How Is Prejudice Shown In To Kill A Mockingbird

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In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee there are many instances where prejudice is expressed. Instances which are shown towards characters such as Tom Robinson, Arthur Radley, and the Cunninghams. “Prejudice, unlike a simple misconception, is actively resistant to all evidence that would unseat it.” This relates to Tom Robinson’s situation perfectly because it was not necessary to go to court to determine whether or not Tom was guilty of rape. In the book (on page 219) Jem says “But lots of folks have been hung-hanged-on circumstantial evidence.”. This is true for Tom’s case. There was no proof that Tom was guilty, everything was based on the opinions of others. Mayella Ewell could have went to the doctors and gotten medical evidence that …show more content…
You’ve got to be taught to hate.” said Roger Ebert, American film critic and historian, journalist, screenwriter and author. This quote relates to the time when Aunt Alexandra and Scout were talking about Walter Cunningham. Scout asked why she couldn’t play with Walter and Aunt Alexandra replied (on page 225) “Because-he-is-trash, that’s why you can’t play with him, picking up his habits and learning Lord-knows-what…” Aunt Alexandra judges people before she even knows them and bases it on what they have or don’t have. She is teaching Scout to stay away from others who are considered to be ‘lower than herself’ by judging them from appearance, family background, and wealth status. The point is that Aunt Alexandra is prejudice and tried teaching Scout to think the same way of others.
In conclusion, the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee expresses prejudice towards Tom Robinson, Arthur Radley, and the Cunninghams. Tom Robinson was judged by the color of his skin, Arthur Radley had a big misconception on his personality because of his past, and the Cunninghams were underestimated because of their social status. Prejudice plays a big role in the lives of others and can completely ruin one’s life and the way people think of one
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