Examples Of Injustice In To Kill A Mockingbird

Injustice and Innocence

“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy.... That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (119). This quote from To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, perfectly demonstrates an act of injustice. It would be quite the atrocity if someone killed a defenseless bird that lived to entertain those who listened. The mockingbird symbolizes many characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, such as Tom Robinson, Jem, Scout, and Arthur Radley. These characters appear completely innocent, similar to a mockingbird, however the town tries to hurt them. Maycomb attempts to ruin these faultless people, and they succeed in wrongfully convicting Tom Robinson of a capital crime. Racism, anger, and prejudice all manifest …show more content…
On a dark night in chapter 28, Bob Ewell, armed with a knife, assaulted Jem and Scout as they walked home from a Halloween pageant. After this attack took place, Mr. Tate discovered a knife hole in Scout’s ham costume. He noted, “‘This thing probably saved her [Scout’s] life,’ he said...A shiny clean line stood out on the dull wire. ‘Bob Ewell meant business,’” (360) Mr. Ewell intended to kill Scout, a completely innocent “mockingbird”, revealing the shocking injustice of his actions. A toxic combination of drunkenness and anger resulted in Bob Ewell assaulting Jem and Scout. Mr. Ewell had a bad habit of drinking too much alcohol, often leading to violent outbursts. He recently suffered incredible humiliation in court because Atticus had seen right through Bob and Mayella’s flimsy accusations. Although the Ewells succeeded in convicting Tom Robinson, they suffered a huge blow to their pride. An embarrassed Bob Ewell channeled his anger towards Atticus, but did not have enough guts to directly confront Mr. Finch (360-361). This blend of intoxication and anger resulting in the attempted murder of Atticus’ defenseless …show more content…
Addressing the definition of prejudice remains essential in fully understanding the injustice of Arthur Radley’s treatment. Merriam-Webster explains prejudice as, “An irrational attitude of hostility directed towards an individual, group, race, or their supposed characteristics” (Merriam-Webster). Scout acknowledges irrationality of Arthur Radley’s story, calling it “A melancholy little drama, woven from bits and scraps of gossip and neighborhood legend” (52). Citizens of Maycomb accused Arthur for causing many of their problems, simply because he was completely unknown to them. They blamed him for the winter frosts (10), petty crimes (10), and mutilated animals (10). The adult’s beliefs influenced their children so much the children believed pecans from the Radley’s tree would kill you, going near the house was extremely dangerous, and even nicknamed the mysterious recluse Boo. This is a terrible injustice against Arthur; his actions did not warrant the harsh treatment and blame given to him. Prejudice often results in unjust actions and thoughts, as evidenced by the treatment of Arthur

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