What is a racism theme in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Answer 1

Prejudice was expressed very bluntly and carelessly in Harper Lee's times, so much so that people could go around calling an African American a "n*****" and even more so, a "black" or "colored" folk, as seen throughout the novel. The happenings in the novel are all seen in the point of view of an innocent, unbiased child (Scout) who sees the world in the simple, non-prejudiced way that children perceive their surroundings.

The extent of prejudice and the effect it has had on society can be seen through the fact that even this innocent child and her brother feel free and at ease to communicate with the term "nigger". In chapter 8, when building a snowman and noticing its surface colour, Scout remarks, "Jem, I ain't ever heard of a n***** snowman," in which her brother replies "He won't be black long". Of course, it is understood that neither child realizes the gravity of such terms. In fact, no one in the society of that time realized the insensitivity of such terms, simply because at that time, it was generally accepted by all of society. Even the African Americans tolerated and accepted that they were "n*****s". This fact is evident in probably the most important scene in the book, that being The Court Scene (chapters 16-22).

Look at the court scene though as well as the scene in which Calpurnia takes the kids to church, and different prejudices against are shown, like the kids are kind of being prejudiced against, I guess, as the african americans (e.g: Lula) dislike their presence.

Answer 2

One racism theme in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is the pervasive discrimination against African Americans in the Southern United States during the 1930s. The novel explores how this prejudice manifests in various forms, from systematic inequality in the legal system to everyday social interactions. It also highlights the destructive effects of racism on individuals and communities.

Answer 3

(I don't make a habit of answers like this but..) I don't know. It is among a small list of books I have been unable to finish: I found it disinteresting & yet I am told t is a classic of its type, Hmmmm maybe they said that about Catch 22 too......

Answer 4

Prejudice is one of the main themes in To Kill a Mockingbird. This is both racial and social prejudice;

Racial prejudice is significant throughout the whole novel and is one the central themes that runs through the book. The most prominent example is the court case involving Tom. The verdict and the attitude of the town towards the accused shows the racial prejudice present and how it sent Tom and many other innocent people to their death. This is significant because it teaches the children (and the reader) about the problems in society and how race should not matter. Dolphus Raymond is another important example of racial prejudice. Mr. Raymond decided that he wanted to live amongst and marry a black women which the town found disgraceful and as such he pretends to be an alcoholic to give the town a reason 'to think it's OK'

Social prejudice and empathy are also important themes in the book. Boo Radley is victimised by the town because he is different to everyone else. As Scout finds out when she walks Boo home at the end of the novel, Boo is no different to anyone else he just chooses to live his life differently to 'normal' people. This message is summed up by the expression 'don't judge a book by its cover' and this quote from Atticus "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."

Hope this helps :)

Answer 5

Harper Lee refers a mocking bird to a black person. A black person doesn't do anything to us just like a mocking bird. therefore it is a sin to kill a mocking bird/ black person. hope it helps!

Answer 6

Therefore, the novel To Kill A Mockingbird concludes that it is not okay to be different

Answer 7

Yes, racism is a theme for the novel To Kill a Mockingbrid

Answer 8

She uses the trial as a basis to show how mistreated the blacks were. Social predijuce was portayed in the trial due to the fact that blacks were a class and the ewells looked down upon them.