social class in to kill a mockingbird essay

• Social Class, Power, and Morality in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (Essay Sample)

Paper details

To Kill a Mockingbird

Social Class, Power, and Morality

Introduction

“To Kill a Mockingbird” exhibits several social classes. These social classes are defined by the people’s skin color as well as their occupation. The three general forms of social classes are the high class, middle class, and low class. Atticus, the father to Scout and Jem, falls under the highest social class. This is because Atticus is a lawyer by profession, therefore making him a highly respected person in the Maycomb community. Atticus is also white, which makes him belong to this class.

Just having samples may not be enough to write a truly good paper...

but our writers can solve this problem and deliver a high-quality essay to you!

Additionally, his children, Scout and Jem are also part of this social class. Atticus’ children possess a strong sense of morality and justice. Atticus demonstrated racial equality by choosing to defend Tom Robinson, who had been charged with rape. Lastly, Atticus falls in this social class because he holds strong convictions, wisdom, and empathy – which is the moral backbone of the story. Also, belonging to this social class meant that one should treat other white people with lesser status kindly.

Calpurnia, on the other hand, is part of the wealthy or middle-class black people. She is part of this class because of her skin color. She bears all characteristics of a proper southern lady, and she portrays upright manners. Calpurnia is accorded high respect and exhibits good relations with the Finch family. She would be part of Atticus’ social class if she were not black. Lastly, the other social class is the poor and black people. Lula falls under this social class. She is a shame to the black people because of her adamant racial discrimination by claiming that black people should hold a boundary and stick to their community. She also claims that the whites should stay with their community as well. Lula is harsh and shallow to Calpurnia (who bears same skin color as her) and she is harsh to two innocent kids because they are white. The characters in the novel depict a very interesting relationship between white people and black. Most of the black people are mature and have much more class because they accept themselves plus their status. The blacks are used to being denied the credit to their work and always settle for less. They tolerate all that because it is a white man’s world. However, not all whites fall under the same social class because white people do not treat each other equally, thereby bringing about the aspect of various social classes.

The Maycomb society is a functioning, balanced society because of the good and evil illustrated by the characters. The town is filled with racism and prejudice, which is well depicted by the Ewells against the African Americans, the likes of Mr. Robinson. On the other hand, the good is portrayed by the Finches and the Radleys, who opted to stand for morality and justice. The novel, in general, explains the question as to whether people are inherently good or intrinsically evil. The plot captures the thinking of Scout and Jem as transitioning from a perspective of childhood innocence to a more adult perspective. At first, Scout and Jem assumed that people were good because they had never encountered evil. They get to experience evil after Robinson’s case.

The Moral Voice of the Story

The moral voice of the story is captured by Atticus Finch, who happens to have experienced evil and has come to understand evil without losing his faith in the human capacity for goodness. Atticus understands that no matter a person’s race, they bear good and bad qualities. He believes in appreciating the good in people and treating them with sympathy as well and trying to reason from their point of view. He teaches that to his children, who gradually grasp that and help in Robinson’s case. Again, Boo Radley supports the fight against evil when he helps Jem from being harmed by the Ewells.

Racism, hate, and prejudice are depicted by Bob Ewell, who frames Mr. Robinson for raping their daughter. This happens only because Mr. Robinson is black, and he, Bob, hates the black community. The further evil character is exhibited by Bob when he chooses to go after the Finches following the trial. He feels that the judge, as well as Atticus, made a fool out of him. Bob attempts to attack Jem, but then Boo Radley comes to the rescue. Based on these events, it can be seen how Maycomb society is a functioning, balanced society. It had characters ready to fight evil – which is manifested through hate and racism/prejudice against the African Americans, whereas some propagate the evil actions. The Finches and Radleys stood for good, whereas Ewell represents evil.

There are drawn lines of power between the characters in the novel, and the class division manifests this. The Finches, headed by Mr. Atticus, are top of the pyramid – the education level of their father gives them a position in the high social class. As such, the Finches family has the power to stand for its rights if they are violated. For this reason, Atticus chooses to represent Mr. Tom during his case in court. He does not fear the isolation from the rest of the whites because he believes in fighting for the good regardless. The other lot that lacks power in the society is the African Americans, the likes of Tom and Calpurnia. However, Calpurnia is hard working and works for the Finches family, and so bears some privilege for working for a white family.

