Society has a harmful effect on individuals’ judgements, words, & actions. Society has consequences, individuality is rare to people who are exposed to negativity. Nevertheless society changes people’s thoughts on the way they live. In the novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part -Time Indian is about a Indian kid named Arnold who faces the judgements of society that has been impacting him in a explicit way of life. In the second novel, To kill a Mockingbird is about a young girl named Scout, she is affected by the remarks of her community. However, not only does it hurt her, but it also affects the people around her too. Last but not least, the third novel, Bruiser is a story about a teen boy named Brewster, that deals with the harmful …show more content…
Judgements are a common factor in society, don’t we all deal with them? Some people take judgements in a harmful way. Well, just like Arnold in Part Time Indian has experienced judgements in his life by just being the individual he attended to be. Rational comments or thoughts can be made by just about anyone, no matter what they look like or how they act, people are just that cruel. Arnold was not like every other kid in Reardan or the kids on the reservation, he was a kid that struggled with trying to fit into two communities. However, he did try not to give up on his individuality. Moreover, Arnold says, “Life is a constant struggle between an individual and being a member of the community.” (Pg.132)Arnold struggled with being an Indian around the Reardan community. He felt that if he wanted to have success, that it meant he would have to act the opposite of who he was. Although, the judgments of those around him, made him second guess his individuality, the citizens on the reservation judge him by his character on the inside and the outside. Arnold says, “ They call me apple because they think I’m red on the outside and white on the inside.”(Pg.133) His …show more content…
But hearing words can change our outlook, but also can affect staying with our genuine values. However, words are integral to society. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird Scout was just a little girl trying to enjoy life with her curious little mind. Scout had been surrounded by wretched people, which the negativity from the people of her town, Maycomb; had impacted her life. Scout looked up to the authority that was above her, even her older brother Jem. Meanwhile, Scout’s father, Atticus, lead her to be harmed by society, Atticus was always busy with his work rather than spending time with his daughter Scout. Scout says, “He sat in the living room and read.” (pg.118) All her father would do was read & work. When her father got a court case for a colored man named Tom Roberision, everyone around their town of Maycomb were gossiping about Scout’s father, Atticus. Scout had said, “ The school had buzzed with talk about Tom Robinson, none of which was complimentary.” (Ch.10.pg.119) People had their own negative commentary on her father's case, which lead her to fight because of the words that were said. Although she was just a little girl, she did not know what was right from wrong, Scout had looked up to her brother Jem for guidance. Which lead her individuality to becoming a tomboy. Moreover Scout’s Aunt Alexandra had put pressure on Scout wanting her to act more like a young
Many students believe that Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a commentary on social issues in 1930’s America. However, over time new themes for discussion have grown from the novel. The courage and leadership of characters in To Kill a Mockingbird have become common subjects discussed by today’s students. In this way, Lee’s novel has evolved to meet the changing ideology of humanity. At the time of the novel, standing up against common customs and beliefs was unacceptable, a violation of societal rules. Several characters in To Kill a Mockingbird express outrage at the collective belief system of their community and show resilience in the face of persecution, much as many current leaders face when espousing unconventional views or actions.
Throughout the novel, Atticus’ assistance to Jem and Scout’s development becomes evident. Atticus takes every opportunity to attempt to teach his children the importance of having an open-mind. For instance, when Scout queries Atticus about Maycomb’s prejudice perspective, he tells her, “You never really understand a person until…you climb in their skin and walk around in it.” (Lee 30) Even during the early stages of the novel, it is apparent that Atticus endeavors to instill the values of empathy and tolerance within Jem and Scout by teaching them how to have multiple perspectives on a situation. In addition, Atticus also attempts to enlighten his children about peaceful resolution in society. For example, when Atticus is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus tells Scout, you might hear some ugly talk about it at school but…you just hold your head high and keep those fists down.”...
To conclude, it is proven during numerous instances found in Harper Lee’s award-winning novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, that societal pressures and the rigid rules and boundaries that society sets can overwhelm anyone of any class, race or background. It is unjust to assume anyone’s character by their set status but unfortunately, negative after-effects immediately take place as soon as one tries to step out of their preordained place. As Mayella Ewell, Scout and Jem Finch and Atticus Finch were the examples of this bitter truth, there are many other characters affected by the societal impacts on everyday life in the novel.
Childhood is a continuous time of learning, and of seeing mistakes and using them to change your perspectives. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates how two children learn from people and their actions to respect everyone no matter what they might look like on the outside. To Kill A Mockingbird tells a story about two young kids named Scout and her older brother Jem Finch growing up in their small, racist town of Maycomb, Alabama. As the years go by they learn how their town and a lot of the people in it aren’t as perfect as they may have seemed before. When Jem and Scout’s father Atticus defends a black man in court, the town’s imperfections begin to show. A sour, little man named Bob Ewell even tries to kill Jem and Scout all because of the help Atticus gave to the black man named Tom Robinson. Throughout the novel, Harper Lee illustrates the central theme that it is wrong to judge someone by their appearance on the outside, or belittle someone because they are different.
