Identity Within A Society To Kill A Mockingbird demonstrates the harsh depression and social changes that came about in the 1930’s through the lives of fully developed fictional characters. During this time period, racism and segregation were still a large obstacle faced by the nation, however it mostly pertained to the South. Through the eyes of Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, Harper Lee projects the idea that society will not always agree with one another's opinions, especially in such an evolving culture. The true conflict is learning to believe in yourself, even when others do not. From this, one can learn self respect, confidence and determination. Throughout the story, Atticus, Jem and Scout’s father, is tested by his community in his attempt to help defend a black man in court. During this time period the idea of “separate but …show more content…
The Finch family, however, is part of the slim minority that does not care what others think of them as long as they know they are doing the right thing. Scout’s actions on the first day of school reflect her confidence: “I rose graciously on Walter’s behalf ‘Ah--Miss Caroline?’... ‘The Cunninghams never took anything they can’t pay back” (Page 26). She did not care what her teacher and class might think of her which pushed her to stand up to help a friend in need. Confidence is not comparing yourself to others and thinking you’re better than them but rather knowing you do not have to compare yourself to others at all. Scout did not wait to stand up until she examined the other students but, instead, ardently stood up knowing it was the right thing to do. Knowing that the importance of others’ cruel opinions lies beneath the importance of one’s own confidence and the allocation of assistance to others, is one of the crucial points implied within the actions of the main characters throughout the entire
The novel “To Kill a Mocking Bird” is based in the fictional small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s. When slavery and the Civil War were still present in the people’s way of living and the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s are far from close. The novel focuses on the Finches: Scout, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, and the trial of Tom Robinson and how it affected them and the town. Witnessing the injustice of Tom Robinson’s trial changed Scout Finch in many ways. Scout learns that there is more than one type of courage, she learns about race and its complexity, and she also changes how she views the people around her by putting herself
Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, is a realistic story that deeply discusses issues involved with the 1930’s that still resonate today. The struggles of life are evident within the believable characters of Maycomb County which is a microcosm, reflective of universal issues. Along with the authentic characters, setting and style also helps to convey Lee’s controversial notions of racial and gender prejudice, and persecution of the innocent, discussing many other ideas within.
What is the best way on how an identity can be affected? Well, as people have made many decisions in life without noticing who they affect. Racism is the believe that all members are part of that particular race. In racism people can face discrimination, bullying and all those committed actions can lead up to deaths. People who commit racism affect other’s identity and personality. Personality is what makes a person their own to be themselves, what makes them be different than the rest by their qualities. Racism most greatly impacts on individuals identity because they can be affected by their goals, poor thinking of themselves, and can change behavior.
Being at the top of the social hierarchy has been a must for every American of past generations, but can lead to fatal damages for some trying to obtain that goal and a cause to ruin people’s lives. In a remarkably triumphant story on compassion, Harper Lee explored the horrors of racial prejudice in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Set in the 1930’s, the poor town of Maycomb, Alabama has been hit by the depression hard, which created a vast, complex social pyramid, with distinct families and lifestyles. At the Finch household, composed of a little nine year old girl, Scout, a twelve year old boy Jem, and their father Atticus, proceed through a whirlwind of events throughout the next few years. Atticus, a lawyer who is a hardworking, honest man at the top of the social hierarchy of Maycomb, has to defend a colored man by the name of Tom Robinson. This happened to be very unusual for the time period, as the family has to transcend through the struggles in a racial prejudice town and learn the raw nature of the worst in humans, thus trying to overcome these events through compassion. The author utilizes metaphor, characterization, and mood to describe the situation of Maycomb, it soon then becomes very clear that the dangers of ruining innocence can lead to a vast road of horrors and evils.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a multi-faceted novel which explores the principles and morals of people in the South during the 1930s. Mockingbirds are symbolic of the people that society abuse. Lee narrates the events of the novel using Scout’s voice and uses this technique to add emotional context and develop themes. Themes of racial and classist prejudice are developed by Lee to challenge the reader. These techniques are all powerful ways to alter the views of the reader.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a complex literary work exploring several aspects of the human condition. Lee’s story is one based in the 1930’s, shortly before the Civil Rights Movement. Her novel ventures into the societal issues, such as racism and gender stereotyping, in their fictional town, Maycomb. One recurring theme throughout the narrative is the social adjustment of the citizens of Maycomb and the human race as a whole. Lee showcases the progress in social justice matters by using symbolism and motifs.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee depicts racism in the 1930’s and shows the characters had to overcome challenges because of it. The 1930’s was a difficult time to live in because of racism against African Americans and the depression, where thousands of people lost their jobs. The idea “an extraordinary challenge can sometimes make an ordinary person into a hero” shows that anyone in To Kill a Mockingbird could have been a hero, even in a time of hardships. Scout Finch, Arthur “Boo” Radley, and Atticus Finch overcame challenges in the story in order to become great heroes.