On the other hand, Tom, is accused for rape by Mr. Bob Ewell and is taken to court. Tom gets charged for rape even after being represented by Mr. Atticus who bears civilizing powers. This shows how the black are powerless over the whites in front of the justice system. Tom faces the limitations of being part of a low social class and gets jailed. Mr. Bob gets away with such a false accusation against Tom with no further investigation – his word is trusted by the court instead.

Remember: This sample was provided by a student, that's why we can't guarantee the quality of this paper. Avoid taking risks and order a unique work from our essay writing service.

Related essays

• Portraying Social Justice through Atticus in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (Essay Sample)
• Essay on a Reflection of Moral Virtues in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
• Racial Discrimination and Its Damaging Effects on Society in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
• Atticus Finch: A Hero of Justice and Fairness in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (Essay Sample)
• Essay on Innocence, Prejudice, and Humanity in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
• Essay on Isolation, Abuse, and Potential for Recovery in Movie 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

Need an original essay on this topic?

Our experts are ready to help you!

Related categories

Place an order for a custom essay now and enjoy your free time!

Want to get this essay?

Please leave your email address, and we will send the essay text to your email

You agree to receive our emails and consent to our Terms & Conditions

Your essay sample has been sent. Avoid editing or writing from scratch! Order an essay now and get a 100% plagiarism-free paper

Can't find what you're looking for?

Order a unique paper and save your time for important things!

• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Literature Notes
• Racial Relations in the Southern United States
• To Kill a Mockingbird at a Glance
• Book Summary
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Part 1: Chapter 1
• Part 1: Chapters 2-3
• Part 1: Chapters 4-5
• Part 1: Chapters 6-7
• Part 1: Chapters 8-9
• Part 1: Chapters 10-11
• Part 2: Chapters 12-13
• Part 2: Chapters 14-16
• Part 2: Chapters 17-20
• Part 2: Chapters 21-23
• Part 2: Chapters 24-26
• Part 2: Chapters 27-28
• Part 2: Chapters 29-31
• Character Analysis
• Scout (Jean Louise) Finch
• Atticus Finch
• Dill Harris
• Boo Radley and Tom Robinson
• Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie Atkinson
• Bob and Mayella Ewell
• Character Map
• About To Kill a Mockingbird
• Harper Lee Biography
• Critical Essays
• Comparing To Kill a Mockingbird to Its Movie Version
• Famous Quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird
• Film Versions of To Kill a Mockingbird
• Full Glossary for To Kill a Mockingbird
• Essay Questions
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

Critical Essays Racial Relations in the Southern United States

Jim Crow Laws

The racial concerns that Harper Lee addresses in  To Kill a Mockingbird  began long before her story starts and continued long after. In order to sift through the many layers of prejudice that Lee exposes in her novel, the reader needs to understand the complex history of race relations in the South.

Many states — particularly in the South — passed "Jim Crow" laws (named after a black, minstrel show character), which severely limited how African Americans could participate in society. The U.S. Supreme Court paved the ways for these laws in 1883 when the court ruled that it couldn't enforce the 14th Amendment at the individual level. The first Jim Crow law appeared in 1890; the laws increased from there and lasted until the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

Many whites at the time believed that instead of progressing as a race, blacks were regressing with the abolition of slavery. Southern churches frequently upheld this racist thinking, which also helped give the Jim Crow laws some of their power.

Ironically, African American churches were as likely to uphold the Jim Crow laws as white churches were. The continued oppression of one group over another is largely psychological. The dominant group first uses force to obtain their power. Slowly, the group being oppressed begins to feel hopeless that the situation can change and begins to unwittingly buy into the oppression as the norm. Before the civil rights movement gained momentum, many African American churches concentrated on helping their congregations deal with the oppression rather than trying to end it.

