Fear and hate go hand-in-hand, resulting in a display of social injustice and prejudice in our society. Often the victims of these negative societal judgements are themselves innocent of any wrongdoing. Harper Lee's novel, "To A Mockingbird", deals with these themes and issues. Not only must the main characters cope with injustice, but several other characters in Lee's Maycomb must face the results of a variety of injustices. Three such characters who face injustice in "To Kill a Mockingbird", by Harper Lee are Mayella Ewell, Atticus Finch, and Dolphus Raymond. .
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Mayella Ewell is an innocent young woman who is shown social injustice. Her father beats and abuses her for no reason, to pass the blame he ridicules her in front of the town. "Mayella looked from under lowered eyelids at Atticus, but she said to the judge 'Long 's he keeps on callin' me ma'am an sayin' Miss Mayella. I don't hafta take his sass, I ain't called upon to take it.'" (Lee 182) Mayella does not understand that Atticus is being polite to her because no one else has before, she doesn't know how to respond, except with sarcasm and assuptions. The Judge tries to explain it to her, but she still does not understand. She has never been shown any respect just because she has a bad name. .
Atticus Finch experienced injustice as a result of racial injustice being used against Tom Robinson, because Atticus chose to defend him. In the town of Maycomb if a black man is accused, he is guilty. Even though there is no evidence, Tom was still guilty. Atticus knew the "trial was over" before it started, but still Atticus chose to fight for what he thought was right. .
'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 .
coudln't hold up my head in town, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again.
