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To kill a mockingbird character development jem
How does harper lee present racism
To kill a mockingbird character development jem
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In any high school, one could see the social groupings and society’s influences. There are the jocks, the nerds, the band kids and then, there are the social misfits. Based on current trends, one dresses or acts differently. Many may buy certain items or brands to “fit” in with the group. Usually, society is very judgmental; those who does not “fit in” are usually not accepted. Numerous types of text have depicted social grouping and societal influence. For example, Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Maycomb’s misfits, Boo Radley, Dolphus Raymond, and Tom Robinson have all experienced judgement while trying to find acceptance. Dolphus Raymond is known for his brown paper bag of whiskey and interracial children. To Maycomb, Dolphus is a helpless drunk man who liked colored people. While the rest of Maycomb showed prejudice to the colored people, sticking out like a sore thumb, Dolphus embraced them. Although his liking towards colored people was not embraced in Maycomb, he tried to “fit in”. Instead of having whiskey in the brown paper bag, Dill discovered Coca-Cola. Dolphus describes “if I weave a little and drink out of this sack, folks can say Dolphus Raymond’s in the clutches of whiskey—that’s …show more content…
No one in Maycomb actually knew the true Boo and quickly made assumptions. People often had different descriptions about him, but all described him as some inhumane animal. Boo was described as a person who “dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch” (Lee 13) by the children. The violent and gruesome descriptions, consequently, caused people to be terrified of him. As the novel progress, Jem and Scout’s opinion about Boo changes. Scout’s attitude toward Boo changes from being terrified to unfrightened after being saved by him. Boo found acceptance within the Finch family, especially Scout, and Sheriff Heck Tate. Boo is not the barbarian Maycomb has always thought, instead he is a kind and innocent
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.
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.
After learning more about Boo and getting to know him they realize he is opposite of what they thought. Because Jem and Scout are influenced by other people’s opinions they are able to learn from their mistakes and develop a new perspective on people. In the beginning of the novel Jem and Scout believe Boo is a ghost until they get to see the real him. Everyone in Maycomb has a negative judgment of Boo, in the beginning Jem and Scout go along with it.
In chapter 16, Dill observed that in a far corner a bunch of African-Americans were sitting together and Dolphus was sitting with them drinking out of a sack. “Mr. Dolphus Raymond seemed to be so doing: two yellow drugstore straws ran from his mouth to the depths of a brown paper bag” (214). Later on at the courthouse, Dill starts to feel sick and runs out with Scout following him. Mr. Raymond is not too far behind and suggests that Dill take a sip out of his sack. Dill was appalled “‘Scout, it’s nothing but Coca-Cola’” (267). This shows that Dolphus Raymond gets to drink Coca-Cola everyday just to fool the people of Maycomb County into thinking he is drinking alcohol because of his life choices, and who doesn’t love Coca-Cola? At the same time, Mayella Ewell also has the advantage of being white. In chapter 21, the entire town of Maycomb is at the courthouse to see with their own eyes the case against Tom Robinson. Mayella Ewell is accusing Tom of rape, when in fact he did not rape Mayella, Bob Ewell, her father did. “‘...there’s something in our world that makes men lose their heads—they cou...
But Boo tends to be a misunderstood character, just like the mockingbird. In chapter 28, when Jem and Scout were walking back home from school, they took the shortcut which happened to be pitch black. Jem heard a sound which alerted them. At first Jem thought it was Cecil Jacobs (a boy who liked to pull jokes on Jem and Scout), but then they realized it was someone else. They heard footsteps running after them to find that it was a grown man. Jem called out to Scout to run but she fell due to her costume.When Scout finally got back up to find Jem, the man squeezed her until she could barely breathe. Worriedly, Scout called out for Jem but didn’t get a response. She saw two men underneath the tree besides Jem and herself. She called out “Atticus?” but there was no answer once again. She noticed a man laying the ground that had the awful essence of booze, she got up and made her way over the road, and within the light of the street lamp Scout sees a man carrying Jem. The man headed towards the Finch house, where Atticus let him in. Scout eventually realized that “the man” was no other than Mr. Arthur or commonly referred to as Boo Radley. Mr. Arthur, despite his poor perception of
As the story progresses, Boo becomes more of a symbol of kindness and bravery than that of the "town freak" which he is made out to be. Boo leaves presents for the children in the hollow trunk of an old tree, as well as covers Scout with a blanket during Miss Maudie's fire. However, it is not until he saves Jem and Scout's life from the hands of the deranged Mr. Ewell, that Boo shows his true heroic character. Even though Boo is a physically weaker man, he shows no fear when it comes to protecting Jem and Scout's life.
In the case of Scout and Jem, they believed that Boo Radley, who is an outcast of Maycomb, possesses a horrific appearance, and that he is a savage, "he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that’s why his hands were bloodstained." However, as the story progresses, it is revealed that Boo is actually a kind-hearted person who has not done anybody wrong, but unfortunately, he was ruined by the hands of his family. Thus, Boo is an example of a mockingbird, as mentioned by Atticus. The disclosing of the character of Boo demonstrates Scout and Jem's loss of innocence. They can no longer see Boo as a mysterious threat in their life, instead they saw Boo as a person. "...he's crazy..but Atticus I swear to God he ain't ever harmed us, he coulda cut my throat...but he mend my pants instead..." In a way, Boo serves as a symbol of the transition of Scout and Jem's maturity, as the kids exhibit their ability to empathize with
Dolphus Raymond is known for preferring Black people rather than White and the father of three mixed children. For his reputation, he drinks Coca-cola in a paper bag disguised as an alcoholic drink and pretends to be drunk. He intends to do this so that people would excuse him for “betraying” his own race. The Coca-cola represents his non-racism and fair judgment towards Black people. The beverage, however, is placed inside a paper bag. This hints that he has no intention changing the society but show his lack of racism and his wish to live in peace with his family. He and Atticus both dissent from the rules of segregation in their society. Atticus, in contrast, takes the initiative on changing the society by taking Tom Robinson’s case. In
After his father died, his brother moved in with him. While Boo was locked up inside is house, the people of Maycomb County made up stories about him. The legend of Boo Radley was well-known to the people of Maycomb. Jem describes Boo, “Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that’s why his hands were bloodstained—if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off. There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time.”
