Racism in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird

Although the novel To Kill a Mockingbird raises many important issues, Harper Lee bravely addresses the issue of racism in Maycomb society. The issue of racism surfaces in the novel when Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. Even though no evidence is discovered to convict Tom, the jury, which was made up of twelve white men, finds him guilty. This decision had a significant impact on Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch, and Jem Finch.

A large portion of To Kill a Mockingbird consists of the trial of Tom Robinson. During the trial Tom Robinson and Mayella Ewell give two different versions of the alleged rape. Mayella's account includes Tom beating her, and forcing himself on her. Tom's recollection of the events differed greatly from that of Mayella. Robinson says that Mayella called to him from the porch, and asked him to chop up wood. While in the house Mayella wrapped her arms around Tom's waist and proceeded to kiss him. Then Mayella saw her father looking in at the two. Mayella began yelling and Tom ran. He says that he never laid a hand upon Mayella. Even though evidence is lacking the jury still votes Tom guilty. This occurs because Tom is black, the jury is completely white. Racism shows its dreadful face through their final decision.

The guilty verdict delivered by the jury had a vital effect on Atticus. He makes a tremendous effort in order to ensure Tom's freedom, but because of the ignorance that lingers in the minds of Maycomb County's citizens Atticus is unable to clear Tom. Most of Maycomb's

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townsmen have racist views, especially toward the African American people. These views stem from the people of past generations who worked to instill their beliefs in future generations. Atticus lives his life using his morals. He tries to teach his children to use good morals and to never stray from them, no matter how difficult a situation. During the trial Atticus stands by his belief of equality. He believes that every man should be treated as a man, and never any less. The verdict in the trial aids Atticus with the instruction of his children. Jem and Scout, Atticus's children, learn that even good men can fail due to the evil things such as hate and racism.

Throughout the novel Jem believes that anything of moral nobility can conquer all that is evil. Tom Robinson's guilty verdict proves otherwise to him. Racism never came, as close to Jem as to when the jury convicted Tom of a crime he did not commit. Hate and racism were in the hearts and minds of the jury. Jem thought that if Atticus disproved Mayella's testimony, and proved that she was protecting her father, then the jury would let an honest man go free. Clearly, Jem was mistaken.

In conclusion, racism impacts the people of Maycomb in many ways. It affects their thoughts, beliefs, values, and the way they live their lives. Even though the evidence was insufficient, the jury still found Tom guilty. The jury accepted Mayella's word over Tom's. They did this because in their minds a white woman's word takes precedence over a black man's.