Jim Crow laws extended into almost every facet of public life. The laws stipulated that blacks use separate entrances into public buildings, have separate restrooms and drinking fountains, and sit in the back of trains and buses. Blacks and whites were not allowed to be served food in the same room in a restaurant, play pool together, share the same prisons, or be buried in the same cemeteries. African Americans couldn't play professional sports with white teammates or serve in the armed forces with white soldiers. Black children were educated in separate schools. Black barbers couldn't wait on white female clients, and white female nurses couldn't attend to black male patients. Not every law applied in every state, but the Jim Crow laws were demoralizing and far reaching, all in the name of protecting white culture and power.

Interracial Marriage

At the time Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, white people had control over the communities they lived in, but many members of the elite class feared that African Americans would make inroads into the white world by marrying and having children with whites. Thus, interracial marriage was outlawed in many states.

Biracial children were referred to as "mulatto," a word derived from "mule," because, like mules, these children were thought to be the offspring of an unnatural union. Ironically, biracial children born to black mothers were not seen as a threat to white superiority, so most people looked the other way when a white man — like Dolphus Raymond in the novel — chose to marry a black woman.

The fear of interracial unions reached its apex in a widely held, unrealistic fear that African American men would rape and impregnate white women as a means of penetrating white society and, worse, white power.

This sort of crime virtually never happened. However, the frenzy that characterized the "rape complex" led to drastic and deadly results: Lynching became the primary means of dealing with any accusation of rape of a white woman was pinned on a black man. When the mob comes to lynch Tom Robinson at the jail, Lee alludes to the reality of black men who lived on the receiving end of this treatment.

Scottsboro Trials

Lee may have gotten the inspiration for Tom Robinson's case from the Scottsboro Trials of 1931, which were a result of the ideals and laws discussed in the preceding sections. In the Scottsboro case, two white women accused nine black men of raping them as they traveled from Tennessee to Alabama. Both of the women, the nine black men, and two white men hopped a freight car and headed south. (During the Great Depression, jobs were scarce, and the unemployed frequently rode from place to place in empty boxcars in search of work. Although unemployment among blacks was much higher — and in spite of the Jim Crow laws — blacks and whites ultimately competed for the same jobs, a fact that whites greatly resented.)

During the train ride the two groups of men fought, and the white men were forced off the train. When the rest of the hobos arrived in Alabama, they were arrested for vagrancy. Both women were of questionable background; one was a known prostitute. They used the ideal of Southern womanhood as their "Get Out of Jail Free Card" and accused the nine African Americans of rape.

Although a doctor's examination revealed no signs of forced intercourse or any sort of struggle, eight of the nine men were sentenced to death. The Supreme Court ordered a second trial for the Scottsboro "boys," during which one of the women recanted her testimony, denying that she or the other woman had been raped. Nonetheless, the eight men were convicted a second time. The appeals process continued for several years. Some of the men escaped prison, others were paroled. The last man was released from prison in 1950; one of the men received a pardon in 1976.

Because of deep-rooted anti-black sentiment, two white women with skeletons in their own closets were able to deprive eight men of several years of their lives.

Civil Rights Movement

The black community had shown spurts of enthusiasm in pursuing civil rights since the end of slavery. By the 1950s, however, the latest interest in the civil rights movement had lost a good deal of steam. Many African Americans seemed resigned to accepting the Jim Crow laws and living within the existing system. Educated blacks in Alabama were looking for something to rekindle the interest in civil rights amongst the black community. They found that "something" in a woman named Rosa Parks.

On a December day in 1955, Parks boarded a full Montgomery, Alabama bus, tired after a long day's work. She sat at the back of the bus's white section. When a white person boarded, the bus driver ordered Parks and several other black riders to move, and she refused. Her subsequent arrest mobilized the African American community into a yearlong bus boycott that ultimately ended segregation on public transportation. Parks was an educated woman who was concerned about the plight of Southern blacks. Although she did not board the bus intending to take a stand, when the opportunity arose, she accepted the challenge.

When the Supreme Court overturned Alabama's segregation laws regarding public transportation, the civil rights movement gained momentum. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Montgomery, Alabama minister, rose as the recognized leader of the movement. Several women worked behind the scenes organizing the boycott and keeping the movement alive.