One of the first lessons taught in Mockingbird is the power of understanding other people’s perspectives. Initially, Scout has trouble empathizing with other people, especially her first Grade Teacher, Miss Caroline, whom Scout becomes frustrated at for not understanding Maycomb’s complex social structure. After hearing his daughter complain, Atticus tells Scout that she'll “get along a lot better with all kinds of folks [if she] considers things from [their] point of view” (39). After ‘standing in the shoes of another person’, it is much harder to be prejudiced towards that person. Indeed, this may be because a key tenet of prejudice is disregarding the views of whoever is being judged. Nevertheless, it proves difficult for Scout to grasp this relatively simple concept, who begins to hear rumors of Boo Radley, an enigma who has not been seen outside his home for over 30 years. Thus begins Jem and Scout’s quest to make Boo Radley come outs...
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.
“ Don’t judge a man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins.” (Creech, pg.51) This quote describes the society of today and of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” There are many cases of unjust judging and unfairness in this story as it takes in Maycomb County, Alabama, which was not ideal for anyone other than a successful white male. This story follows a young tomboy named Scout Finch as she grows up in this prejudiced town where along the way a young black man named Tom Robinson is accused of raping a white woman, and it just so happens he Father is defending him. While “To Kill a Mockingbird” shows the ugliness that can come from judging others, its ultimate message is that great good can result when one defers judgment until considering
Growing up on a reservation where failing was welcomed and even somewhat encouraged, Alexie was pressured to conform to the stereotype and be just another average Indian. Instead, he refused to listen to anyone telling him how to act, and pursued his own interests in reading and writing at a young age. He looks back on his childhood, explaining about himself, “If he'd been anything but an Indian boy living on the reservation, he might have been called a prodigy. But he is an Indian boy living on the reservation and is simply an oddity” (17). Alexie compares the life and treatment of an Indian to life as a more privileged child. This side-by-side comparison furthers his point that
Children are often influenced by adults in their life. Children often receive advice and encouragement from their parents or adult figures. In Haper Lee's novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch helps, his daughter, Scout deal with situations, causing her to become a mature, open-minded individual. Scout learns about courage when Atticus sends her and Jem to read to Mrs. Dubose everyday. Scout learns to fight with her heads instead of her fists when Atticus is defending Tom Robinson. Scout finally learns what Atticus means when he says that you can't understand a person until you walk around in their skin. Atticus' influence shows in Scout accompanying Jem to Mrs. Dubose's.
In Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, the main character Arnold, also known as Junior, has many health issues, and notably stands out in the crowd. It does not help that he is a poor Indian boy that lives on a reservation, and that he decides to go to an all-white high school. Many of his experiences at school, and on the Reservation, impact his identity. Experience is the most influential factor in shaping a person’s identity because it helps gain confidence, it teaches new things, and it changes one’s outlook on the world.
In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee, the author, wrote about the journey of a little girl, named Scout, as she grows up. Scout’s father Atticus serves as a grand part of her aging because he teaches her many life lessons. The most significant of all the lessons and a pivotal moment in the novel occurs when Atticus tells Scout that “you never really a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them,”, which contributes to one of Scout’s intellectual changes and the theme, understanding requires time (Lee 372).
As a child grows, many people influence their development as a person. Some people impact more than others, and a select few really leave their mark. In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” several characters play this role. Among them, Miss Maudie Atkinson, a woman who proves herself a strong character, prevails as the one who has the greatest impact on Scout Finch, the protagonist of this novel. As Scout matures and grows up, her views on the world around her change. Through subtle yet effective ways, Miss Maudie teaches Scout many life lessons about being humble, judging, and attitude, all of which ultimately have a great effect on the kind of person Scout develops into and her outlook on the world.
When Scout Finch arrives at school, she is surrounded by overbearing teachers and people who do not understand the ways of Maycomb County. Scout’s teacher tells her that continuing to read with her father will affect her learning since her father never attended school. Yet, reading different forms of literature had become a daily
Growing up, I have lived in a very family oriented neighborhood. Kids upon kids upon kids are always riding bikes, playing wiffle ball, and swimming. Across from me, was an older lady, she didn’t have any kids and rarley had any company visit her. I always thought she was mean, and that was why no one ever came. It wasn't until last year, when I finally understood her, and I heard her out. I had to really put myself in her shoes to see how she saw things. Just like Scout, I had to change my perspective and see the world from other people's point of views. Throughout the story of To Kill A Mockingbird, Scout learned wise lessons from her father, the most important to the story “to put yourself in their shoes.”
Scout learns that by yielding to prejudice, we often hurt and cause strife unto others. For example, Scout is harassed and becomes the target of insults when her father decides to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. This is a plajurized essay. The hate felt towards black people by the majority of the Maycomb citizens causes them to bother and harass those who attempt to befriend the black people. Forgive me for stealing this essay. Scout realizes that the only reason she must undergo this torment is that her father is defending a black man, which has become taboo because of the corruption that racism has caused in many people. In addition, Scout watches Tom Robinson undergo unfair treatment and false accusations. Please dont tell my parents I stole this essay. Although Atticus provides the jury and the people of Maycomb with overwhelming evidence benefiting Tom, and ultimately proving him innocent, this is not enough to overcome the powers of hate and racism. Scout watches as the jury deliberates and convicts Tom Robinson of murder because he is a black man. This is a stolen essay. Although Scout witnesses a myriad of injustices occurring against black people, she also sees an exiguity of kind and compassionate movements towards black people.