The story, Inherit the Wind, has helped readers realize that “Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in” (Asimov). This is clearly shown though the prejudice that Drummond had to face throughout the story. Drummond was to defend Darwin’s Theory in a highly religious town. This exposed Drummond to unreasonable judgement since the town was not open-minded to new opinions. His positive character traits, hidden by the author due to the setting, are subject to the comprehension of the readers ability to see between the lines. In doing so, one can clearly see that he is an admirable character. Drummond is admirable, as shown in Inherit the Wind, for his open-mindedness and respect …show more content…
It makes one seem inviting and have a high regard for things. This is especially true when examining Drummond. He believes that everyone should have the right to express their thoughts, regardless of what it is. For example, after Hornbeck mocks Brady’s religion with inbelicic jokes, Drummond responds with “You have no more right to spit on his religion than you have a right to spit on my religion! Or my lack of it!” (Lawrence and Lee (page number)). Although Drummond and Brady had different beliefs, especially during the trial, Drummond found it unacceptable for Hornbeck to shame Brady’s religion for it. Drummond knew he should be respected, regardless of what his religious beliefs are. One can clearly see that his respect towards Brady makes him admirable because it tells the readers that he open-minded towards opinions he may disagree with. Secondly, Drummond is an admirable character because he believes in equality. For instance, when Hornbeck mocks Brady for his religion again, after his death, Drummond responds with “Brady has the same right as Cates, the right to be wrong!” (Lawrence and Lee (page number)). Drummond saw both Cates and Brady as equal and gave both the same platform in order to express their beliefs. This shows how Drummond had respect for Brady because he did not put his bias views on what is right or wrong. Although he is described as a “sinner” or “godless man,” one can see that Drummond …show more content…
This is especially true when comparing it to Drummond. He is able to see different opinions in unbiased view, which allows him to progressively expand his knowledge, rather than sticking to one opinion. For example, when Brady asked Drummond on why his mindset had changed so drastically, Drummond responds with “All motion is relative. Perhaps it is you who have moved away-by standing still.” (Lawrence and Lee (page number)). Although Drummond reveals himself as a religious man, it is clear that he is able to expand and progress his opinions as time progresses. On the other hand, Brady is extremely hidebound and is unable to open to new opinions, claiming that god speaks to him. This character trait of being open-minded makes Drummond admirable because the reader is able to step in the shoes of Drummond and realize how much he exposes himself to new material and learn more. This is evidently shown in the play when the court case ended, and Drummond takes Darwin’s Theory of evolution in one hand and “the Bible in his other hand...balancing them thoughtfully, as if his hands were scales” (Lawrence and Lee 129). This shows his open-minded behaviour because one can clearly see that he does not favor one over the other, but rather sees both as worthy enough for debate. Using his hands as scales shows his consideration for both views as equal. This makes Drummond an
First impressions of people are often lasting impressions, especially in the minds of children. Many times these impressions, aided by misunderstanding and prejudgment, cause unjust discrimination against an individual. To kill a Mockingbird depicts the themes of misunderstanding and prejudice that portray Arthur (Boo) Radley as a villain. Through the progressive revelation of Radley's character, the children realize that their negative impressions and fear of him were unfounded. Through gradual stages of change, from total misunderstanding of Boo, to a realization of an error in judgment, to a reevaluation followed by a change of heart, to a growing trust and acceptance of Boo, and finally to an appreciation of his true character, Jem's, Scout's, and Dill's impressions of Radley are dramatically altered.
Explaining that not only does it subvert pleasures, it tramples “novel notions” for the sake of tradition, and encourages an impotent “moderation” (896, 1060). For Unjust Speech, he sees no reason to simply endure this façade when one can theoretically work around it. Unjust Speech encourages resistance, calling on man to “believe that nothing is shameful!” (1078). This part of his argument displays that Unjust Speech recognizes shame as the essential cornerstone of societal life, yet encourages humans to not let it define them. He advocates for strong individualism against Just Speech’s encouraging words about societal
Martin Luther King Jr. once said “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” People tend to behave and deal with life differently according to the situation that they are in. In most cases when a person is in a very blissful and comfortable point of his or her life, they tend to act pleasant towards themselves and other people. This is why it is not fair-minded to judge people when they are in a contented part of their lives. It is during times of trial and suffering where the true soul of a person is revealed and judgment can be made. Readers can see the actions that are made by characters through times of hardship that reveal what they truly are in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Crucible by Arthur Millar.
The novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is set in Alabama in the 1930s, and concerns itself primarily with the interrelated themes of prejudice and empathy. These themes are explored as the story follows Scout Finch as she learns lessons in empathy, ultimately rejecting prejudice. While all characters in Lee’s novel learn from their experiences, not all are able to grow in the same manner as Scout. The idea of a positive role model, typified by the character of Atticus Finch, and the ramifications of its absence, is a concept that Lee places much emphasis on. The isolated setting is also pivotal in the development of characters. Lee uses the contrast between characters that learn lessons in empathy and compassion, and characters that cling to the ideals of a small town, to explore factors that nurture or diminish prejudice.