As the United States “progresses” in economic, educational and technological advancements we still are fighting for racial equality. With more than 50 years since the brown vs. board of education case there is still incidents like Ferguson, Baton Rouge, and Phiando Castile where many questions are still unanswered. However, Harper Lee dealt with these same problems in 1960 when she wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. Lee created an emotionally confronting story. Lee writes through the eyes of “Scout” a lawyer’s daughter in a small sleepy town of Maycomb in Alabama during the great depression. Throughout the book “Scout” learns coming of age lessons from Atticus and her own experiences. But when Atticus takes on a case defending a black man (Tom Robinson) convicted for rapping a white woman (Mayella Ewell) and is found guilty. “Scout” her brother Jem begin to understand the effects of the prejudices in society. Therefore, Lee applies the literary concepts of diction and tone to revel the truth that prejudices in society negatively affect the way people treat each other in To Kill a Mocking Bird.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee is a beautiful story depicting a family living in the South of the 1930’s, and their struggle against the prejudice which was common to that time. The book centers on Atticus Finch, the father of the family as well as a lawyer, and his fight against prejudice. We see the story unfold through the innocent eyes of his young daughter, Scout, who is free from prejudice and not yet jaded. By viewing events as Scout sees them, the author shows us how to overcome prejudices, and gain tolerance.
In the riveting coming-of-age novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the author Harper Lee projects the idea of acceptance of all people, through the eyes of a child. Harper Lee combats the prejudice of social standing when she proves that some of the poorest people have the best of character traits. While racism of African Americans is first and foremost in this novel, the acceptance of white people into the African American community shows racism can be beaten from both point of views. Finally, the disabilities that Arthur Radley portrays, is forgotten, when his actions help him soar above the bigotry of the people of Maycomb County. The most obvious topic is the overt racism based on a person's skin color, however, Harper Lee takes us beneath the skin to show that discrimination occurs in other ways.
Harper Lee’s successful novel explores the issues of prejudice and racism using the symbol of a Mockingbird. Set in the 1930’s Deep South, a time of great intolerance and racial prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird carries us through an account of injustice to the most innocent yet accused citizens of Maycomb. The novels exploration of the moral nature of human beings, that is whether people are essentially good or bad, bring to light the innocence that has been damaged or destroyed through the influence of evil. Mrs. Maudie, a neighbor of the Finches had said, “Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy… They don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us.
The desire to maintain acceptance between personal innovativeness and various social expectations requires balance. The process can be difficult and discovering stability can ultimately initiate a sacrifice to build a stronger identity. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the author, Harper Lee, uses Atticus Finch to reveal the struggle individuals face when agreeing to responsibility and how the balance between their social and personal acceptance may shift due to mixed opinions from their surroundings. This struggle may eventually change the views of others and build an adapted identity for the individual.
One of the widely recognized controversies in American history is the 1930s, which held the Great Depression, the post-civil war, the ruling of Plessy versus Ferguson, the Jim Crow Laws, and segregation. There is only one piece of literature that can display the emotion experienced at this time. To Kill A Mockingbird shows how life in Maycomb is greatly affected by the exploration of the moral nature of human beings, whether we are essentially good or essentially evil. Throughout the novel Scout and Jem experience this theme by developing from a state of innocence, having exposure to both good and evil, and appreciating Atticus’ wise lessons. Interpreting the book’s characters and explaining their deeper meaning will help the reader comprehend the human moral nature.
The central idea in an excellent piece of literature To Kill A Mockingbird, is open to many different interpretations. This book builds upon the central idea of racism based upon one’s upbringing or location thru the prospective of Jean “Scout” Louise, a child. She witnesses the long-standing racism between both black and white people. In the summer of 1935, she witnesses the stakes for standing up against racism.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee has become a mainstay in American high-schools. This is a classic novel that has inspired many people of all ages. It had a big impact on how people viewed and treated each other. This is a story that teaches everyone about the value of honesty, love, friendship and trust. Every word written in this book has a truly deep meaning to it. The time period that the book was written in was during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. This setting was in a small town in Maycomb, Alabama with people who did not get along. During this time there was a lot of segregation within America and different races. To Kill a Mockingbird is about a family who believes in doing the right thing and being honest. There was a