Power Hungry in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Power Hungry in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Society is unwilling to become aware and understand before it judges. This idea has a lot of effect on the plot of To Kill A Mockingbird. In this particular situation, these problems are initiated by prejudice. These circumstances become an issue when morality is questioned. The mockingbird is a reoccurring symbol that denotes the idea of the exploitation of blameless beings by those of higher influence. The prominent theme in To Kill A Mockingbird is that the innocent are often taken advantage of by those with more power.

Prejudice has a lot of control of what occurs throughout the novel. Scout depicts several situations when discrimination plays a major role in the outcome of certain events. Eventually, Scout learns "she must put herself in others' places before judging them" (Telgen 287). This narrow-mindedness is caused by racism, which was a key factor of life in the time period of this novel. Boo Radley suffered from others' bigotry. The unfair trial is another example of prejudice affecting society. According to Telgen's Novels For Students, "Scout's narrative relates how she and her elder brother Jem learn about fighting prejudice and upholding human dignity" (285). The innocent were corrupted largely in part to prejudice.

Racism was an important aspect in To Kill A Mockingbird. This novel "appeared at a time when racial tensions were reaching heated proportions in Alabama and the rest of the south"

(Moss 395). Blacks were demeaned by society including "the segregation of public restrooms and drinking fountains, as well as the practice of forcing blacks to ride in back of buses (Telgen 295). Many African Americans were still denied many of their basic rights in the 1960's. This intolerance led to an unjust trial for Tom Robinson. Racism is accountable for most of the prejudice in To Kill A Mockingbird.

Boo Radley was a victim of prejudice because after youthful pranks, his father confined him to their house. As a result, Boo became known as a "malevolent phantom." Later, Boo is revealed to be "a gentle soul through his unseen acts" (Telgen 292). Even though the community hasn't seen or heard from Boo in over 15 years, he is assumed to be a monster. Children of the neighborhood, including the narrator, harass Boo and adults try to avoid the entire family. In Interpretations, Bloom summarizes, "The one remaining victim of vicious gossip, Boo, has revealed himself as not only very much a human being, but as the savior of children" (35).