To Kill A Mockingbird Societal Structure Essay - 997 Words

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee explores the consequences of a societal structure founded on bigotry, racism, prejudice, and the hunger for power. Lee employs a variety of literary techniques to portray the consequences of Maycomb’s errant societal structure or even social hierarchy. Thus, Lee uses 1930s Maycomb to critique and evaluate the flaws in her own 1960s America. A particular incident which is central to Lee’s underlying message is the trial of Tom Robinson. Robinson’s trial serves to reveal the institutionalisation of racism and bigotry, as well as the insatiable thirst for power created by the social hierarchy. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses Maycomb to exhibit the faults of a societal structure dependent upon†¦show more content†¦Through the use of Tom Robinson’s trial, Harper Lee suggests that a society founded on principles of hate both alienates and persecutes innocents and those who do not conform to its prejudicial constitution. In sum, this incident reveals the consequences of being a mockingbird in Maycomb, while also conveying Lee’s underlying message of the defects of a society founded on a systemic and institutionalised doctrine of hate. In doing so, Lee criticizes the existing systemic prejudice in the 1960s-social structure of America. Harper Lee, through her book, also denotes the repercussions of a power-based societal structure, in order to highlight the same flaws in her own contemporary society. Tom Robinson’s trial is an incident in which several characters’ craving for power becomes known. One such character is Bob Ewell, Mayella’s father. Lee portrays Bob Ewell as the personification of the hunger for power. Ewell serves to reveal the ironic nature of the town’s social hierarchy. Ewell covets power, his actions and words are all stemmed from his thirst for power and dominance. Ironically, Ewell does not actually acquire supremacy from those above him, but instead targets and attacks those below him, like Tom Robinson and his own daughter. During his questioning, Bob accuses: â€Å"That black nigger yonder ruttin’ on my Mayella! [Page 175]† In just one sentence, BobShow MoreRelatedFinal Film Critique: Crash (2004)2178 Words   |  9 Pagescircumstances and addresses how racial stereotypes and prejudices impact our society by causing a separation of customs, ignoring human and civil rights, and demonstrating how racism can cause moral, cultural and economical suffering. This detailed essay will address the cinematic elements employed throughout the movie, and provide a critical analysis on the various components and techniques used to create this compelling and powerful film. Crash is a movie that involves several different storiesRead MoreInterpretation of the Text13649 Words   |  55 Pages We can read it as a form of history, biography, or autobiography. We can read it as an example of linguistic structures or rhetorical conventions manipulated for special effect. We can view it as a material product of the culture that produced it. We can see it as an expression of beliefs and values of a particular class. We can also see a work of literature as a selfcontained structure of words - as writing that calls attention to itself, to its own images and forms. Viewed in this light, literature