An Exploration of Societal Hierarchies in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" unfolds against the backdrop of the 1930s Southern life, delving into the intricacies of societal hierarchies shaped by historical events. Understanding the setting is crucial for a profound appreciation of the novel's underlying themes.

Historical Context: Southern Evolution

In the colonial times, the Southern region burgeoned with large cotton plantations and small cities, fueling its economic prosperity. The imperative need for cheap labor led to the prevalence of Negro slavery, with over 500,000 slaves in the South during the American Revolution.

Plantation owners evolved into a landed aristocracy, while poorer white farmers toiled as sharecroppers or owned modest plots of land.

Against this backdrop, the Finch family, once aristocrats, experienced a descent into gentile poverty. The novel presents a multifaceted view of family life, emphasizing the stark contrasts between the white families of varying classes and the black families struggling within the rigid social structure.

The Finch Family: An Idealized Contrast

The Finch family, despite their reduced circumstances, stands as an ideal family in Maycomb's social hierarchy.

Get quality help now

Bella Hamilton

Verified writer

Proficient in: Family

5 (234)

“ Very organized ,I enjoyed and Loved every bit of our professional interaction ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Atticus Finch, a highly respected lawyer, navigates the challenges of single parenthood with grace. Atticus, an embodiment of wisdom and commitment to justice, instills love, trust, and security in Scout and Jem. The absence of a mother does not hinder their maturity or respectfulness.

Atticus devotes himself to his children, encouraging a sense of equality by allowing them to address him by his first name. His parenting philosophy centers on fostering a conscience that values justice and equality. Throughout the novel, Atticus imparts crucial lessons, advising Scout to empathize before passing judgment.

Diversity in Family Dynamics

While the Finch family exemplifies an idealized version, the novel introduces a spectrum of family dynamics. Calpurnia, acting as a surrogate mother, bridges the gap between the white world and her black community. Her family, though black, exemplifies respectability, challenging racial stereotypes prevalent in Maycomb.

Conversely, the Ewell family epitomizes the darker aspects of the South. Positioned at the bottom of the hierarchy, they embody ignorance, poverty, filth, and racial prejudice. Bob Ewell's influence perpetuates poor parental care, contributing to the Ewells' notorious reputation.

Similarly impoverished but distinctively honest, the Cunningham family represents the working class. Despite their lack of education, they maintain a strong work ethic and uphold a code of self-sufficiency, paying back what they owe in their own way.

Parental Failure: The Radley Family

The Radley family serves as a poignant example of parental failure. Boo Radley, an intelligent but emotionally damaged individual, bears the scars of his cruel upbringing. Maycomb's gossip perpetuates a false image of Boo, illustrating the impact of societal judgments on individuals.

Furthermore, Dill's broken family background sheds light on the pervasive influence of parents on children. Dill's difficult situation and his eventual runaway underscore the profound impact of familial relationships on a child's well-being.

Moral Complexity and Unjust Values

The intricate interplay of diverse families in "To Kill a Mockingbird" illuminates the moral complexity prevalent in the society of that time. Lee skillfully portrays the stark differences between families like the Finches, who uphold values of justice and respect, and families like the Ewells, marred by prejudice and neglect.

Through the lens of various family dynamics, the novel invites readers to reflect on the societal norms and values that perpetuated injustice. The destruction of a good black family by a white alcoholic adds layers to the narrative, underscoring the pervasive injustice ingrained in the moral fabric of Maycomb.

Conclusion

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" masterfully explores the intricate tapestry of societal hierarchies, using families as microcosms of the prevailing values. From the idealized Finch family to the destitution of the Ewells and the enigmatic Radleys, the novel paints a vivid picture of a society grappling with its past and present. Through these diverse family narratives, Lee prompts readers to confront the moral complexities and unjust values that shaped the South in the 1930s.