Show How Harper Lee PresentsThe Culture and Tradition of RacialPrejudice in Maycombs Society In "To Kill a Mockingbird"
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Introduction
English Coursework Show How Harper Lee Presents The Culture and Tradition of Racial Prejudice in Maycombs Society In "To Kill a Mockingbird" Racism is the prejudice of skin colour and the way in which Harper Lee shows racial prejudice in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is by taking the reader through various methods used by Maycombs society. The focal point presenting racial prejudice is channelled through the language used by Maycombs people. The common use of language such as "nigger lover" and "darkies" especially when used in front of children or, of all places, in a court of justice shows how casual and how lawful it is to say words of a racist nature. In today's society if a person was caught saying words like "nigger" or even "darkies" they would most certainly be branded racist and could even face a jail sentence. However in the 1930s when "To Kill a Mockingbird" was set Harper Lee shows it was a way of life; it was seen as normal behaviour for racist remarks to be directed at African Americans. ...read more.
Middle
killed even though they knew he would be sentenced to jail. It was felt that when an African American was accused of harming a white person he only deserved death. Ironically Harper Lee portrays most of the racism to the reader through the courtroom and trial, showing a clear distinction between the racist from the non-racist. The racism is physically apparent in the courtroom layout, were the black people are segregated from the white. Caucasians sit on the ground floor at the front and the African Americans sit on a balcony at the back. We also find that the whole jury is white, the lawyers are both white and the judge is also white. In the sheriffs testimony there is a hint of racism towards Tom as when sheriff Heck Tate was called by Bob Ewell who told Heck Tate that "some nigger'd raped his girl." As Bob mentioned a nigger Heck Tate ran out to his car as fast as he possibly could but if the suspect had been a white person he would have asked more questions to see if it was a hoax or not. ...read more.
Conclusion
how their hypocrisy and racial prejudice misguides them, makes them think that black people are all sinful and do not lead a "Christian life" and whites are all good. Scout though rightfully guessed, possibly like most readers, that it was not Helen Robinson that need guiding but Mayella Ewell, but due to their racial prejudice and hypocritical beliefs members of the Missionary Circle do not see the truth. Scout is a character that has not been exposed to hate and racism in her home but has been taught good values of life. Because of her age and minimal education of racism and rape she finds herself asking questions which are some what surprisingly challenging for the person who is on the receiving end. Racial prejudice is portrayed in the book through language, physical abuse, segregation of black and whites in public events and examples of racism being passed down generations. The author uses these various methods to illustrate the culture of racism at the time in society. ?? ?? ?? ?? Zayn Mushtaq English Coursework: To Kill A Mockingbird - 1 - ...read more.
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