To Kill A Mockingbird Belonging Analysis

Our willingness to change our identity in order to fit in with the community continues to intrigue the human psyche. This notion affiliates with our desperation to retain our sense of belonging with, which we desire unquestionably. The effect culture and societal attitudes have on our freedom to belong or not to belong are exemplified in our core text: “The crucible” written by Arthur Miller, the 2005 film “Good night and good luck” directed by George Clooney and the 1930s novel “To kill a mockingbird” written by Harper Lee. These texts portray how social attitudes and cultural beliefs conflict with our relationships and our ability or inability to belong to a community.
Arthur Miller wrote “The crucible” to shed light onto the proliferation
This is an unacceptable practice as it is forbidden by the bible and everyone in the community conforms to the bible. Therefore religion is can be considered an agent of belonging, but when the rules are breached, it becomes a barrier and the suspect is not only physically punished but psychologically as they are ostracized from the community. The girls, driven by their repression from society gain power by deceiving those with authority; the judges and courts. They are no longer perceived as inferiors but are now looked upon with apprehension by the rest of the community. By creating a mass hysteria, the girls improve their own sense of belonging but wrongfully condemn other to losing theirs completely: “I saw George Jacobs with the devil! I saw goody Howe with the devil!” The use of the term ‘goody’ is old fashioned for ‘Mrs.’ This use of Archaic language by Miller alienates the audience from the society of Salem. Therefore we are better able to adapt it contextually to our own society and hence realise the immorality behind the court of Salem and in turn McCarthyism. “Witchcraft is an invisible crime…”, As a result, there is no way the accused can defend their affinity or reputation within the
In contrast to ‘The crucible’, Clooney uses McCarthyism as a reference to his own purpose, which is to stimulate political debate on contemporary modern day issues. Although the film was produced in 2005, Clooney uses black and white as the background; this is to make the film more realistic in relation to context. “I thought it was a good idea to raise the idea of fear to stifle political debate” –George Clooney. By linking with an event from the past, Clooney is able to evoke the idea that history is repeating itself and we are not learning from our mistakes. Edward R. Murrow, a journalist in the CBS news team openly attacks McCarthy’s actions. In essence, he is risking his own social belonging in doing this just as Arthur Miller had done when writing ‘The crucible’. Very few people are willing to rebel against McCarthy’s regime for fear associated with being labeled a communist and losing all connections to society. Murrow though, is able to stand up for his beliefs and publicly attack McCarthy’s corruptness. His views are approved by the majority of the community except by politicians: “I strongly suggest you rethink your stand. These are dangerous waters you attempt to navigate” -A metaphorical caveat by Cornell Johnson, who is speaking to Fred Friendly. However Friendly rejects this threat and proclaims his support for Murrow exemplifying the