An Exploration of Prejudice in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird

In societies worldwide, individuals are often unfairly judged based on their identity or appearance. Though the severity of this issue varies across regions, combating prejudice remains imperative. Failure to address it can lead to increasingly serious consequences, even resulting in tragedy. Harper Lee's masterpiece, "To Kill a Mockingbird," vividly portrays the damaging effects of prejudiced thinking, revealing how it permeates every aspect of life in the fictional Maycomb County.

Understanding Prejudice Through Settlement Patterns

Harper Lee skillfully employs various elements to illustrate the omnipresence of prejudice in Maycomb County.

One such element is settlement patterns, which profoundly influence how individuals are prejudged based not only on where they live but also on where they dwell. The Ewells, the lowest class in Maycomb, reside on the town's outskirts, adjacent to the black community. Scout's revelation about their living conditions highlights the divisive nature of residential locations. "He would show me how where and how they lived. They were people, but they lived like animals" (30).

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The description of the black community's church further emphasizes the town's class distinctions. Harper Lee strategically crafts a vivid portrayal through Scout, stating, "unceiled and unpainted within… pine benches served as pews… there was no sign of piano, organ, hymn-books, church programs" (120). This portrayal underscores the entrenched class divisions in Maycomb, with the black population relegated to separate areas, perpetuating societal prejudice.

Maycomb's settlement patterns not only physically segregate its residents but also perpetuate social norms and expectations. The Ewells' proximity to the black community symbolizes the town's rigid class hierarchy, wherein certain families are relegated to the fringes of society.

This intentional spatial arrangement serves as a constant reminder of societal expectations, contributing to the prejudiced mindset of Maycomb's inhabitants.

Furthermore, the geographical separation of the black community and the Ewells underscores the dehumanization of certain groups. By likening the Ewells' living conditions to that of animals, the town reinforces a narrative of inherent inferiority associated with their class. This dehumanization becomes a cornerstone for justifying discriminatory attitudes, as the residents of Maycomb come to view the Ewells not as equals but as subhuman entities.

The Dual Nature of Justice in Maycomb

Maycomb County features a dual justice system, comprising formal and informal dimensions, both invariably influenced by prejudice. Formal justice, dictated by the court or law, often leads to unjust outcomes. Jem's bewilderment at Tom Robinson's conviction exemplifies this, as he questions his father, Atticus, on the jury's decision. Atticus' grim response reflects the normalization of racial injustice: "I don't know, but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again, and when they do it… seems that only the children weep" (213).

Informal justice, shaped by societal perceptions and biases, further perpetuates prejudice in Maycomb. Scout's inquiry about the Ewell children skipping school unveils the arbitrary nature of informal justice. Atticus rationalizes this by stating, "? Sometimes it's better to bend the law a little in special cases" (30). The acceptance of bending rules for certain individuals, like the Ewells, showcases how prejudice can infiltrate even the legal system, creating a distorted sense of justice.

The pervasive nature of prejudice in Maycomb's justice system extends beyond racial bias. It also encompasses socioeconomic prejudices, evident in the leniency granted to the Ewells. The town's tacit approval of the Ewell children skipping school reveals a system that selectively applies rules based on social standing. This dual system of justice, one for the privileged and another for the marginalized, reinforces and perpetuates the deeply ingrained prejudices prevalent in Maycomb.

Social Stratification: A Breeding Ground for Prejudice

Perhaps the most pervasive factor contributing to prejudice in Maycomb is social stratification. Citizens hastily pass judgments on others based on their social class, often determined by familial lineage. Aunt Alexandra's belief that a family's longstanding presence on a piece of land signifies their superiority exemplifies this mindset: "Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion that the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land, the finer it was" (130).

Additionally, racial identity serves as a powerful determinant of one's social standing. The immediate assumption that being black equates to being inferior is starkly evident in the reaction to Scout's presence in the Colored balcony: "It was all over town this morning that you were in the Colored balcony. Wasn't it right close up there with all those…?" (214). Maycomb's citizens hastily stereotype individuals based on race, reinforcing deeply ingrained prejudices.

The ingrained nature of these social prejudices becomes evident in the perpetuation of discriminatory practices. The town's residents, entrenched in their biased beliefs, actively contribute to the preservation of social hierarchies. The labeling of certain families as superior based on their history and the instant dismissal of individuals due to their race fosters an environment where prejudice becomes self-sustaining, making it increasingly challenging to break free from these deeply entrenched societal norms.

Conclusion: Overcoming Prejudice for a Harmonious Society

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" masterfully dissects the intricate web of prejudice woven into Maycomb's social fabric. Settlement patterns, justice systems, and social stratification collectively serve as the building blocks for pervasive biases. As Jem poignantly questions, "Why can't they get along with each other? If they're all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other?" (227). The novel challenges readers to confront the root causes of prejudice and work towards dismantling the barriers that divide us.

Ultimately, the key to societal harmony lies in embracing our shared humanity and recognizing the futility of prejudging others based on superficial criteria. As we reflect on the lessons of "To Kill a Mockingbird," let us strive for a world where empathy triumphs over prejudice, where individuals are judged on the content of their character rather than the color of their skin or their social standing. Only through such collective efforts can we hope to build a more just and equitable society.

By thoroughly examining the nuanced facets of prejudice portrayed in "To Kill a Mockingbird," we gain valuable insights into the mechanisms that sustain discriminatory attitudes. This exploration prompts us to critically assess our own beliefs and societal structures, challenging us to actively contribute to the dismantling of prejudiced mindsets. As we delve deeper into the layers of Maycomb's social tapestry, we uncover the complexity of prejudice, urging us to advocate for inclusivity and equality in our own communities.

In conclusion, "To Kill a Mockingbird" serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of prejudice and its destructive impact on individuals and communities. Harper Lee's timeless narrative compels us to introspect, fostering a collective responsibility to eradicate prejudice from our societies. As we embark on this journey towards a more inclusive future, let us carry the lessons of Maycomb County with us, striving to create a world where justice, empathy, and equality prevail.