To Kill a Mocking Bird In Harper Lee's rites-of-passage novel 'To Kill a Mocking Bird', the theme of prejudice and injustice is portrayed in many aspects of the narrative, and suggests that out-casts and misfits of society cannot escape the callous effects of discrimination in the conventional town of Maycomb. Through the protagonist's eyes Jean Louise Finch also known as Scout, we are shown the harsh and insensitive circumstances the victimized in Maycomb. Lee also gives us insight of hope and optimism through individuals who persevere for justice and equality. In the novel, we see Arthur (Boo) Radley constantly victimized by the prejudice of Maycomb's society. Boo Radley is not accepted ...view middle of the document...
Atticus Finch is another victim of bias in the novel. After assigned to defend Tom Robinson, the town exhibits prejudice towards him. The townspeople believe that Atticus should not present a proper defence for a black person, but Atticus fully intends to do so, because he believes in equality and is against the prejudice and racism towards the Negroes. Atticus Finch endures many vicious and cruel comments by the townspeople. Many do not believe that Atticus should defend a black person in court because, in their biased opinion, a black person is guilty before the case is brought to trial. 'The evil assumption- that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, and that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our woman.' Mr. Bob Ewell confronts Atticus after the trial at the post office corner, spits in his face and says 'Too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin' bastard?' This is just one of the very many rude and inconsiderate remarks Atticus received. Atticus's children have to confront comments by family and people in their neighbourhood throughout the novel as well. In an incident at a family gathering Francis Finch tells Scout 'Grandma says it's bad enough he lets you all run wild, but now he is turning out to be a nigger-lover... he's ruinin' the family, that's what he's doin'. Jem is also faced in a similar situation when Mrs. Dubose tells Jem, 'Your father is no better than the niggers and trash he works for'. These harsh comments are hard to take in for the children and Atticus and are just another example of the immoral discrimination. Prejudice is said to be 'Maycomb's usual disease'. Racial prejudice and injustice cost an innocent black man his life, 'the son-of-a-bitch had is coming to him.' Before Tom Robinson's trial injustice is resembled when a lynch mob of...