Theme of prejudice in 'To Kill a Mocking Bird'

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A dominant theme in the novel 'To Kill a Mocking Bird' is the cruelty that people inflict upon others. In the small old, tired town of Maycomb most people do not hold on to their convictions when they are put under pressure from others and as result lose their individuality and suffer from prejudice.

From the beginning of the novel we are shown prejudice by the children's prejudice towards Arthur Radley. Who at the age of 18 committed a crime and due to strong beliefs of his father a Baptist minister was locked up from society. He is a victim of strong social prejudice. Boo is at the centre of gossip and superstition. He is a character surrounded with mystery and suspense. At first we do not know whether or not the eerie tale's surrounding Boo are true or not. Miss Maudie tells us a non-bias character that " Miss Stephanie Crawford even told me once she woke up in the middle of the night and found him looking in the window at her." In which she replies "what did you do Stephanie, move over in bed and make room for him?" Suggesting that she does not follow the ways of others and judge Boo as she believes that everyone has their faults and that no one is perfect. Scandalous rumours such as Boo breathing on azaleas froze in a cold snap, it was because he had breathed on them or that any stealthy small crimes committed in Maycomb were his work make him appear as a kind of monster. But gradually as the children grow they become more friendly and understanding towards Boo. Taking on board Atticus's teachings that you could not possible know another persons situation unless you stand in their shoes.
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Intolerance is an evil assumption, although some people tell lies or are immoral and so on, this applies to the human race to no particular race of men. That the ladies have a cheek to talk about other folks as they all have their own faults. Dill's Aunt Rachel has a drink problem and mistreats him. Miss Stephanie is spiteful and Mrs Merriweather hypocritical. And yet these people are all

prejudiced and obsessed with their social status and live for gossip. They represent the town's narrow-minded thinking and ways. Like Boo Mrs Dubose is a lonely ...

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