Themes: Prejudice
The key events in To Kill a Mockingbird are driven by the undercurrent of prejudice that runs through Maycomb. The most obvious victim of this prejudice is Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Tom’s conviction is all but assured—despite the obvious inaccuracies and impossibilities of Mayella’s accusation—illustrating the depth of racism in the town. Tom’s accuser, Mayella Ewell, faces prejudice of a different sort. The Ewell family is considered "white trash” by the rest of the town. Aware of their lowly reputation, Bob Ewell’s persecution of Tom is driven in part by a desire to assert power over the only group in Maycomb with less social status than the Ewells.
Though Scout is firmly entrenched in the white world of Maycomb, we get a small glimpse of life for Maycomb’s Black community when Scout visits Calpurnia’s run-down church. The visit is marred by a confrontation between Calpurnia and Lula, who argue over whether the children should be allowed to come to a Black church. Though the rest of the church is welcoming, Lula’s anger at their presence speaks to the inherent unfairness of the situation: the white Finches—while well-meaning—may enter and leave both Black and white spaces freely, a luxury that Lula and the other Black people in Maycomb do not possess.
The rampant racism in Maycomb bleeds into the personal lives of the Finch family when Atticus becomes Tom Robinson’s defense attorney, prompting a swift social backlash from many white neighbors. When their aunt comes to visit, Scout and Jem witness prejudice within their own family as well: Aunt Alexandra not only encourages Atticus to fire Calpurnia, but also urges him to teach Jem and Scout about the importance of heritage and class. While many citizens of Maycomb hold strong racist and classist assumptions like Alexandra does, these individuals are contrasted against characters like Atticus and Miss Maudie, who choose to judge people by their character rather than their background or race. This is a lesson that both Scout and Jem learn firsthand through their interactions with Boo Radley. Though they initially fear Boo due to his obscurity and the rumors about him in town, the children eventually come to realize that he, too, is a victim of prejudice; instead of trying to understand him, the townspeople have solidified his outsider status.
Expert Q&A
Why does Jem invite Walter to dinner in To Kill a Mockingbird? What social issue does Walter Cunningham represent?
Jem invites Walter Cunningham to dinner to show empathy and respect, understanding Walter's poverty-stricken situation. Walter represents the social issue of poverty and class distinctions in the 1930s Southern U.S. His family, unlike others, maintains dignity and self-sufficiency despite their financial struggles. This act reflects Jem's maturity and the lessons taught by Atticus Finch about viewing situations from others' perspectives and treating everyone with respect.
How did the townspeople in "To Kill a Mockingbird" perceive the Radley family, particularly Mr. Radley?
The townspeople of Maycomb perceive the Radley family, especially Mr. Radley, with fear and suspicion. The Radleys are reclusive, avoiding social activities like church, and their home is the subject of many local legends. Boo Radley, in particular, is surrounded by rumors of nighttime prowling and malevolent deeds. Mr. Radley is seen as a harsh figure, with some, like Calpurnia, calling him "the meanest man." Despite this, figures like Atticus and Miss Maudie offer a more balanced view.
Why does Mayella believe Atticus is mocking her in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Mayella believes Atticus is mocking her because she is unaccustomed to being addressed with politeness, such as being called "ma'am" or "Miss Mayella." Raised in an abusive home without friends or social interaction, she misinterprets Atticus's professional courtesy as sarcasm. This misunderstanding, compounded by her discomfort on the witness stand and awareness of her false testimony, leads her to feel mocked.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, what differentiates the white church from the black church?
The main differences between the white and black churches in To Kill a Mockingbird are the physical setup and worship practices. The black church lacks pews, an organ, hymn books, and programs, using pine benches and a lining technique for singing due to widespread illiteracy. Reverend Sykes's preaching is more personal and direct, and the congregation is poorer and less welcoming to outsiders like Jem and Scout.
What does Atticus tell Scout about the Ewells? How are the Ewells their own society?
Atticus tells Scout that the Ewells have been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations, never doing an honest day's work. They live like animals and form their own society, ignoring public education and regularly breaking the law. The people of Maycomb typically turn a blind eye to their behavior, recognizing that the Ewells live apart from the rest of the community.
Why didn't Lula want Scout and Jem at the church in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Lula did not want Scout and Jem at the church in To Kill a Mockingbird because she is prejudiced against White people and feels that they should worship in their own churches. Lula practices the same discrimination she experiences in Maycomb's segregated society on an everyday basis. She resents being discriminated against because of her race and believes White people should attend their own churches.
Racism and Prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird explores racism and prejudice through various examples. In early chapters, Scout's ancestor Simon Finch's ownership of slaves and the sheriff's decision to segregate Boo Radley from Black prisoners highlight ingrained racism. As the story progresses, racial tensions are evident in the community's reaction to Atticus defending Tom Robinson, with derogatory terms used against him. Prejudices extend beyond race, affecting characters like Boo Radley and through Aunt Alexandra's disapproval of Scout's interactions with the Black community. These instances underscore the pervasive discrimination in Maycomb.
Aunt Alexandra's Disapproval of Scout's Interaction with Walter Cunningham
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Aunt Alexandra disapproves of Scout's friendship with Walter Cunningham due to her belief in strict social class divisions. She regards the Finch family as superior and views the Cunninghams as "trash" because they are from a lower social class. Alexandra's prejudice is rooted in her adherence to Southern traditions and her desire to maintain the Finch family's social status. Her comments upset Scout, who has been taught by Atticus to respect everyone regardless of their social standing.
Comparison of the Cunninghams and Ewells in To Kill a Mockingbird
In To Kill a Mockingbird, the Cunninghams and Ewells represent contrasting aspects of poverty in Maycomb. Both families are poor and lack formal education, but they differ significantly in character. The Cunninghams are depicted as honest, hardworking, and proud, refusing charity and paying debts in kind. In contrast, the Ewells are portrayed as lazy, immoral, and deceitful, relying on welfare and engaging in unethical behavior. Harper Lee uses these families to illustrate different moral values and societal roles within the same socioeconomic class.
Aunt Alexandra's Perspective on the Trial and Atticus's Defeat in To Kill a Mockingbird
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Aunt Alexandra's perspective on Tom Robinson's trial and Atticus's defense reveals her complex character. Initially opposed to Atticus's decision, she fears for his and the family's reputation. Despite her prejudices, Alexandra shows familial loyalty and concern for Atticus, expressing sympathy after his defeat. Her reaction indicates she genuinely cares for her brother and the children, revealing a more compassionate side than her usual strict demeanor suggests.
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