Concurrent with the Montgomery bus boycott, another civil rights issue came to the forefront at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. There, a young black woman named Autherine Lucy enrolled in an all-white school. Because of racial tensions, the Board of Trustees expelled her from the campus after only a few months; however, the stage was set for more skirmishes with civil rights' issues. (Lucy received her master's degree from the Tuscaloosa campus in 1992.)

In 1957, schools in Little Rock, Arkansas underwent desegregation. Resentment and resistance ran so high and the threat of violence was so great that federal troops were sent to maintain order.

Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird in the midst of these developments. Her story was informed not only by the laws and attitudes that were part of her youth and her culture, but also by the civil rights movement. The civil rights struggle continues today at various levels, making To Kill a Mockingbird a timeless novel.

Previous Harper Lee Biography

Next Comparing To Kill a Mockingbird to Its Movie Version

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — To Kill a Mockingbird

Essays on To Kill a Mockingbird

To kill a mockingbird essay topic examples.

You can analyze its themes in argumentative essays, compare and contrast characters or themes, describe the book's settings, persuade readers about certain points, or narrate personal experiences related to the novel's themes. These essay ideas allow you to dive into the world of "To Kill a Mockingbird" from various angles, making it easier to understand and engage with the story.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the novel. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Analyze the portrayal of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird and its relevance in today's society.
• 2. Argue whether Atticus Finch is an ideal role model for modern fathers.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird shines a spotlight on the persistent issue of racial injustice in the American South. This essay delves into the novel's portrayal of this injustice and its enduring relevance in the contemporary world, examining the lessons it offers for addressing social inequality.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird underscores the novel's power to inspire meaningful conversations about equity and justice. As we grapple with these issues today, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and compassion in fostering positive change.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the novel or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the characters of Scout and Jem Finch, exploring their individual growth and experiences.
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the themes of racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: Siblings often share profound bonds, yet their experiences can be remarkably distinct. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast Scout and Jem Finch, the young siblings in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird , exploring the unique paths they navigate and the growth they experience throughout the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of Scout and Jem Finch offer insights into the complexity of individual growth and sibling dynamics in To Kill a Mockingbird . As we consider their journeys, we are reminded of the transformative power of empathy and understanding in family relationships.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the novel. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the atmospheric details of Maycomb, the fictional town in To Kill a Mockingbird , and its impact on the story.
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Boo Radley, focusing on his mysterious nature and significance in the narrative.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: Maycomb, the setting of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird , is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right. This essay embarks on a descriptive journey to capture the atmospheric details of Maycomb, immersing the reader in the town's unique ambiance and its profound influence on the story.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird not only sets the stage but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the power of place in shaping our narratives and perceptions.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the novel. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that Atticus Finch's defense of Tom Robinson is an act of moral courage.
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that To Kill a Mockingbird should be a mandatory part of high school curricula.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: Atticus Finch's unwavering defense of Tom Robinson in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird resonates as a symbol of moral courage. This persuasive essay asserts that Atticus's actions embody the essence of moral heroism, inviting readers to reflect on the qualities that define true bravery.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument regarding Atticus Finch's moral courage underscores the enduring significance of his character in To Kill a Mockingbird . As we contemplate his actions, we are compelled to consider the qualities that inspire us to stand up for justice and equality.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of the novel. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you encountered prejudice and discrimination similar to the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird .
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in Maycomb and recount your interactions with the Finch family and Boo Radley.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: Prejudice and discrimination are unfortunately common experiences in our world. This narrative essay delves into a personal encounter with these themes, drawing parallels to the themes explored in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird .

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal encounter with prejudice and discrimination underscores the enduring relevance of the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird . As we reflect on the challenges of our own lives, we are encouraged to confront injustice and champion the values of empathy and equality.

