Social Classes in Maycomb, to Kill a Mockingbird

In the book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee, racism and social inequality are two central themes. Many different forms of social inequality coexist in the society depicted in the book, as the people of Maycomb are very rigid in their ways. This is because the book takes place in a time at which there was much racism and social inequality. In Maycomb, firstly there is discrimination between rich and poor white people, who do not often interact with each other. There is also racism against blacks by all white people in society, both rich and poor. Black people are denied basic rights and discriminated against in this town. Lastly, there is racism between the lowest classes of the community: poor white people and

There was no room at the public hitching rail for another animal, mules and wagons were parked under every available tree. The courthouse square was covered with picnic parties sitting on newspapers.” (Lee, 160). The Ewells, Negroes and the defendant, Tom, represent the lower classes, the trial made it clear that when a black man’s word is against a white, the white, no matter the social status, always wins. Atticus understands the fact that winning the trial is very slim to none and he explains that you just can’t give up “They’ve done it before and they’ll keep doing it again and when they do it-seems that only children weep.” (Lee, 213). Despite the man Tom is, the jury must accuse someone of the crime and choose the easiest man to blame, Tom Robinson.

Boo Radley was judged by his social class which was put down due to the stereotypical things said about him and the judgment from others, he starts to gain all that back from a little girl, Scout, who is slowly bringing his confidence again. Finally, Atticus was the opposite from the two characters, he had a high social and financial class, but that did not change his ways of thinking and still wanting to help people to see a change. Harper Lee lets the readers know that there is much to learn about the different types of classes and the impact it has on the

White or colored, superior or inferior, and important or invisible are the different categories society imposes on people. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the narrator Scout is a part of the Finch family. They are white people with good morals due to Atticus Finch, Scout’s father. He guides his children to seek equality and treat others equally regardless of their class, gender, or race. Atticus tries to enforce his beliefs by taking on the Tom Robinson case. Tom Robinson is an honest, hard working black man accused of raping a white woman known as Mayella Ewell. Although there was evidence to prove his innocence, Mayella’s dirty lies were placed above his innocence. This situation is clearly an example of the ideals society

Maycomb was in a phase of diversity. In the beginning the story, readers learn about the state of Maycomb. One of the main things that are apparent is the economic classes of Maycomb. In the story, Jem tells the reader about social class when he explains it to his sister Scout, “‘There’s four kinds of folks in the world. There’s the ordinary kind like us and the neighbors, there’s the kind like the Cunninghams in the woods, the kind like the Ewells down at the dump, and the Negroes’” (page 226). Maycomb may have been divided because of the trial, but economic class also had to do with it. To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee, the story taking place in the 1930s. The economy in the story wasn’t the greatest. This was at the time of the Great Depression. That takes a huge toll on how the story is laid

In the Story there are many different "social classes" according to the characters. One evening Scout petitions Atticus to not make her go to school the next day. Atticus explained to Scout that she must go because it is the law. Scout complains that Burris Ewell does not have to go to school. This is when Atticus explains that Scout and Burris Ewell are not in the same social class. "You, Miss Scout Finch, are of the common folk. You must obey the law. He said that the Ewells were members of an exclusive society made up of Ewell 's."

The second social class was the middle class which was the Finch Family. Atticus was a lawyer, his salary was modest, therefore; he brought decent amount of money home for the family “Atticus derived a reasonable income from the law” (Lee, 2)

There are many different social classes in “To Kill A Mockingbird.” The factors that separate people into these social classes are their skin color and their occupation. For example, Atticus, Scout, and Jem are part of the highest social class. They are part of this social class because Atticus is a lawyer, which makes him a highly respected person in the community. He is also white, which, at that time was a very important factor that chose who belonged in what social class. Scout and Jem are his children and therefore are also part of this social class.

Mr. Ewell testified in court that Tom Robinson had raped his daughter, an accusation proven wrong by esteemed lawyer Atticus Finch. This false accusation created a trail of problems for the Robinsons. In Calpurnia’s words, “Folks aren't anxious to-to have anything to do with any of his family,” (Lee, 123). His wife struggled to find work and feed her children, when Tom was in jail. Although all evidence pointed away from Tom, ignorance convicted him. The social status of both families was stationed at the absolute minimum. Mr. Ewell showcased his ignorance by trying to up his family name and hopefully clear the air about his daughter (quote about him finding work). This backfired because he wasn’t a good person and didn’t have the work experience to put him through. His ignorance stemmed as well because he didn’t think about what it would mean for the Robinson

The fourth and lowest class in Maycomb was best described as a "caste" because it was impossible to escape from it. All blacks were included in this group. Prejudice ran deep in Maycomb County. Although many classes existed within the black community, one of colour must always be in the lowest class.

One of the most important events in the book was Tom Robinson’s trial, which was unfairly judged due to the fact that the jury could not see beyond the color of Tom’s skin. The put their own racist opinions ahead of what is right and just. One of the most important events in the novel circulated around racism. However, the most focused on point of Tom’s life was not the only point in his life where racism has been shown towards him. The Ewell’s are a major source of racism towards Tom.

Another presence of judgment in the novel is present in the character of Bob Ewell, an oblivious, grimy, abusive father, who looks down upon Negroes, believing he can take full advantage of them because he is of the white race. Scout declares that, “all [Bob Ewell] had that made him any better than his [Black] neighbors was, that if he scrubbed with lye soap in very hot water, his skin was white” (Lee 229). This indicates that the population of Maycomb judges primarily on race instead of morals, ethics, income, personality, or lifestyle, which further proves the segregation occurring within the South. This excerpt means that the community is more accepting of an unmannerly, poor, and often-drunk man rather than an honest, harmless black man, such as Tom Robinson. Skin color is the main eparation of the people for it determines who are neglected and who are treated like royalty. Furthermore, Mr. Ewell verifies his prejudiced nature, when, “[h]e stood up and pointed his finger at Tom Robinson. ‘I seen that black nigger yonder rutttin’ on my Mayella’” (Lee 231). This further reveals Mr. Ewell’s biased behavior because it presents him mistreating Tom Robinson. Lee uses words

They categorize many people into different groups. You have the lower-class the upper-class the Negroes and people lower. You also have mockingbirds. Mockingbirds are considered innocent people Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Tom Robinson an African-American Man who is accused of raping a lower class white lady. Tom Robinson is an innocent man gets killed for something he didn't do. Boo Radley he stayed inside his whole life when he comes outside he does something very good and helpful. Bob Ewell he is the father of the lower-class girl who was raped by Tom Robinson. Bobbio is not a Mockingbird he is a low class is nothing. he is the father of the lower-class girl who was raped by Tom Robinson. Bobbio is not a mockingbird he is a low class is nothing. He puts his anger on everybody else. When Bob dies Atticus says let the dead bury the dead. Atticus is saying that but the spirits take the bad alive spirits away. With these characters you don't really know them until you walk around in their skin.

In the beginning, while the main character Scout Finch is going to class with her new teacher Miss Caroline whom is new to town and doesn’t know very much about the people, social class is a very prominent theme. First off, while Scout was going to school she met a boy from the Cunningham tribe. The Cunningham tribe was very poor and worked off the land for all that they had. As Scout

One of the first major examples of how social class affects a society is how Atticus shares how the Ewells are very different in their society. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird Scout was talking about what Atticus said about the Ewells. Atticus said the Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations. None of them had done an honest day’s work in his recollection” (40). Here Atticus is talking about how the Ewells aren’t structured at all and have no work ethic. Atticus also said “they are people, but