Because part 1 is mainly spent on setting the scene and introducing characters, the story of racism and discrimination is not yet brought out. The racism element is slowly brought across in a ‘drip drip’ style. Harper Lee merely indicates that race was an issue people faced in America at that time. It is introduced very slowly and subtlety in part 1. The book is written so that every once in a while the issue of race and the characters views on it are brought out. For example, on page 94 of the novel the main character, Atticus talks about racism as “Maycomb’s usual disease”. This comment suggest that Atticus is against racism, this proves my point that in part 1, the scene and characters are just being introduced. From that one line you are introduced to Atticus views on race and racism, exactly what part 1 is intended to do!
Another quote that indicates that Atticus is a very understanding character is located on page 35 of the book. “First of all, if you can learn a single trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”
Towards the end of part 1, racism starts becoming more prominent. The issues of racism within the society become more apparent and more obvious. This starts when Jem and Scout are invited to attend the black people’s church by Calpurnia, their cook/nanny. When they arrive at the church (which on weekdays is used by white men for gambling) the black congregation part in a wave like way, in order to make way for the two white children. This shows the respect the black citizens have for white children. It also makes you believe that there are no racist attitudes in the black society. This is wrong and Harper Lee knows it. She then puts a character like Lola, who is very racist towards the white people, to negate that point and to show that racism is also present in the black society. Lola’s character is one of revenge; Harper Lee portrays her as a woman out to cause white people the suffering she has felt caused by them. This character is used to make the story more realistic. For black people are human, not all of them are innocent and angelic. Lola’s attitude and views on race help to make the story more believable and shows that racism in Maycomb goes both ways. The parting of the waves is also a very religious influence; it resembles the story of the Israelites escaping slavery from the Egyptians. When you translate this into the story you get a picture of, the blacks trying to escape slavery and dominance from the whites. They are trying to get away and rid themselves of torture and discrimination from the whites.
Throughout Part 1, you read about how Calpurnia looks after Jem and Scout whilst their father Atticus is at work. You read about how Atticus is very busy during that summer. You do not realise why until later. As I have said the early parts of the book are spent introducing you to Maycomb and its inhabitants. You later discover that Atticus is defending a Negro in court, you soon realise he is willing to risk his reputation and friendship of many to get justice. Many in Maycomb think that Atticus is putting shame on the white community by defending a black man. They are totally against black people, and are willing to see an innocent black man suffer and die in his struggle for equality and justice. These individuals I will point out and emphasise in part 3 of this coursework. Despite the majority in Maycomb discriminating against the blacks there are a few people who can see that the colour of their skin doesn’t change anything. However, apart from Atticus, no one is willing to put their reputation and friendship with many white people on the line. The majority over power and pressure the minority of un-racist people into not speaking out for the black community. The anti-black movement seems to over power and intimidate the people who want equality in their society; everyone apart from Atticus is prepared to make a stand. Atticus felt it is duty to protect and serve Tom Robinson; this is brought out in a conversation with Scout, on page 111.
“…. This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that foes to the essence of a man’s conscious- Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man”
This shows the reader that Atticus would feel tremendous guilt if he does not defend Tom Robinson. He may be able to live with the comments and unfriendliness of the white people in Macomb but he would not be able to live with himself if he did not defend that man.
Scout goes on to say, “Well most folks seem to think that they’re right and you’re wrong…”
Harper Lee uses this line to show that the majority of Maycomb’s population doesn’t think a white man should protect a black man. It shows a racist community. That line brings across and portrays as a racist society. When I say the majority I mean nearly all of Maycomb, even the school children are racist. This is because most, if not all of them are brought up in a racist household. Thus resulting in the children saying such things as “my ma says that your dads a nigger lover”
Even the children in Maycomb are racist towards the black people. Few are not, and even fewer are willing to speak out and do something about it (Dolphus Raymond for example). Many are not willing to risk everything to make the black people’s life a better one. It is an example of the majority over powering the minority, forcing many to deny their beliefs and support with the blacks, in order to be accepted a part of Maycomb’s society, Maycomb’s racist society, only Atticus in part 1 is willing to follow and carry out their beliefs and support for the black people. He will go against the racist society of Maycomb in search of justice and equality.
