Inequality and Prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Sample

Throughout the novel “To kill a mockingbird”, one of the themes being expressed is the idea and effects of social and racial inequality and prejudice. The racial and social issues expressed throughout the novel were illustrated by social classes, Tom Robionsion, and “the quarters”. The social classes of Maycomb are demonstrated by how certain families are treated and affected because of their finances. Tom Robinson helps illustrate racial prejudice because of how the majority of Maycomb treated him. The quarters help emphasize racial inequality because its purpose is to segregate black people.

The social classes in Maycomb help illustrate the social inequality and prejudice that finances cause throughout the town. Social inequality affects most of Maycomb, including the Cunninghams and Ewells. “There’s four kinds of folks in this world. There’s the ordinary kind like us and the neighbors, there’s the kind like the Cunninghams out in the woods, the kind like the Ewells down at the dump, and the Negros” (Lee 302). In Maycomb, the Cunninghams and Ewells are discriminated against and looked down on because of the extreme poverty the two families face. The two families face being treated unfairly and differently because of their social status. 

Tom Robinson helps illustrate racial inequality and prejudice because of how the majority of Maycomb treated him. Tom was accused of raping Mayella Ewell, and without proof, he was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. There was enough reasonable doubt shown within the trial that Tom realistically could not have commited the crime, but because he was a black man, they found him guilty. “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 119).  This quote can correlate to Tom because Tom was an innocent man who went out of his way to make Mayella’s life a bit easier, and in exchange he is accused and convicted of rape without any evidence simply because he is a black man. 

The Quarters help emphasize racial and social prejudice and inequality throughout Maycomb. “The Quarters” is an area of housing set aside for black people to live. “I don’t think it's a good habit, Atticus. It encourages them. You know how they talk among themselves. Everything that happens in this town’s out to the quarters before sundown” (Lee 210). The quarters were formally used to keep slaves and was located outside of the town. The segregation of black people in Maycomb helps illustrate racial and social inequality. 

The novel “To kill a mockingbird” has a strong theme of racial and social inequality and prejudice. The racial and social issues expressed throughout the novel were illustrated by social classes, “the quarters”, and Tom Robinson. Tom Robionsons wrongful conviction illustrates systematic racial inequality. The social classes discussed help illustrate the effects of social inequality. “The quarters” demonstrate the racial inequality that segregation causes. These examples help clearly illustrate the inequality and prejudice the people of Maycomb express towards people of color and people with poor social status.