What is The of Prejudice in to Kill a Mockingbird

Prejudice in to kill a mockingbird, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Discriminations in to Kill a Mockingbird

The theme of courage in to kill a mocking bird, a novel by harper lee, a theme of innocence and growing up in to kill a mockingbird, social injustice in to kill a mockingbird, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

The Prejudice of Race, Gender and Social Class in The Novel "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Negative impacts of social injustice on people in to kill a mockingbird, harper lee's representation of the theme of racism in to kill a mockingbird, harper lee’s depiction of racial inequality in america in her book, to kill a mockingbird, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

To Kill a Mockingbird: is Mayella Powerful

To kill a mockingbird by harper lee: compassion for mayella ewell, analysis of mayella ewell's character in to kill a mockingbird, the courage of atticus finch in "to kill a mockingbird", a loss of innocence in to kill a mockingbird, "to kill a mockingbird": life lessons learned by scout, loss of innocence in "to kill a mockingbird" by harper lee, the process of scout's maturing in to kill a mockingbird, analysis of atticus finch as a static character in "to kill a mockingbird", characterization of jem the visionary in to kill a mockingbird, dill’s realization of the consequences of prejudice in to kill a mockingbird, who’s afraid of boo radley: 'to kill a mockingbird', the theme of justice in lee’s to kill a mockingbird, characteristics of boo radley in "to kill a mockingbird", analysis of the key themes in "to kill a mockingbird", the role of setting in to kill a mockingbird, the theme of courage in 'to kill a mockingbird', critical analysis of 'to kill a mockingbird' film adaptation, to kill a mockingbird: the analysis of a true lawyer and a worthy person, moral courage, prejudice and justice in to kill a mockingbird.

July 11, 1960, Harper Lee

Novel; Thriller, Southern Gothic, Domestic Fiction, Legal Story, Bildungsroman

Atticus Finch, Scout Finch, Jem Finch, Dill Harris, Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandria, John Finch, Arthur Radley

It is partially based on Lee Harper's childhood, which is why the story is told by the child protagonist.

The loss of innocence, prejudice, racial challenges, honor, childhood, friendship, loss of innocence. The most powerful aspect is the very meaning behind "to kill a mockingbird", which means to destroy the innocence. It is made clear by Scout when he asks to "remember [that] it's a sin to kill a mockingbird". The flowers also symbolize patience and understanding, which are reflected by the white camellia flower.

To Kill a Mockingbird is not an easy book to read, yet it quickly became a symbol for the Civil Rights Movement all over the world. It teaches us about being brave, about injustice that must not be ignored, inequality around us, poverty, racism, corruption, anger control, innocence, oppression, hatred, and judging others. Reading this book reminds us of hope, patience, being equal to each other, and fighting for being brave and true.

The story starts when Tom Robinson, an African American male is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman, the local lawyer called Atticus agrees to defend Tom even though he receives threats from the community. Even when things are quickly getting dangerous, Atticus refuses to leave his client. His young son Scout unwittingly helps to settle down the challenge.

The book has almost been called "Atticus" instead of the famous title that we know so well. Harper Lee was writing only one manuscript page per day even though she worked for about 12 hours a day. The character of Atticus Finch has been inspired by Lee's father who also worked as the lawyer and defended African American clients. The book has helped to create a cottage industry in the author's hometown, which has started with a museum. Lee Harper decided to choose her middle name instead of "Nelle", which she was afraid could be mispronounced. To Kill a Mockingbird became one of the most beloved books in the American literary history. The character of Dill has been based on author's childhood friend Truman Capote who has also used her personality's character in his "Other Voices, Other Rooms" novel that has been published in 1948.

"The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." "Mockingbirds don't do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corn cribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." "It's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you." "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."

The main factor in To Kill a Mockingbird is teaching one's children and reminding each other about the dangers of prejudice and judging others. Providing an example of defending a black male in the American South shows that one must always keep the faith and seek the truth regardless of the conditions.

It is one of the most influential civil rights movement works in English literature and a symbolism of social challenge, culture, courage, defense of truth, and justice. It is also an essay topic where a person learns about prejudice and understanding that one has to be in another person's shoes to see and understand what it is like. Choosing this book as an essay topic, middle school, high school, and college students learn about justice, honor, and courage.

