticus tried to do his job well, knowing that he would probably lose the case, just because of Tom's race. Atticus encouraged Tom not to give up his hopes. He was committed to his job, despite other's thoughts and opinions. Miss Stephanie Crawford, otherwise thought of as the rumor mill, passed cheap remarks
Atticus and some of the other town people knew Tom wasn't guilty, but he was convicted without substantial evidence. The jury consisted of only Caucasians. This was also a prejudice issue. African-Americans had no say whatsoever in the trial. This shows that a white man's word was always taken over a black man's. Since there was such strong racism in Maycomb, there were excuses made for Caucasians. In the book, it was obvious that Bob Ewell was a mean man. It was also obvious that he was abusive to his daughter, Mayella, and he was the one who violated her, not Tom Robinson, because what the evidence showed. But, the people of Maycomb over-looked the evidence in favor of Tom Robinson, just because he was an African American. Even though Tom was accused of rape, during the cross examination, the prosecutor, Mr. Gillmer, continuously called Tom "boy" and "son" showing a lack of respect. ("To Kill a Mockingbird", Lee, 197) concerning Atticus. Even Walter Cunningham, considered a friend by Scout, tries to harm Atticus. Not only were African-American's called "nigger's", but anyone associated with them were called "nigger lovers" Scout's cousin, Francis ran around yelling, "He's nothin' but a nigger lover!" ("To Kill a Mockingbird", Lee, 83) Aunt Alexandra felt Atticus was becoming a disgrace to their family for defending Tom. Atticus, still being the respe
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 925
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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