Examples Of Black Characters In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Black Characters that are portrayed as Survivors

During the time period in which the story takes place, black people were not considered equal to white people and were treated horribly as if they were weak and naive. Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, describes the racism and prejudice towards black people and how she makes a good diction against it. The black people in the novel are strong-willed for not succumbing to white people for they have their own volition. They are treated like they are naive or ignorant but they have their own intelligence and experiences that proves their strength. Everybody deserves the same justice that everyone else is given in a court of law, no matter if someone is better than them. Throughout the novel, the black characters are shown as strong-willed, intelligent and people who search for the same justice that everyone is afforded in a court of law.

The character that shows a good sense of choice is Tom Robinson who is expressed as having a strong will. He was determined to tell the truth throughout the trial to prove his innocence and he was unwavering when he was guilty as didn’t complain. Tom made a good choice when Mayella was trying to trap by backing away and trying not to harm her. When Atticus announces the news of Tom’s death, he says he got killed because he was trying to escape prison.

“I told him what I thought, but I couldn’t in truth say that we had more than a good chance. I guess Tom was tired of white men’s chances and preferred to take his own. Ready, Cal?” (Lee 238).

Tom tried to escape prison knowing the consequences. He would rather die running from prison than succumb in prison for something he did not do; his will cannot be caged. Tom demonstrates great will up to his death as he is a symbol of a mockingbird; killed despite being innocent.

One of the black characters who lives in the Finch’s’ household is named Calpurnia who displays great intelligence. Calpurnia gives life lessons to Jem and Scout and teaches them how to treat everyone with respect despite their differences. When Walter comes over and has dinner with the Finch household, Scout judges Walter for pouring molasses on his food. Calpurnia scolds Scout for this.

"Hush your mouth! Don't matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house's yo' comp'ny, and don't you let me catch you remarkin' on their ways like you was so high and mighty! Yo' folks might be better'n the Cunninghams but it don't count for nothin' the way you're disgracin' 'em—if you can't act fit to eat at the table you can just set here and eat in the kitchen!" (Lee 29).

She tells Scout not to judge people who are different and to respect them for who they are. Everyone should respect everyone else even if you are better than them. When you are better than somebody, it doesn’t show how good you are for the way you shame them. Calpurnia throughout the novel displays a strong sense of morality and is an example of great intelligence on showing how
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