1. Macaluso, M. (2017). Teaching To kill a mockingbird today: Coming to terms with race, racism, and America's novel. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 61(3), 279-287. (https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jaal.678) 2. Tanış, A., & Cengizhan, L. (2010). Analyzing the novel “to kill a Mockingbird” in literature class. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 4387-4391. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187704281000738X) 3. Al-Mamoory, S., & Witwit, M. A. (2021). Critical Discourse Analysis of Opression in''To Kill a Mockingbird''. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, 9(02), 11-24. (http://journals.researchub.org/index.php/jsshr/article/view/1243) 4. Stiltner, M. A. (2002). Don't put your shoes on the bed: A moral analysis of “To Kill a Mockingbird”. East Tennessee State University.(https://www.proquest.com/openview/fa19ac9b0047942ce79bc14a55116582/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y) 5. Khokhar, M. I., & Mashori, G. M. (2018). Marxist Analysis of to Kill A Mockingbird According To Peter Barry. Journal of Grassroot, 52(2). (https://www.prdb.pk/article/marxist-analysis-of-to-kill-a-mockingbird-according-to-peter-2526) 6. Shackelford, D. (1996). The Female Voice in" To Kill a Mockingbird": Narrative Strategies in Film and Novel. The Mississippi Quarterly, 50(1), 101-113. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/26475781) 7. Sastrawijaya, M. D. (2021). The Character and Moral Values in “to Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. INFERENCE: Journal of English Language Teaching, 3(1), 81-87. (https://journal.lppmunindra.ac.id/index.php/inference/article/view/6070) 8. Winarni, B., Nugroho, A., & Fatimah, S. (2013). Affection And Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird Novel By Harper Lee (1960): A Psychoanalytic Approach (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta). (http://eprints.ums.ac.id/26577/)

Relevant topics

• The Tell Tale Heart
• A Modest Proposal
• Of Mice and Men
• Lord of The Flies
• The Diary of Anne Frank
• Thank You Ma Am
• Into The Wild
• Frankenstein
• The Yellow Wallpaper
• The Outsiders

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Social Classes in Maycomb, to Kill a Mockingbird Essay Example

• Pages: 7 (1911 words)
• Published: December 5, 2017
• Type: Research Paper

This is also one of the highest-ranking Jobs in Macomb society Scout and Gem are his children and therefore also part of this social class by birth. Another person in this same social class is Miss Maude Atkinson. She grew up with the Finch's and is an old friend of theirs. She is now Attic's neighbor and is loved by his children. Aunt Alexandra is also part if this because she is known as the "perfect example of what a southern lady should act like. " She is part of the Finch's family and is highly respected by the community.

Second class: The Cunningham Many of the class distinctions in Macomb, Alabama are based upon family history. Some families are considered better than others. Aunt Alexandra brings this to Scout's attention after Scout wishes to

invite a Cunningham over, "The thing is, you can scrub Walter Cunningham till he shines, you can put him in shoes and a new suit, but he'll never be like Gem" (256). Aunt Alexandra thinks this because the Finches are an old and respected family that have always been a ruling, bourgeoisie like voice in the community.

The Cunningham, on the other hand, have always been working lass and inferior to Finches; and in her opinion their working class status nears the two families can never be the same. She even goes so far as to label them trash,' showing Just how much she believes in the Finches' superiority, and how she looks down on them for being poor. (This opinion confuses Scout because it conflicts with her father's opinion, "Well Gem, I don't know--Attic's told me one tim

that most of this old Family stuffs foolishness because everybody families Just as old as everybody else's" (259).

Because Scout is able to hear both the ideological town view ND the view of her more progressive father, her own opinion of family rank is well thought out, "Ana, Gem, I think there's Just one kind of folks. Folks" (260). ) Town's treatment of the various social classes: Regardless of Scout's opinion the town still upholds families for generations and suppresses families for generations. It is a damaging ideological cycle that may uphold the less deserving and keep at bay those that deserve better.

