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Social Barriers in To Kill a Mockingbird


            Harper Lee's critically acclaimed novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, looks deeply into the beliefs and opinions of the characters and further analyzes the prejudice, racial stigma, and social barrier that took place. The story is told through the eyes of a young, adventurous girl, Scout, giving the novel an innocent and uncorrupted perspective of the society. Due to the abundance of prejudice in Maycomb County, many people were judged without getting known and, therefore, were outcasted. The novel refers to these people as Mockingbirds, hence the title. Atticus tells the kids "it is a sin to kill a mockingbird" because "they don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy" (Lee 119). Mockingbirds later become the symbol of victims of prejudice and innocent people who are outcasted and ridiculed due to the flaws of society. Some examples of mockingbirds throughout the book include Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley. Atticus Finch defended Tom Robinson, a black man, in a 'predetermined' court case, and despite their innocence and good-nature, were ridiculed. Boo Radley, on the other hand, is the estranged resident in Maycomb who is perceived as a monster until the end of the novel. Despite people's views and opinions of these mockingbirds, they are all the epitome of kindness and courage, and innocence who were misunderstood due to prior prejudice and bias. They make many sacrifices to help those around them, yet are judged by the public. .
             Throughout Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley emerge as mockingbirds, symbolizing the prejudice and discrimination of Maycomb County. Scout's father, Atticus Finch, a brave, courageous, and courteous man is an example of a mockingbird. Being a loving and caring parent, Atticus teaches his kids everything he can such as fairness and equality for all races, classes, and backgrounds.


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