Examples Of Diversity In To Kill A Mockingbird
In Haper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" the characters face adversity that develop the controversial, effective themes. Lee uses both racism and discrimination themes are represented in this novel, especially through the character Atticus's actions and words.
Accordingly, Atticus believes that racism is wrong and despite what everyone else thinks, strives to see both races equally. For example, Aunt Alexandra moves in with the Finches because she strongly believes that Jem and Scout need a feminine mentor in their life but excludes Calpurnia, who is of the opposite race. She even attempts to change everything about how Atticus fathers his children and how he treats Calpurnia; including how he speaks to her at home. Atticus argues, “Anything
fit to say at the table’s fit to say in front of Calpurnia” (Lee 209). Aunt Alexandra is unaccepting of this and does not think colored people should be treated the same as whites. More importantly, this shows how Atticus will not let the pigment of one's skin affect what he thinks of their character and heart, nor side with his sister when she is in the wrong. Additionally, during the time that Atticus is defending Tom Robinson, Scout and Jem begin to notice how everyone is labeling Atticus as a "nigger-lover", Atticus defends himself and teaches them that there is no such thing as he states, "nigger-lover is just one of those terms that doesn't mean anything- like snot-nose... trashy people use it when they think somebody's favoring Negroes over and above themselves" (Lee 144). Certainly, Atticus is a very strong believer in treating all races equally and respectfully. Not to mention, Atticus teaches his kids to respect everyone as he does and ignore the term "nigger-lover" because it does not so much define Atticus, but the people who are saying it. In summary, Atticus strives to break away from the racist city, and treat everyone the way they deserve.
Nevertheless, Atticus believes strongly that everyone deserves to be treated with respect no matter what social class you live under or the color of your skin. A clear-cut example of how Atticus demonstrates respectful classism is when Scout has Walter Cunningham over for dinner one night and teases him because of the way he eats. Atticus is angered by her behave her and states, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view" (Lee 39). In the novel we know the Cunninghams are especially poor and do not get all the luxuries that the Finch family has, including variety of food. These are valuable words by Atticus that enable readers to see how Atticus respects all the classes. Unquestionably, readers notice that Atticus is illustrating how some families are not as fortunate as others and you cannot treat them with disrespect unless you know their story. Comparatively, Lee illustrates the theme of discrimination while Atticus is explaining to Jem how the segregated court works, "In our courts when its a white man's word against a black man's the white man always wins. They're ugly, but those are the facts of life" (Lee). This quote exemplifies the theme of discrimination because the innocent Tom Robinson who is pleaded guilty because of his race, implies that Attiucs does not believe in discrimination and defends Robinson on behalf of respect for the colored community.
In conclusion, Lee uses characters actions and words to create sensible, controversial themes that make her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" one of the most widley read literary works of modern times. Through the use of Atticus's characterization the themes of racism and discrimination are displayed thorughout the story. "Its a sin to kill a mockingbird" (Lee).
Accordingly, Atticus believes that racism is wrong and despite what everyone else thinks, strives to see both races equally. For example, Aunt Alexandra moves in with the Finches because she strongly believes that Jem and Scout need a feminine mentor in their life but excludes Calpurnia, who is of the opposite race. She even attempts to change everything about how Atticus fathers his children and how he treats Calpurnia; including how he speaks to her at home. Atticus argues, “Anything
fit to say at the table’s fit to say in front of Calpurnia” (Lee 209). Aunt Alexandra is unaccepting of this and does not think colored people should be treated the same as whites. More importantly, this shows how Atticus will not let the pigment of one's skin affect what he thinks of their character and heart, nor side with his sister when she is in the wrong. Additionally, during the time that Atticus is defending Tom Robinson, Scout and Jem begin to notice how everyone is labeling Atticus as a "nigger-lover", Atticus defends himself and teaches them that there is no such thing as he states, "nigger-lover is just one of those terms that doesn't mean anything- like snot-nose... trashy people use it when they think somebody's favoring Negroes over and above themselves" (Lee 144). Certainly, Atticus is a very strong believer in treating all races equally and respectfully. Not to mention, Atticus teaches his kids to respect everyone as he does and ignore the term "nigger-lover" because it does not so much define Atticus, but the people who are saying it. In summary, Atticus strives to break away from the racist city, and treat everyone the way they deserve.
Nevertheless, Atticus believes strongly that everyone deserves to be treated with respect no matter what social class you live under or the color of your skin. A clear-cut example of how Atticus demonstrates respectful classism is when Scout has Walter Cunningham over for dinner one night and teases him because of the way he eats. Atticus is angered by her behave her and states, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view" (Lee 39). In the novel we know the Cunninghams are especially poor and do not get all the luxuries that the Finch family has, including variety of food. These are valuable words by Atticus that enable readers to see how Atticus respects all the classes. Unquestionably, readers notice that Atticus is illustrating how some families are not as fortunate as others and you cannot treat them with disrespect unless you know their story. Comparatively, Lee illustrates the theme of discrimination while Atticus is explaining to Jem how the segregated court works, "In our courts when its a white man's word against a black man's the white man always wins. They're ugly, but those are the facts of life" (Lee). This quote exemplifies the theme of discrimination because the innocent Tom Robinson who is pleaded guilty because of his race, implies that Attiucs does not believe in discrimination and defends Robinson on behalf of respect for the colored community.
In conclusion, Lee uses characters actions and words to create sensible, controversial themes that make her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" one of the most widley read literary works of modern times. Through the use of Atticus's characterization the themes of racism and discrimination are displayed thorughout the story. "Its a sin to kill a mockingbird" (Lee).