How Does Harper Lee Use Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird

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In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee tells the life of people in the 1930’s. Harper Lee uses mockingbirds to symbolize virtue. Mockingbirds do not cause destruction on people, instead they sing beautifully. Unlike several other birds, mockingbirds are innocent and should not be killed.Atticus once said Shoot all the bluejays you want,but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird bird. (Chapter 10)#90 Maycombs folks first impressions on Arthur (Boo) Radley are lasting impressions, especially in the minds of children. Many times these impressions, aided by misunderstanding and prejudgment, cause unjust discrimination against an individual. To kill a Mockingbird depicts the themes of misunderstanding and prejudice that portray Boo Radley as a villain. Through the progressive revelation of Radley's character, the children realize that their negative impressions and fear of him were unfounded.... Tom Robinson is considerate of other people, whether they are white or black. Tom is a hard worker, and does not harm anyone, he symbolizes innocence.…show more content…
Even though Tom is a colored man, he feels sorry for Mayella, who is white. Because of this, people are livid at him since whites have a much better life. While Tom is on trial, he does not want to say that Mayella is a liar; instead he says “I say she’s mistaken in her mind”. (Chapter 19)#197 Fighting is something that Tom does not get involved in, unless provoked. In his previous arrest for a brawl, Tom was only defending himself. While Mayella was on Tom, he did not push her off because he did not want to harm her. He would rather be seen with her and possibly get shot then to knock her down and try to run. Tom treated people with respect, Scout said, “It occurred to me that in their own way, Tom Robinson’s manners were as good as Atticus’s”. Tom is a good guy, but many people turn their heads just because of his
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