Discrimination Through Jem Finch's Perspective in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Introduction

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic book that digs into themes like racial injustice, moral growth, and social gaps in the American South during the 1930s. One of the key characters, Jem Finch, faces these tricky issues as he grows up and starts understanding the world better. This essay looks at how Jem Finch’s experiences and observations show the deep-rooted discrimination in Maycomb County. By looking closely at important quotes from Jem, we get a peek into how his character mirrors the wider societal biases and moral struggles people face while trying to do what's right.

Discrimination Through Jem Finch's Eyes in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Jem Finch's journey to understanding harsh racial discrimination kicks off when he sees Tom Robinson's trial. One major moment is when Jem shares his disappointment with the justice system. He says, “It’s like bein' a caterpillar in a cocoon, that’s what it is... like somethin’ asleep wrapped up in a warm place. I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least that’s what they seemed like” (Lee, Chapter 22). This quote shows Jem losing his innocence and realizing that his community's moral fabric is deeply flawed. His caterpillar comparison hints at waking up to the harsh truth that even seemingly good people can have deep prejudices.

Another big quote showing Jem’s growing understanding of discrimination is his reaction to Tom Robinson's guilty verdict. He strongly states, “It ain’t right, Atticus,” highlighting his awareness of racial injustices and his strong feelings against them (Lee, Chapter 21). This simple yet powerful statement shows Jem’s internal struggle as he deals with systemic racism surrounding him. The straightforwardness of his words reflects a child's natural sense of fairness, standing out against the biased practices adults around him uphold.

Jem’s encounters with discrimination go beyond courtrooms and into interactions with Maycomb residents. For example, when talking about their town's social hierarchy, Jem tells Scout, “There’s four kinds of folks in the 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 Negroes” (Lee, Chapter 23). This quote shows Jem trying to understand social classes and biases defining Maycomb society. His grouping of people highlights ingrained prejudices taught within their community, emphasizing that discrimination isn't just about race but also class.

Plus, Jem's empathy and sense of justice shine through in interactions with Calpurnia, their African American housekeeper. He respects her as an individual despite Maycomb's prevalent racist attitudes. When Aunt Alexandra suggests letting Calpurnia go, Jem quickly defends her by saying, “Cal’s a member of this family” (Lee, Chapter 14). This statement shows Jem rejecting discriminatory norms marginalizing African Americans. Defending Calpurnia signifies recognizing her humanity and challenging status quo rules.

Conclusion

Jem Finch’s character arc in To Kill a Mockingbird reflects broader struggles against discrimination and racial injustice in 1930s America. Through experiences and observations, Jem becomes more aware of systemic inequalities plaguing his community. His sharp remarks and strong beliefs offer readers insight into prejudice's pervasive nature impacting individuals and society overall. By analyzing key quotes from Jem, we gain deeper understanding of discrimination complexities alongside empathy's role and justice needed for tackling such issues head-on. Harper Lee portrays Jem Finch as showing personal growth potential alongside societal change opportunities amid deep-rooted biases.

References

• Lee, H. (1960). To Kill a Mockingbird. J.B. Lippincott & Co.
• Kostelnikova-Symeonidou & Apostolou (2017). Understanding Character Development: Case Study on Harper Lee's Work.
• Doyle & Johnson (2021). Social Inequality Depicted Through Literature: A Focus on Classic Novels.