To Kill A Mockingbird Prejudice Analysis

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In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Lee describes the theme of prejudice throughout the novel by a series of events. The story follows the young protagonist and narrator Jean Louise "Scout" Finch and her elder brother Jeremy Atticus "Jem" Finch. Prejudice is evident in the book at many different times. From Jem and Scouts first encounter with Boo Radley to the court trial of Tom Robinson. During both of these cases the characters represented are prejudiced to a point, whether it be socially or racially. The two described here come face to face with prejudice when they try to break free from the rules of Maycomb counties society, resulting in negative consequences. Stereotypes and misjudgment also play a key role in the prejudice that the characters have to face. It shows how people are bent and shaped to fit and adhere to societies standards and expectations.
During a portion of the novel Boo Radley was prejudiced by the society of Maycomb county through all the rumors and gossip spread about him. “Inside the house lived a malevolent phantom. People said he existed, but Jem and I had never seen him. People said he went out at night when the moon was down, and peeped in windows." (pg. 8-9) Since Boo Radley was isolated and locked away from the people of Maycomb the town had a need to start gossiping about Boo, especially since they did not know why and what actually caused his isolation and being kept away from the rest of Maycomb. The fact that Boo also isolates himself causes the outside to talk about him, giving him a bad reputation. But the gossip and rumors did not stop there, it was also said by Jem that "Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he...

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... already happening outside of the courtroom to the front lawns of others. Many people including Alexandra are unjust in this book, though there are very many more that may be worse.
As it is shown in the novel prejudice comes in all types, from racism to social status to non acceptance. It was evident back in the 1930's and sadly it is still evident even in this day and era. At some point in our lives we will experience something that is unjust or unfair. These events will tear apart our naive thoughts. It is also present all throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, following each life lesson and realization. We all prejudice in our lives when we endure, face or witness evil. The world does not always remain the happy bright world that we first knew and loved. Although the world is not all evil, we cannot go through life without facing danger and injustices at least once.

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