The Role of Racism and Social Injustice in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

05.11.2023 // By Tome Tailor

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic that captures the essence of human nature, with its beautiful narrative and powerful themes. Among the various themes depicted in the story, racism and social injustice are the most prominent ones. Set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s, the novel explores how racial biases, prejudice, and discrimination seep into the minds of a community and hinder their ability to rightfully evaluate people.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the role of racism and social injustice in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, examining how Harper Lee uses these themes to highlight the flawed nature of society’s judgments and the concept of innocence.

The Trial of Tom Robinson: A Reflection of Racism and Discrimination

At the heart of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is the trial of Tom Robinson, an innocent black man falsely accused of raping a white woman named Mayella Ewell. Atticus Finch, a white lawyer who also happens to be the protagonist Scout Finch’s father, takes up the challenge of defending Tom. In doing so, he faces tremendous backlash from his own community, as most people in Maycomb are prejudiced against African Americans.

Despite having substantial evidence that points to Tom’s innocence, the all-white jury chooses to convict him, primarily because of the deeply rooted racism in their hearts. Atticus’s closing argument impeccably summarizes the crux of this trial:

“In this country, our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal. I’m no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system – that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality. Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury. A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up.” (To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 20)

Despite Atticus’s plea to the jury to uphold justice and fairness, racist prejudices cloud their judgment, leading to the ultimate miscarriage of justice for Tom Robinson.

The Mockingbird: A Symbol of Innocence

The novel’s title, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, carries a deeper meaning, symbolizing the notion of innocence. As explained by Miss Maudie to Scout:

“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 10)

The mockingbird represents individuals who are pure at heart and hold no malice, yet society’s prejudices and discrimination cause them harm. Tom Robinson becomes a metaphorical mockingbird, as his life is ruined due to racial prejudice, despite his innocence.

Similarly, Boo Radley, an enigmatic and reclusive neighbor, becomes another target of society’s judgments, albeit not as a result of racism. Boo’s isolation and strange past led people to create rumors about him and label him a dangerous individual. In reality, Radley saves the lives of Scout and her brother, Jem, proving that people’s judgments about him were unjust and unfair.

Conclusion

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ serves as a stark reminder of the power of racism, prejudice, and social injustice on the lives of innocent people. Through the trial of Tom Robinson and the racial bias exhibited by the people of Maycomb, Harper Lee reflects upon the need for an impartial justice system and society to look beyond race or social status when making judgments about people.

Furthermore, the symbolism of the mockingbird in the narrative speaks to the overarching theme of innocence ruined by the cruelty and prejudice of society. By highlighting these issues, the novel encourages empathy and understanding, making it an essential read to this day.

Take the time to read or listen to To Kill a Mockingbird and understand the powerful themes presented by Harper Lee.

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