To begin with, according to the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, accepting those who are “different from ourselves” is to be more understanding of the differences in others. In the novel, Mr. Raymond, tries to
According to Ellen Douglas, the "evil in human hearts, and the possibility of grace, the gift of love, are made terrifyingly and magnificently real" when the grandmother, at gunpoint, admits that The Misfit really is, in her standards, a good man at heart (381). He is better able to express his beliefs about religion, but she has no firm foundation. When he says, "She would [have] been a good woman, if there had been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life," he is revealing the fact that her pride, instead of her faith, has carried her through life (O'Connor, "A Good Man" 392). She has merely acted out the life of a typical Southern lady of he...
To really understand someone you have to stand in there shoes. Before we cast blame or judge someone we should see the situation as a whole. Harper Lee uses Atticus finch in To Kill a Mockingbird to teach us good behaviors by, being a committed and loving father, acting the same in his own house as he does on the public streets, and standing behind his
A distinct conscience is formed by the values and desires of one’s unique identity. However, common beliefs of societal standards can influence conscientious desires. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee introduces a young girl named Scout, who learns about the difference between social conformity and human conscience. Through this, she notices the conflict it brings: choosing to conform or stand with your desire. Through Maycomb’s discriminatory principles, Atticus’ actions against common beliefs, and Scout’s comprehension of Boo, Lee reveals how society’s standards and conformity hinders personal desires for righteousness.
“You never really understood a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around it.” Atticus Finch is a man of extreme integrity. He, as both a lawyer and a human being, stands up for his democratic beliefs and encourages his children to stand up for their own, though they may stand alone. Harper Lee showed how far respect went in To Kill a Mockingbird when Atticus defended Tom Robinson in his rape trial. He did not think twice about being ridiculed by th...
Pride does not only cloud ones judgement, but it also can cause worse situations such as death or unnecessary punishment. In the play, The Crucible, a lot is caused because of a characters pride; for instance, when all was coming to place: Abigail running away, no one willing to confess to witchcraft, and three well known people in line to be hung, Danforth would not postpone nor completely stop the hangings of Proctor, Rebecca, Goody Nurse because if he did the other twelve hangings that were for the same reason would not be “just.” Danforth’s “pride” was not only to be “just,” but to not look like a weakling in front of the town’s people. Danforth did not “yield” because he did not want to but because if he did it would not seem like the “right” thing to do. Pride overpowered Danforth’s judgement and made him arrogant all he wanted to do was to seem fair and please the townspeople; which caused the death of innocent people and the freedom of t...
Respect is something you earn by being a good person or doing something admirable. All of the citizens of Maycomb look up to Atticus and see him as a respectable person. Atticus is the character in the novel that has the most respect. He is a caring, loving father, the only member of Maycomb who will actually defend a negro, and he always displays respect for other people.
It is always shocking when someone that was generally well loved and respected is ruined. Because such people usually have few enemies, often times, the cause of their hardship is out of control hubris. Excessive pride can ruin even the most morally upright person by motivating them to do things they would never do unless they stand to lo. In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, Miller utilizes the prideful nature of John Proctor and Mary Warren to demonstrate how arrogance can lead to the downfall of any kind of person, whether they are a moral person or a social climber.
To Kill A Mockingbird embodies those very words in every aspect and exemplifies them through its three main characters: Atticus, Scout, and Jem. Yet, with racism and discrimination seemingly making its way back into the twenty first century with increased shootings of African American males and Donald Trump making an effort to export all Muslims out of America etc., the lessons of compassion, understanding and forgiveness shown in To Kill A Mockingbird could be of great use in today’s society. To Kill A Mockingbird demonstrates the value of compassion and understanding through one, Atticus and his taking of Tom Robinson's trial, two, Atticus and his relationship with Scout, and finally, with Atticus and Mrs. Dubose. To start, for most people, the second they learned of Tom Robinson’s accused crime, they knew his fate had most likely already been decided, jail it would be for Mr Robinson, yet Atticus Finch embraced the challenge and took on his case.
Although they are critiqued, some people do whatever they can do to improve our society. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch proves himself to be a hero. This small-town lawyer exhibits bravery, strength, and modesty when faced with objection during Maycomb’s quarrel for justice. Without a doubt, Atticus proves that anybody can stand for what he or she believes is right.
One character that seemed to fall into the social trap of hypocrisy is Judge Danforth. When questioning Mary Warren about her sudden decision to tell the truth, Danforth ridicules Mary when saying, "How were you instructed in your life? Do you not know that God damns all liars?" (94). The Judge sees himself as part of the "elect" which is why he believes everyone else to be ignorant. For this same reason, is unable to see his error in forcing people to lie to save their lives. When Reverend Hale fails in his attempt to pardon the accused, Danforth states, "I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just," (119). Danforth sees himself as high enough in society that he has the God-given gift to decide what will benefit the community. The Judge believes he is showing compassion in deciding what is "just" but is ignorant to the fact that this "justness" only causes unneeded deaths. Danforth's pride causes him to be blind toward his blatant hypocritical accusations.