preview

How Does Harper Lee Use Injustice In To Kill A Mockingbird

Decent Essays

Harper Lee’s Theme Racism is man’s gravest threat to man- the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason,” (Abraham Joshua Heschel). Harper Lee met the topic of racism head on in her novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Lee shows that injustice is commonly sprouted from racism, and racism can often blind one’s thoughts. Racism can separate a society and can put one up against each other, which can be seen in To Kill a Mockingbird. Isolation and separation can be caused by racism, and racism can shape one’s thoughts toward a group of people. When talking to Atticus about the behavior of black people, Aunt Alexandra said, “I don’t think it’s a good habit, Atticus. It encourages them. You know how they talk among themselves,” (Lee 210). Aunt Alexandra …show more content…

As Jem is giving his opinion on the verdict, on the trial of a white woman accusing a black man of raping her, Reverend Sykes gives an insight of what he believes the verdict might be. Reverend Sykes said, “Don’t see how any jury could convict on what we heard…Now don’t be so confident Mr. Jem, I ain’t ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man,” (Lee 279). Reverend Sykes is telling Jem that from past experiences, he cannot be confident about the jury not convicting the black man. Although evidence could point to a verdict in favor of the black man, the jury will likely still convict him solely based on his skin color. Injustice caused by racism can cost things that cannot be replaced, things can be taken from those who are innocent because of opinions made about people of color. Racism is caused by a negative generalization about an entire race and can take everything from those on the wrong side of the racial spectrum. Guest 3
Racial Injustice and bias caused by racism, is commonly evident in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Racism can isolate and separate communities both by race and sheer difference in opinion, and can cost people everything. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee tries to bring light upon, and combat racial injustice, and struggles faced by those who try to bring an end

Get Access