Boo Radley is another character that is a victim of prejudice. Boo had been driven into seclusion by his abusive father and brother. Years went by, and the pitiable figure slowly became an object of fear and ridicule in the town of Maycomb. The townspeople were prejudiced against him because they were afraid of him. He was commonly viewed as a freak or a monster and became associated with unexplained incidents in Maycomb.
Very few people dedicated the time and effort that is crucial in understanding a man like Arthur '"'Boo'"' Radley. According to Jem, Boo remained hidden because he was disgusted by the injustices and prejudice in the outside world. Boo"'"s nature is also reflected in Atticus"'" advice to his children: '"'Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit "'"em, but remember it"'"s a sin to kill a mockingbird.'"' (90). Boo is essentially a '"'mockingbird,'"' an innocent destroyed by evil.
The social hierarchy of Maycomb led to prejudice as well. The people near the top of the ladder often thought of themselves as being superior, and looked down on others with disdain. This process continued until it reached what was considered the pit of society.
An excellent example is Jem and Scout"'"s Aunt Alexandra, who is adamantly proud of their lineage. She stereotypes nearly every family in Maycomb. To her, '"'everybody in Maycomb…had a streak.'"' (129). Alexandra seemed to be under the impression that the unflattering characteristics of nearly everyone in town were hereditary. She was strongly opposed to fraternizing with the '"'lower'"' classes, such as the poverty-stricken Cunninghams and the blacks. Alexandra had no intention of trying to learn more about the people she felt were '"'trash.'"' Though they are not particularly blatant, her views are still a form of prejudice.
At the very bottom of the social ladder were the black people of Maycomb. Though many of them possessed many virtuous characteristics, such as kindness and honesty, they were still recognized as being even lower in class than the Ewells, a wretched family that lived behind the dump.
The trial of Tom Robinson demonstrates the damaging consequences of prejudice. Robinson, a respected member of the black community, was accused of assaulting and raping Mayella Ewell. During the trial, the prosecution lacked anything that might resemble solid evidence against Robinson. Atticus Finch, who represented Tom, was even able to turn the circumstantial evidence away from him and towards Bob Ewell, Mayella"'"s father. Despite all this, the all-white jury found him to be guilty simply because the word of a black man is never to be taken over that of a white man.
After the trial, Tom Robinson attempted to escape from prison. He was shot seventeen times. Bob Ewell, still enraged over his embarrassment by Atticus in the courtroom, attempted to murder Jem and Scout. Fortunately, Boo Radley intervened and saved the children"'"s lives. Still, the two children were forever changed by these events. Jem vision of justice and equality is shattered, but he manages to remain hopeful. Scout, by some miracle, is still able to appreciate the inherent good in all people.
A poor, abused boy grows up to be feared and misunderstood. An innocent life is lost. The innocence of a group of children was stripped away. These tragedies were all caused by one thing: prejudice. To Kill A Mockingbird presents the harsh truths of this institution of hatred. Perhaps someday people will be able to end this cycle of violence, and the world will truly be at peace.