Prejudice is a common problem during the early quarter of the twentieth century. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, this problem is evident in the town of Maycomb. Characters such as Boo Radley, Atticus Finch, and Tom Robinson are all victims of prejudice, and all three characters are plagued by this. Prejudice affects them all differently, crippling and disabling them from acting as they wish.
Boo Radley: The Recluse Victim of Prejudice
In the novel, Boo Radley is a victim of prejudice. Boo Radley is not accepted nor does he fit into Maycomb society because he is different from others. He is not normal, so he is punished by a society that is very judgmental. Boo does not act like a normal person, and his actions are mysterious and abnormal to the people of Maycomb.
Isolation and Rumors
Boo Radley isolates himself from the people of Maycomb. Boo stays inside his home all day, and nobody ever sees him. After some trouble with the law, “Mr. Radley’s boy was not seen again for fifteen years” (Lee, 10). If Boo chooses to go outside, he will be unfairly viewed as a visitor from abroad because of his mysterious ways. Boo stays inside his home because he knows that his society will ridicule him. After being isolated for so many years, Boo is developmentally challenged. Boo has lost his basic social skills and will not survive outside of his home.
Subject of Speculation and Fear
Boo is the object of rumors and is viewed as the town’s erratic figure. The town speculates about what he does inside his home. People believe that Boo “went out at night when the moon was down, and peeped in windows… any stealthy small crimes committed in Maycomb were his work” (Lee, 9). The town would blame or accuse Boo for any little crime or unexplained phenomenon. Children speculate as well as the adults. The town portrays Boo Radley as a monstrosity in their society when he is just an individual who made mistakes and is a little bit diversified. This is an example of the crippling effect that prejudice has on a person.
Psychological Theories on Isolation
From a psychological perspective, Boo Radley’s isolation can be analyzed through the lens of social isolation theories. Social isolation has profound effects on mental health and social functioning. According to the Social Isolation Theory, prolonged isolation can lead to a range of psychological issues including depression, anxiety, and impaired social skills. Boo Radley’s inability to interact with the outside world is a direct consequence of the prejudice and fear that the townspeople have projected onto him.
Atticus Finch: The Moral Compass Facing Prejudice
Atticus Finch is another victim of prejudice in the novel. After being appointed to defend Tom Robinson, the town exhibits prejudice towards him. The townspeople believe that Atticus should not present a proper defense for Tom, but Atticus fully intends to do so because he believes in equal rights and does not believe in prejudice or racism.
Standing Against Social Norms
Atticus’s decision to defend Tom Robinson is a significant act of moral courage. Despite knowing that he and his family will face backlash, Atticus stands firm in his principles. The townspeople view his actions as a betrayal of social norms and racial boundaries. This prejudice manifests in various forms, from derogatory comments to outright hostility.
The Burden of Integrity
Atticus’s integrity and commitment to justice make him a target of prejudice. His willingness to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman in the deeply racist South places him at odds with the majority of Maycomb’s residents. This conflict illustrates the societal pressure to conform to prejudiced norms and the personal cost of standing against them.
Ethical Theories and Moral Philosophy
Atticus’s actions can be examined through the framework of ethical theories, particularly deontological ethics. Deontological ethics, as proposed by philosopher Immanuel Kant, focuses on the adherence to duty and principles regardless of the consequences. Atticus embodies this ethical stance by defending Tom Robinson out of a sense of duty to justice and equality, even though it brings him and his family considerable suffering.
Tom Robinson: The Innocent Sufferer
Tom Robinson is perhaps the most tragic victim of prejudice in the novel. As a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Tom faces the harshest manifestations of racial prejudice. His trial and its aftermath highlight the deeply entrenched racism in Maycomb.
Unfair Trial and Conviction
Tom Robinson’s trial is a stark representation of the systemic racism present in the judicial system. Despite clear evidence of his innocence, the all-white jury convicts him solely based on the color of his skin. This miscarriage of justice reflects the widespread belief in the inherent guilt of black men and the devaluation of their lives.
The Ultimate Price
Tom’s conviction and subsequent death while trying to escape from prison underscore the fatal consequences of prejudice. His fate is a direct result of the societal racism that deems him guilty without proper evidence and refuses to see him as a human being deserving of justice.
Sociological Theories on Racism
Tom Robinson’s experience can be analyzed using sociological theories on racism, particularly Institutional Racism Theory. This theory posits that racism is embedded within the laws, policies, and practices of societal institutions. Tom’s trial and conviction are clear examples of institutional racism, where the judicial system fails to protect the rights of black individuals and instead upholds racist ideologies.
The Town of Maycomb: A Microcosm of Prejudice
The town of Maycomb displays prejudice against Boo Radley, Atticus Finch, and Tom Robinson in different ways. They are all indefensible in society and there is nothing they can say or do to prevent discrimination against themselves. By the end of the novel, Maycomb seems to begin a positive change from prejudice. Society is now beginning to understand that Boo, Atticus, and Tom’s differences are what give them character, and without their differences, life in Maycomb would be monotonous.
The Evolution of Social Attitudes
The gradual change in Maycomb’s social attitudes towards prejudice is a significant theme in the novel. Characters like Scout and Jem Finch, who grow up witnessing the injustices in their town, begin to question and challenge the prejudiced beliefs held by their community. This shift represents the potential for societal change and the importance of educating younger generations about equality and justice.
The Role of Empathy
Empathy plays a crucial role in combating prejudice. Throughout the novel, Atticus teaches his children the importance of understanding others by putting themselves in their shoes. This empathetic approach helps Scout and Jem see Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, and even their father in a new light, recognizing their humanity beyond societal labels and prejudices.
Theoretical Perspectives on Prejudice
The novel’s exploration of prejudice can be connected to various psychological and sociological theories. One such theory is the Contact Hypothesis, proposed by psychologist Gordon Allport. The hypothesis suggests that under appropriate conditions, interpersonal contact is one of the most effective ways to reduce prejudice between majority and minority group members. The novel illustrates this theory through the interactions between the Finch family and the marginalized characters, highlighting the transformative power of empathy and understanding.
Conclusion
To Kill a Mockingbird masterfully depicts the devastating effects of prejudice on individuals and society. Boo Radley, Atticus Finch, and Tom Robinson each face unique challenges due to the biases and judgments of their community. The novel not only sheds light on the personal suffering caused by prejudice but also offers hope for change through empathy and understanding. As Maycomb begins to recognize the value of its diverse characters, the story encourages readers to confront and challenge their own prejudices, fostering a more just and inclusive society.