Table of ContentsIntroductionDepiction of Racism in To Kill a MockingbirdEffects of Racism on To Kill a Mockingbird's CharactersResponse to Racial Conflict in HistoryConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionOrdinarily called simple dividing lines, the boundaries are Commonly used metaphors in novels. Limits are set by society or individuals. They define who people really are, including their desires, fears, and limitations. They can range from physical and psychological to social and racial. Borders can also divide communities and cause societal tensions. There is strong racial conflict between African Americans and whites in To Kill a Mockingbird. The conflict arises from the racial boundaries that thrive in the small town of Maycomb. Scout, the narrator, looks back on her past and talks about how racism developed in Maycomb when she was younger. Lee uses Scout's memories to describe how the power of racial boundaries affects the town of Maycomb. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Portrayal of Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird The power of racism in the 1930s is illustrated through Scout's memories. When the jury in the Tom Robinson trial returns to the courtroom after voting, they move slowly and do not look at Tom. Scout described it as "... like watching Atticus walk down the street, raise a gun to his shoulder and pull the trigger [...] knowing the gun was empty" (282), which refers to clearly on the scene of Tim Johnson. Scout describes Atticus and the jury as “underwater swimmers” (127, 282). The jury acts as if they themselves were guilty of the crime. They make Tom Robinson guilty since he is African-American. The power of racism is an overwhelming factor that affects him and his fate in court. Later, as the children return home from the trial with Atticus, Jem says, "That's not right, Atticus." » Atticus replies, “No, my son, that is not right. » We walked home. (284). Scout uses the last sentence of "we went home" to make it clear to readers that the conversation ended on that note, showing how Atticus is not at all surprised. He's seen cases like Tom Robinson's in which racism plays a role. This is not surprising, and the way Scout tells readers about her memories subtly shows this. Once again, the power of racism dictates the trial verdict in cases involving race. After the trial, Jem continually asks Atticus more questions about why the jury can't reduce the sentence. Atticus responds, "No jury in this part of the world will say, 'We think you're guilty, but not really,' for a charge like that." Either it was an outright acquittal or nothing.'” (294). Since Scout remembers this specific thing Atticus said and chooses to tell the readers it, it is important to know that an important idea is being described. Atticus' dialogue shows that the jury would side entirely with or against African Americans, which illustrates the power the jury has in racial cases. White racism against African Americans in Maycomb is powerful enough to give the death penalty to an African American who didn't even commit the crime. Effects of Racism on the Characters of To Kill a MockingbirdScout's memories demonstrate how the residents of Maycomb are affected by racism. When Jem and Scout are at church with Calpurnia, Reverend Skyes makes astatement: "'You know all the problems of Brother Tom Robinson [...] the collection business [...] go to Helen, his wife, to help him. at home” (160). This scene at the church is important for understanding the African-American side of racism. Even African Americans who are not directly accused of acting against whites are affected by racism. Scout shows through her memories how African Americans want to try to help Tom Robinson and his family, while the majority of white people don't care about them at all. Racism affects how people treat other people of the same or opposite race. This makes African Americans want to help each other and causes whites to distrust blacks, just as they distrust Tom Robinson. Racism also causes tension between simply being classified as white or African American. For example, when the mixed-race children are introduced before the trial, Jem explains to Scout where they fit in society: “'The colored people won't get them because they're half white; white people won't get them because they are colored. » (215). The mixed-race children are suddenly involved in the trial story, and it is no coincidence that Scout chooses to include this part of her story. She wants us to understand. Because of racism, mixed-race children fall between whites and African-Americans. They are not part of either racial group because both reject them. As Jem says, they “don’t belong anywhere” (215). Other characters in the novel, despite belonging to a racial group, feel as if racism has taken hold of Maycomb. Jem suspects this of Arthur (Boo) Radley. When Jem talks to Scout about the social structure in Maycomb, he says, "...I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley has been cooped up in the house all this time...he wants to stay inside." » (304). Scout chooses to include this dialogue rather than expand on what she and Jem were previously discussing. She wants readers to know that this is an important passage, choosing to end the chapter on this note. The quote itself says how Boo Radley creates a boundary between himself and Maycomb. He separates himself from the racism that is growing and developing in the community, which shows how much he is affected by racism. Response to Racial Conflict in StoryScout Scout's memories show how the people of Maycomb respond to racism. When Scout asks Atticus if he defends "niggers" as the kids at school say, he responds, "'Don't say nigger, Scout. It’s common’” (99). Scout chooses to say this to the readers, demonstrating that Atticus' tone seems casual but offended. Atticus seems disgusted but not surprised by the racism in Maycomb. There is a similar reaction from Jem when one day he and Scout pass Mrs. Dubose's house. Mrs. Dubose shouts, "Not just a Finch waiting on the tables, but another one in the courthouse pleading for the niggers." » (135). Scout shows how significant the insult is by adding "Mrs. Dubose's shot had hit home and she knew it" (135). Jem is angry at Mrs. Dubose for insulting Atticus and because she is racist towards African Americans. It is inferred here that since Atticus helps African Americans like Tom Robinson in trials, Jem does not care. He sees African-Americans differently than Ms. Dubose, for example, who makes it clear that she doesn't think of the majority of them. Similar to Mrs. Dubose's views on racism, Bob Ewell uses racism to convict Tom Robinson of a crime. Bob Ewell is declared innocent at trial because of this racism. However, Atticus manages to damage his reputation by providing proof that Tom Robinson did not violate, 1960.