The Cunningham are kept in this suppressed state by the superstructure of the town. The whole town accepts the Cunningham for who they re, out ay nothing to release teen out AT tenet state AT poverty An example AT ten town's acceptance of them is when Scout takes it upon herself to explain to a teacher, who is new in town, why Walter Cunningham will not accept the teacher's lunch money. "Miss Caroline, he's a Cunningham" I sat back down. "What, Jean Louise? " I thought I had made things sufficiently clear.

It was clear enough to the rest of us: Walter Cunningham was sitting there lying his head off. He didn't forget his lunch, he didn't have any. He had none today nor would he have any tomorrow or the next day. He had probably never seen three quarters together at the same time in his life. (22) Even as school children, the Macomb residents know the Cunningham situation and believe it will never be changed, "not would he have any

tomorrow or the next day' . The fact that it is clear to them shows Just how strong the class mentality is in Macomb: (22).

The Cunningham, as well as the rest of society, grow up believing they will always be this way, regardless of their good nature, then it is more than likely they will forever remain in the working class, extremely saddening because they hint they have no chance to better themselves in society Third Class: Ells The Ells know that they are the lowest of the low amongst the whites in Macomb. They have no money, no education, and no breeding. The single thing that elevates them at any level in the community is the fact that they're white.

Like most people in similar situations, Bob and Male would like to better their station in life. However, Bob is unwilling to put forth the effort necessary to change his family's lot and Male doesn't have the resources to change her own life. Bob is not serious about mating to improve his economical status (copy other mind map) Lowell is a drunkard and an abuser who is despised throughout the community Struggle for Power in Society This struggle for power is most pointedly brought out in the case of Tom Robinson and the Ells.

Because the Ells are at the bottom of the class structure along with the African Americans, and are constantly sneered and despised by their higher-ranking white peers, Bob Lowell tries to seem better than his current situation of utter poverty by trying to appear as morally superior to Tom Robinson, an African American. In accusing Tom Robinson, he sees

what he believes is a way for advancement in society. Not only does he I) clear his daughter of the 'crime' she has committed of tempting a black man, he also it) elevates his societal status.

In his mind, the town should think him a hero for saving Macomb's white women from a "dangerous" black man. Defending his daughter by going to court should raise his family's stature. At the very least, if they don't gain more respect from the community, at least Bob won't have to live with talk in the black community about a white woman aging a play for a married black man. Unfortunately, all of Else's plans backfire.

By the end of the trial, he and his daughter are proven liars, he's been publicly identified as a sexually and physically abusive father who fails to provide for his family, and the entire town knows that Male made sexual overtures toward Tom. Instead of improving his life, Lowell cements his family's horrible reputation once and for all. Blacks At the bottom of class society, the blacks have constantly proved themselves to be more civilized than their white counterparts. The next social class is wealthy or diddle-class black people. California is a part of this class and only is for the reason Tanat seen Is Dalai. En NAS all ten qualities AT a good southern lacy, Ana NAS perfect manners. She is respected and in good relations with the Finch family. California would be in the same social class as Attic's Finch if she weren't black. Another person who is in this class is Reverend Sykes. He met Gem and Scout in church

and showed how much he respected them and their father for defending the Tom Robinson case. He welcomed them and was very friendly, therefore in the same class as California. The last social class is the poor and black people. Lull is in this social class.

She is disgraceful to the black people and her motto is that the black people should stick to own community and the white should stay with there's. She was harsh and shallow to someone who is of her kind (California) and she was harsh to two innocent kids Just because they are white. There is a very interesting relationship between the white people and black. The majority of the black people is more mature and has much more class. They accept themselves and their status. They accept how they don't get credit for all their work. They accept always having the worse of things, like the First Purchase church, which is a very beaten down church.

They accept not getting an education with barely any complaints. No matter how much they tolerate, the white people cannot stand them at all and are so afraid of the truth because it nears going against a white person's word. The fact that white people don't treat white people equally contributes greatly to the way the social classes are separated. Despite these ideologies and conflicts, To Kill a Mockingbird brilliantly illustrates how to overcome these ideas. Scout's fresh mind is able to learn through the examples of the people around her how to respect all people regardless of class.

