Hypocrisy and Racism in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that explores the themes of hypocrisy and racism in the 1930s American South. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, the young protagonist, Lee exposes the contradictions and injustices prevalent in a society that claims to uphold principles of equality and justice. This essay will delve into the instances of hypocrisy in the novel, specifically related to racism, and analyze their implications on the characters and the broader social context.

The Hypocrisy of Racism

Racism is a central theme in "To Kill a Mockingbird," and the novel exposes the hypocrisy of a society that claims to be fair and just while perpetuating racial discrimination. One of the most significant examples of hypocrisy is seen in the treatment of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape. Despite the lack of evidence against him and the clear innocence he portrays, the town's white community automatically assumes his guilt due to the color of his skin.

Atticus Finch, Scout's father and the novel's moral compass, is acutely aware of this hypocrisy. He defends Tom Robinson in court, despite knowing that the odds are stacked against them in a racially biased society. Atticus recognizes the injustice of the situation, and his defense of Tom highlights the hypocrisy that exists within the legal system. The trial serves as a microcosm of the larger society, where racism taints the pursuit of justice.

Furthermore, the town's response to Atticus' defense of Tom Robinson showcases the deep-rooted racism and hypocrisy present within Maycomb. Many of the townspeople, who claim to be upholders of justice, reveal their true colors by condemning Atticus for his actions. They view his defense of a black man as an act of betrayal, demonstrating the hypocrisy of their supposed values of fairness and equality.

The Implications of Hypocrisy

The hypocrisy portrayed in "To Kill a Mockingbird" has far-reaching implications on the characters and the society as a whole. It exposes the flaws in a system that preaches equality but practices discrimination. The characters who embody this hypocrisy, such as Bob Ewell and Mayella Ewell, exemplify the deep-rooted racism that perpetuates injustice.

Bob Ewell, the white man who accuses Tom Robinson of rape, represents the lowest rung of society in Maycomb. His hypocritical actions stem from his desire to maintain a sense of superiority over black individuals. By falsely accusing Tom, Bob seeks to reinforce the racial hierarchy that allows him to exert power over others. His racism is not only hypocritical but also dangerous, as it leads to the destruction of an innocent man's life.

Mayella Ewell, Bob's daughter, is another character who embodies hypocrisy. Despite the abuse she endures from her father, Mayella falsely accuses Tom of rape to divert attention away from her own actions. By doing so, she perpetuates the racist stereotypes that black men are dangerous and sexually aggressive, thus furthering the hypocrisy of a society that claims to be fair and just.

Conclusion

"To Kill a Mockingbird" exposes the hypocrisy and racism prevalent in the 1930s American South. Through the characters and their actions, Harper Lee portrays a society that claims to uphold principles of equality and justice but fails to do so due to deep-rooted racism. The instances of hypocrisy, particularly in relation to racism, reveal the contradictions and injustices that exist within this society.

By shedding light on these issues, Lee invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of hypocrisy and racism in their own lives. The novel serves as a reminder that the fight against racism and hypocrisy is ongoing and requires active engagement from individuals to create a more just and equitable society.

Bibliography

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. HarperCollins Publishers, 1960.