Harper Lee’s Representation Of The Theme Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird
Harper Lee published “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 1960. The book chronicles the life of Scout Finch who was an innocent American child that was subject to the brutal segregation and horrors of the South. The novel addresses many universal themes and particularly racism, as well as injustice. These ideologies are particularly evident in the characters Lee introduces and show the effect these notions will have on society’s function.
To Kill a Mockingbird specifically refers to racism. This could be a person, a whole race or a group made up of people from different ethnicities. The novel shows bigotry within the Maycomb society in which most people are of different races. Harper Lee confronts prejudice to show how discrimination, social betrayal, and partisanship can lead to social disintegration. Harper Lee bravely confronts prejudice and demonstrates how racism can be seen in the entire text. We see that Mr. Raymond is often drunk. He pretends to be confused in order to explain this to Scout, Jem, Dill. The use of similes and irony highlights the fact that racism was evident in society. It’s not acceptable to live with someone from another race, or even marry her. The personal pronoun “I”, which is used to address the reader, makes the story feel more personal and gives the reader an emotional connection. It also highlights how shameful society was in the early 1900’s.
Atticus mocks Uncle with the following quote: “She was black, and she tempted Negro.” In our society, it is unimaginable that she sex with a black man. This was not an older uncle, but rather a young Negro. She broke the code but it didn’t matter to her. It is clear that Mayella did indeed do something illegal, and the repeated use of “she,” the singular personal pronoun, emphasizes this. This also demonstrates the racism theme. As readers, we are also aware that Atticus wants to make us fall for the “paradox” technique. Mayella, in this example, did indeed break the law. Tom however, who was attentive, obeyed the white wife. Finally, the alliteration “came crushing” helps draw the attention of the reader to this section and creates rhythms and moods.
The final quote, and the one I will be discussing here in this essay, is about the lynch mob that tries to kill Tom Robinson. Others wore hats that were pulled down to their ears. They were sullen, sleepy-eyed and dull-looking men who appeared unused to late-hours.” The quotation here demonstrates both the general usage of visual imagery and the metaphor of “coldhearted” to describe the dangerous, selfless men that are willing to kill Atticus in an attempt to reach Tom Robinson. This quote shows that visual imagery can have the ability to allow readers to see the scene they envision and create their own scenarios. This metaphor also points out that they lack any moral value and do not understand the rules of society. It is clear that racism was a controversial issue back in the 1900’s.
Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, demonstrates the important theme of racism through his use of quotes and techniques. It is easy to see how To Kill a Mockingbird’s racism theme is presented through the analysis of Mr Raymond’s pretended drunken act of affection for his wife.