California teaches this to Scout when Walter Cunningham is at their house, anti company,

Cal, he's Just a Cunningham?" "Hush your mouth! Don't matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house's Hyde company, and don't you let me catch you remarking' on their ways like you was so high and mighty' (27)! Here Scout learns to treat people the same. This lesson sometimes goes against the ideology of people in the town, but it makes for a more equal society when people treat each other with equality. Scout learns the majority these lessons of equality from her wise father, Attic's.

Scout hears her father give a moving speech on equality while defending Tom Robinson, "But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal?there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller... That institution, gentlemen, is a court" (234). Attic's' belief in the equality and Justice of the court resonates with Scout throughout the book as she begins to see people more and more for their character instead of their class or race. This book is filled with many more lessons like this from which students can learn along with Scout, the importance of a person's integrity and character.

As the Countess of Blessing once said, "Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep men apart," a fact that we now uphold as the truth. But in thesis, when To Kill a Mockingbird was first written, prejudice was a societal norm, and taken for granted not Just by the oppressors, but the oppressed as well. Harper Lee's novel serves as a valuable reminder of Just how pervasive prejudice was just a few decades ago, we level

In a world winner racial prejudice NAS Eden thankfully made tattoo In most parts of the world.

Its most extreme manifestation, that of segregation, is now history; and those of us living in civilized societies do not often have direct personal experience of racial prejudice. It is therefore hard for us to envisage Just how pervasive racial prejudice was Just a few decades ago; and To Kill A Mockingbird is a valuable reminder of how far we have come, and how important it is to safeguard the progress that we have made. It exposes with clarity and humanity the unmitigated evil that prejudice is, and makes us want to eradicate it completely because of the suffering and tragedy that it causes.

The theme of prejudice is almost the sole basis of the book, resonating through the novel in various forms, namely racial prejudice, social prejudice and gender prejudice. In Harper Lee's novel, we see Just how blinded people can be by the inherently unfair assumptions they make about others without any basis at all, and the immensely grieving consequences that come about as a result. One can only be grateful that America has made such great progress from that dark era of prejudice and injustice so colorful described in TAKE, to the day when a black man can become the president of the most powerful nation on Earth.

• The Sky is Gray and Mr. Parker Essay Example
• Response to Berry Essay Example
• Does Cultural And Material Deprivation Affect A Childs Educational Progress Essay Example
• To show how childhood is represented in charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre Essay Example
• Why is the term 'British Culture' controversial Essay Example
• Taste, Consumption and Social Class - the views of Bourdieu Essay Example
• Harlem slums as a result of th Essay Example
• Culture deprivation Essay Example
• Belonging Involves Conforming and a Loss of Identity Essay Example
• Ballad of Birmingham Essay Example
• Caribbean Studies Analysis Essay Example
• Separate Pasts Analysis Essay Example
• Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane Essay Example
• The Dolls House Essay- Symbolism
• Daz for Zoe Summary Essay Example
• Black People essays
• Child essays
• Child labor essays
• Childcare essays
• Anthropology essays
• Audience essays
• Charity essays
• Cultural Competence essays
• Emile Durkheim essays
• Gender Roles essays
• Generation essays
• Globalization essays
• Interpersonal Relationship essays
• People essays
• Race essays
• Social Change essays
• Social Class essays
• Social Movement essays
• Social Science essays
• Social Status essays
• Social Stratification essays
• Society essays
• Sociological Imagination essays
• Sociological Perspective essays
• Sociological Theories essays
• Stereotypes essays
• Web Dubois essays

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Search for samples, answers to your questions and flashcards.

• Enter your topic/question
• Receive an explanation
• Ask one question at a time
• Enter a specific assignment topic
• Aim at least 500 characters
• a topic sentence that states the main or controlling idea
• supporting sentences to explain and develop the point you’re making
• evidence from your reading or an example from the subject area that supports your point
• analysis of the implication/significance/impact of the evidence finished off with a critical conclusion you have drawn from the evidence.

Unfortunately copying the content is not possible

Tell us your email address and we’ll send this sample there..

By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions .