tom robinson to kill a mockingbird essay

To Kill a Mockingbird

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“If you shouldn't be defendin' him, then why are you doin' it?”

“For a number of reasons,” said Atticus. “The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again.”

"Atticus, are we going to win it?"

“No, honey.”

“Then why—”

“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,” Atticus said.

“Atticus, you must be wrong…”

“How's that?”

“Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong…”

“If you had a clear conscience, why were you scared?”

“Like I says before, it weren't safe for any nigger to be in a—fix like that.”

“But you weren't in a fix—you testified that you were resisting Miss Ewell. Were you so scared that she'd hurt you, you ran, a big buck like you?”

“No suh, I's scared I'd be in court, just like I am now.”

“Scared of arrest, scared you'd have to face up to what you did?”

“No suh, scared I'd hafta face up to what I didn't do.”

“The way that man called him 'boy' all the time an' sneered at him, an' looked around at the jury every time he answered— … It ain't right, somehow it ain't right to do 'em that way. Hasn't anybody got any business talkin' like that—it just makes me sick.”

“They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it—seems that only children weep.”

Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men's hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.

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Tom Robinson’s Exhibitions of Courage in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

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Published: Nov 22, 2021

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Tom Robinson: A Representation of Racial Injustice in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

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The character of Tom Robinson, from Harper Lee’s landmark novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”, plays a pivotal role in demonstrating the racial injustice prevalent in Maycomb, Alabama. Robinson, an African American unfairly accused of a crime he did not commit, encapsulates the systemic racism embedded within the fabric of 1930s Southern American society. This essay scrutinizes the characterization of Tom Robinson and examines the wider implications of his predicament on the portrayal of race and justice in the novel.

Tom Robinson is depicted as an innocent, hardworking, and compassionate individual, who, despite his virtues, becomes a victim of Maycomb’s racial prejudice. His mere association with Mayella Ewell, a white woman, results in him being accused of rape – a charge orchestrated through the falsehoods and prejudice prevalent in the town. The integrity of Tom’s character, as seen through the eyes of Scout and Atticus Finch, starkly contrasts with the damaging stereotype portrayed by the prosecution and many townsfolk.

Atticus Finch’s staunch defense of Tom Robinson becomes a central conflict in the narrative. Despite clear evidence that Tom is innocent, including the fact that his disabled left arm makes him incapable of committing the crime as described by Mayella, the racial bias of the jury forecloses any possibility of a fair trial. His situation underscores the deeply entrenched racial prejudice in society and its devastating consequences for African Americans.

Even after his conviction, Tom’s humanity shines through his despair. His attempt to escape from prison, resulting in his tragic death, represents a desperate pursuit of justice that the legal system denied him. This tragic end further cements the harsh realities faced by African Americans in a racially biased society.

In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Tom Robinson stands as a symbol of innocence destroyed by injustice. His character serves to expose the pervasive racism of the time, demonstrating the ways in which society often fails its most vulnerable citizens. Despite his kindness, honesty, and patience, Tom is unable to overcome the damaging stereotypes and unjust suspicions cast upon him because of his race.

Moreover, Tom’s character provides a lens through which the younger characters, particularly Scout and Jem, come to understand the complexity and injustice of the world around them. They witness firsthand the destructive consequences of prejudice, forever shaping their views on morality, empathy, and justice

In conclusion, Tom Robinson is more than just a character in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. He embodies the racial prejudices and miscarriages of justice suffered by African Americans in the 1930s American South. His plight serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of systemic racism and serves to challenge the reader’s perceptions of justice and equality. Ultimately, through the tragic figure of Tom Robinson, Harper Lee presents a powerful indictment of racial prejudice, prompting introspection and dialogue on societal discrimination.

• Johnson, Claudia Durst. “Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historic Documents.” Greenwood Publishing Group, 1994.
• Shields, Charles J. “Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee.” Henry Holt and Company, 2006.
• Lee, Harper. “To Kill a Mockingbird.” HarperCollins, 1960.
• Murphy, Mary McDonagh. “Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of To Kill a Mockingbird.” HarperCollins, 2010.
• Petry, Alice Hall. “On Harper Lee: Essays and Reflections.” University of Tennessee Press, 2007.

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The Historical Context of “To Kill a Mockingbird”

This essay is about the historical context of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” set in the 1930s during the Great Depression in Maycomb, Alabama. It explores how the economic hardships and racial segregation of the era shape the novel’s events and themes. The essay highlights the impact of Jim Crow laws and the systemic racism depicted in Tom Robinson’s trial. It also examines the social hierarchies, gender roles, and educational disparities of the time, as well as the novel’s portrayal of Southern life. Understanding the 1930s setting is crucial for grasping the characters’ struggles and the novel’s exploration of justice and equality.

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Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” unfolds against the backdrop of the 1930s, an epoch marked by the profound societal upheavals of the Great Depression and entrenched racial segregation in the American South. The narrative’s locale in Maycomb, Alabama, serves as a pivotal stage for unraveling the intricate social dynamics and character interplays woven throughout the tale. Far from being a mere backdrop, the historical milieu of the 1930s assumes a central role in shaping the narrative’s themes and unfolding events.

The cataclysmic onset of the Great Depression, precipitated by the stock market crash of 1929, cast a long shadow across the United States, plunging the nation into unprecedented economic turmoil. With unemployment soaring to unprecedented heights and widespread destitution gripping millions of Americans, the palpable specter of economic hardship looms large over Maycomb. Even the Finch family, comparatively affluent by local standards, grapples with financial constraints, exemplified by Atticus Finch’s acceptance of goods and services in lieu of monetary remuneration for his legal services. This period of economic strife lays bare the vicissitudes of everyday life in Maycomb, exacerbating communal tensions and fraying social bonds.

Racial segregation and discrimination emerge as overarching motifs in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” their potency amplified by the historical setting of the 1930s. In this era, the pernicious tendrils of Jim Crow laws enshrouded the South, institutionalizing racial inequity and segregation. African Americans found themselves ensnared in a web of systemic prejudice and violence, both judicially sanctioned and extrajudicial in nature. The trial of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman, stands as a pivotal narrative juncture, spotlighting the entrenched racism of the period. Atticus Finch’s valiant defense of Robinson serves as a beacon of moral rectitude, challenging Maycomb’s entrenched racial norms while also laying bare the inherent limitations of justice in a society steeped in prejudice.

The novel further delves into the stratified social hierarchies and gender roles endemic to the 1930s. Scout Finch, the precocious young protagonist, navigates a world suffused with entrenched gender norms and societal expectations. Her spirited refusal to conform to traditional feminine roles and her tomboyish demeanor serve as a poignant indictment of the era’s gendered strictures. The suffocating constraints imposed upon women and the dearth of opportunities available to them find resonance in characters like Scout’s Aunt Alexandra, epitomizing the prevailing orthodoxy surrounding womanhood and propriety.

Education emerges as another salient theme in the novel, its portrayal filtered through the lens of the 1930s educational milieu. Disparities in educational access between white and black children are glaring, reflecting broader societal fault lines. The character of Calpurnia, the Finch family’s black housekeeper, offers a poignant glimpse into the stark educational inequities confronting African Americans and the resilience requisite for surmounting such barriers.

Moreover, the novel paints a vivid tableau of Southern life in the 1930s, characterized by its languid pace, insular communities, and adherence to time-honored values. Maycomb’s social tapestry is interwoven with gossip, familial ties, and age-old vendettas, serving as a microcosm of Southern society. The Finch family’s interactions with their neighbors, the enigmatic Radleys, and other denizens of the town offer a kaleidoscopic view of human behavior and the intricate dance of societal expectations.

The historical backdrop of “To Kill a Mockingbird” transcends mere window dressing, assuming the mantle of a vital narrative element that informs the characters’ motivations and the thematic undercurrents coursing through the tale. The 1930s stand as a crucible of economic, social, and racial strife, and Lee’s evocative portrayal of this period furnishes readers with a prism through which to comprehend the existential struggles and ethical quandaries confronting the characters. The enduring resonance of the novel lies in its probing exploration of themes such as justice, equity, and human dignity, all refracted through the prism of a tumultuous historical epoch.

In summation, “To Kill a Mockingbird” unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1930s, a crucible of economic deprivation, racial segregation, and entrenched societal norms. Harper Lee’s masterful depiction of this era serves as a linchpin for elucidating the novel’s thematic tapestry and the characters’ lived experiences. The historical context of the Great Depression and pervasive racism suffuses the narrative with depth and nuance, enriching its resonance and underscoring its enduring relevance as a profound meditation on the human condition and the ceaseless quest for justice and equality.

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Evergreen To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics for High-Flying Essays

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most taught and popular books in American literature. It contains the story of a young Scout Fitch, her brother Jem, and their dad Atticus. Reading this novel also exposes you to different academic assignments that require thorough analysis and interpretation. 

Producing excellent To Kill a Mockingbird essays requires a good foundation, which includes finding the most suitable To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics . This post shares the best sample topics for your writing. It also offers tips for selecting suitable TKAM essay topics . Keep reading to learn more.

Tips for Selecting Suitable To Kill a Mocking Bird essay topics

Choosing the right To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics is necessary for drafting papers that fetch good marks. Accurate selection also captures readers’ interest from the start. Below are tips for selecting titles for To Kill a Mockingbird essays .

• Brainstorm your To Kill a Mockingbird essay ideas to determine their suitability. 
• Choose topics that you can easily research without facing unnecessary difficulties defending your ideas.
• Your potential titles must interest readers.
• Select TKAM essay topics you are genuinely passionate about so you can easily research and write about them.
• If possible, let your trusted friends or classmates give their feedback on the prospective topics before choosing them.

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics About Racism

Racism is one of the leading themes in this novel. Here are sample To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics for future consideration. 

• Describe the racist attitudes expressed by people in Maycomb County.
• Describe how racism impacts this novel’s characters.
• Discuss the trial of Tom Robinson and how it exposes racism.
• Explore Atticus Finch’s views on racism and how they change in the novel.
• Describe how racism impacts the relationships between the novel’s characters.
• What does the trial of Tom Robinson say about racism in the so-called “land of the free?”
• How does this novel expose the prejudices African Americans face across the United States today?

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Titles About the Family

Family is a central theme in this novel. Here are great To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics for jumpstarting you.

• Discuss the various types of families represented in this novel.
• Explore how the family shaped the characters in this novel.
• Dissect Atticus Finch as a father figure in the novel.
• Discuss how Scout’s family affected her development.
• Explain how the absence of mother figures affects the characters in this thriller. 
• Explore how parents influence their children.
• Discuss the family and how Lee presents the American family model. 

Good Research Topics for To Kill A Mockingbird About Injustice

Injustice dots this novel’s landscape. Here are inspiring To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics on this theme.

• Discuss how injustice manifests through Tom Robinson’s trial. 
• Explore how injustice flows through the novel .
• Discuss how the characters in the book handle injustice.
• How does injustice affect human relationships in the novel?
• Discuss Atticus Finch’s perspectives on justice.
• Explore unjust persecution as a central theme in this novel.
• Explore the plight of stereotyped victims in the novel.

Top To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Questions

Asking and answering the right questions is critical to understanding this thrilling novel . It also helps generate suitable To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics . Below are the top questions to ask.

• How old is Atticus Finch?
• What does Mrs. Maudie’s Nut Grass epitomize in the thrilling novel? 
• Are femininity and the power of women still relevant in modern American society?
• How does this book represent fathers?
• What is the main theme in the novel?  
• How does this novel present racism in the 1930s?
• What are the most vital lessons people can learn from this book?
• Are the novel’s themes still relevant?
• Why is Atticus Finch a hero in this novel?
• What does this novel teach modern society about family life, values, and bonds?
• What would you describe as this novel’s climax?
• How does this book expose prejudice and hypocrisy?
• How does this American masterpiece benefit students?
• How can readers connect to the social setting in the thriller? 
• Who is the novel’s protagonist?

Closing Remarks

Succeeding in To Kill a Mockingbird theme essays requires a careful selection of suitable To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics . Therefore, we provided you with the best sample topic ideas to help you succeed in your future assignments. We also give tips to help you choose the right titles.

Do you still need further assistance with To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics or any other academic task? Go ahead and contact us for timely help.

Critique of a Literary Work

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A critique of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” would explore the various literary elements that contribute to its status as a significant work in American literature, addressing themes such as racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence. Here’s an example of how such a critique might be structured and articulated:

Critique of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Title and Author: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Overview: Harper Lee’s novel is set in the 1930s in the Deep South and follows the Finch family: attorney Atticus Finch, his daughter Scout, and son Jem. It is narrated from Scout’s point of view, capturing both her childhood experiences and the societal attitudes towards race and class during the Great Depression.

Themes: The predominant theme of racial injustice is vividly portrayed through the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man unjustly accused of raping a white woman. Lee uses this trial as a vehicle to explore the deep-seated racial tensions and the integrity of individuals like Atticus Finch who stand against societal norms to uphold justice. The novel also delves into themes of moral and psychological growth as Scout and Jem confront harsh realities and learn to overcome their prejudices.

Character Development: Lee’s characters are deeply nuanced and evolve significantly throughout the novel. Scout, the protagonist, transitions from a naïve child to a more aware individual, influenced by her father’s steadfast moral principles and the broader social injustices she witnesses. Atticus Finch is portrayed as a moral hero, embodying virtues of empathy, justice, and paternal kindness, which serve as moral benchmarks in the story.

Narrative Technique: The narrative technique of seeing the world through Scout’s eyes allows readers to engage with the complexities of race and justice in a personal and profound way. Lee’s use of a child narrator also facilitates a critique of societal norms with a freshness that an adult perspective may lack, making the social critiques more poignant and impactful.

Symbolism: Symbols such as the mockingbird, which represents innocence and goodness, play significant roles in the novel. Lee illustrates how both the bird and innocent men like Tom Robinson are destroyed by cruel societal prejudices. The Radley house also symbolizes the fear of the unknown and ultimately, the loss of innocence.

Literary Impact and Relevance: “To Kill a Mockingbird” remains profoundly influential for its poignant handling of its themes. It challenges readers to reflect on their perceptions of race and justice and inspires discussions on morality and human rights. Its relevance continues in contemporary contexts, where issues of prejudice and injustice persist.

Criticism: While widely acclaimed, the novel has faced criticism for its portrayal of African American characters, who some critics argue are too passively depicted and overly reliant on white advocacy for their liberation. Furthermore, some argue that the narrative overly idealizes Atticus, simplifying complex racial issues through his heroic portrayal.

Conclusion: “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a masterful exploration of race, morality, and human empathy. Despite its criticisms, it effectively uses its narrative style, character development, and thematic depth to engage readers and provoke thought about fundamental human rights and the social structures that challenge them.

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