The Theme Of Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

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Throughout Harper Lee's novel ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, there is a prominent theme of prejudice that challenges dominant ideologies of society. Harper-Lee has strategically represented this overarching theme using interplay between themes, characters, symbols and events. Readers are positioned to experience discrimination throughout the events in a small, secluded town, Maycomb. The main theme portrayed throughout the novel is racial prejudice, represented by key events, symbols and characters featured in the novel. Throughout the novel, social prejudice is also highlighted with exposure to biased beliefs and stereotypical representations of society members. Gender discrimination is another recurring form of prejudice, largely demonstrated through the experiences of the main character…show more content…
Harper-Lee has effectively impacted readers using inter-links between events, themes, characters and symbols. Racial discrimination throughout the novel positions readers to sympathize with the Negroes who are misinterpreted by the community. Aunt Alexandra states that important matters shouldn’t be discussed in front of Negroes such as Calpurnia, believing, “It encourages them. You know how they talk among themselves. Everything that happens in this town’s out to the Quarters before sundown.” (pg. 171). Harper-Lee utilized Aunt Alexandra’s character to portray racial beliefs white people hold against Negroes as she expresses that black people are untrustworthy and shouldn’t be exposed to events happening around them. This mirrors values and beliefs related to social class prejudice. Racial discrimination is presented through symbolism of the mad dog, as Atticus attempts to eliminate racism in Maycomb. Atticus is accused of being a ‘nigger-lover’ by Francis as he
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