They have many misconceptions of people, places, and concerts in Maycomb county. However as they are young and don't really have opinions themselves. They abide by those presented them. At the start of the novel Scout and Jem see Mr. Arthur Radley or "Boo", as a dangerous, crazy, and rather isolated man. Although never being in his presence or in association with him they always make assumptions about him. They constantly pestered his household and played games that mocked him, "..time to play Boo's big scene...steal the scissors...Jem would fake plunge into Dill's thigh..."(LEE40).They also had the misconception that Boo was kept inside forcefully by his family. Boo was also blamed for unresolved events. As time goes by they mature and start to develop more of an understanding of Boo, "..I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in his house all this time...he wants to stay inside"(LEE227). Jem develops an understanding as to why Boo Radley stays inside. It's not because his family forces him to stay inside. He realizes that when living in a town like Maycomb, there is an incredible amount of judgement and labeling that occurs. It becomes evident to him that Boo has no place and isn't welcomed into the society. Especially with having a stereotype "glued" to his identity. Scout then has an
The story examines fate and code of conduct of the Misfit and the grandmother. The story is thought provoking, disturbing and challenges one's perspective of what one may consider right or wrong. There is also a degree of selfishness behaviors that raises questions about the characters ability to show empathy freely despite their disposition. The Misfit affirmed his code of conduct by an injustice, he is not able to recall the crime and there is no paperwork to substantiate the crime. He said, "I call myself The Misfit, because I can't make what all I done wrong fit what all I gone through in punishment" (O'Connor, 1953). Therefore, his moral code is not about what is right or wrong, but what he perceived as gratifying. The question is, whether
The novel To Kill a Mockingbird is an exquisite example of the impact of prejudice and discrimination on a small Southern town post-Depression. On Harper Lee's novel, Telgen states, "Comprising the main portion of the book's examination of racism and its effects are the underlying themes of prejudice vs. tolerance: how people feel about and respond to differences in others" (292). The motif of discrimination in this story is strongly supported by numerous examples, events, and seemingly unimportant anecdotes described throughout the novel. To Kill a Mockingbird expounds upon the ideas, thoughts, and interpretations of Jean Louise Finch (also known as Scout) and her older brother Jeremy "Jem" Finch. As the siblings live out many adventures and mature, both in years and in experience, they start to learn and recognize the prejudices occurring in their town. While they were brought up by Atticus Finch, their father- a man who strongly believes in the equality of all- others in the town of Maycomb do not have these same views. These differences lead to many problems throughout Scout's narration. This best-seller greatly expresses the repercussions of discrimination and prejudice of gender, race, and class.
Boo Radley is thought to be a malevolent, soulless, deceitful person, but he proves to be a caring, good-natured person. In Chapter 1, Jem offers his perception of Boo Radley to Scout and Dill: " ‘Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that’s why his hands were bloodstained—if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off. There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time’ " (16). Jem perceives Boo Radley as being a “monster” instead of being a man. Jem comes to this conclusion despite having never even seen Boo Radley in person. Jem’s understanding of Boo Radley is based on the rumors that he has heard about him. In Chapter 8, after the fire at Miss Maudie’s house, Scout notices that she was wrapped in a blanket that she did not have with she left the house. Scout asks Atticus who was the person that put the blanket around her. Atticus tells Scout, "Boo Radley. You were so busy watching the fire you didn't know it when he...
His first act is when he puts a blanket on Scout after Miss Maudie’s house catches on fire. Boo finds the courage to leave his home and worries about Scout’s safety more than his own. Moreover, later in the novel Boo fortifies his inner strength and saves Scout and Jem’s lives. He gets over his fear of the community of Maycomb County and does what is right and just. Boo is completely aware of the rumours about him yet he continues to be a kind, selfless man who expects nothing in return for his generosity. “‘Thank who?’ I asked. ‘Boo Radley. You were so busy looking at the fire you didn’t know it when he put the blanket around you’” (Lee 76). In this quote, Atticus is describing Boo’s kindness. He knows Boo does not want anything in return but insists on Scout to thank Boo whenever she can. Overall, Boo Radley is an exceptional person who demonstrates true courage through his
Boo Radley, also known as Arthur Radley, is the scary, evil creature that lives in the creepy old house down the street from Jem and Scout, and is misjudged at first. Jem and Scout, two main characters, first see Boo as some sort of scary monster. Jem described him in the first chapter as “...six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks...” and said “...he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that's why his hands were bloodstained- if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off...” Jem also mentioned Boo had a “...long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time.” Scout and Jem also call Boo a “...malevolent phantom...” As if that isn't bad enough, the kids hear and tell horrible stories about Boo. One is of how he stabbed his dad with a pair of scissors; another tells how he was locked up in the courthouse basement. Even with such a grisly initial perception at the beginning of...