The Innocence of Tom Robinson: an Analysis of Quotes

Introduction

In Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," Tom Robinson is more than just a character; he's the embodiment of innocence caught in the crossfire of prejudice and injustice. Through various parts of the book, Tom's innocence gets spotlighted, showcasing both his character and the unfair treatment he endures. This essay dives into those moments, breaking them down to understand their role in highlighting not just Tom's innocence but also the bigger themes Lee tackles.

'The Innocence of Tom Robinson: An Analysis of Quotes'

Thesis: In "To Kill a Mockingbird," quotes about Tom Robinson's innocence shine a light on how unfairly he's treated and reveal the deep-seated racial bias in Maycomb.

Exploring the Innocence of Tom Robinson in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

One quote that nails down Tom's innocence is when Atticus Finch, who's defending him, calls him a "harmless, peace-loving Negro man." This paints Tom as someone gentle and non-threatening. Even with all the accusations flying around, he's still this beacon of kindness. This line backs up our main idea by showing Tom as innocent, harmless even. Yet it also throws into sharp relief the racial biases rampant in Maycomb, where being innocent doesn't shield you from being treated unfairly because of your skin color.

Then there's Mayella Ewell shouting out her accusation: "I got somethin' to say an' then I ain't gonna say no more. That nigger yonder took advantage of me..." It screams injustice. There's zero evidence backing her claim, but Tom gets pegged guilty right off the bat just 'cause he's black. This quote supports our thesis by underlining how Tom's race seals his fate from the get-go. Maycomb society values a white person's word over any evidence to the contrary, no matter who's really innocent or guilty.

Tom himself says to Atticus, "Mr. Finch, I tried. I tried to 'thout bein' ugly to her..." His words come straight from a place of honesty and integrity. Even with false charges against him, he sticks to his story about treating Mayella with respect. This quote aligns with our thesis by putting emphasis on Tom's honesty and moral fiber—traits overlooked during his trial simply due to his race.

And then there's Atticus’ wisdom about mockingbirds: "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us... That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." It's pretty clear that this symbolizes Tom's innocence and the wrongs done against him. Here’s where our thesis ties back in—hurting someone as innocent as Tom is akin to killing a mockingbird. The statement also underscores society’s moral decay where unjust accusations bring down innocents.

Conclusion

"To Kill a Mockingbird" makes it crystal clear through different quotes that Tom Robinson embodies innocence while facing raw injustice. These lines highlight racial prejudice alive and kicking in Maycomb and underline how broken his trial was from start to finish. They paint pictures of his kind nature, groundless allegations against him, his unyielding honesty—all woven together with that powerful mockingbird symbol.

Through these passages, Harper Lee isn’t just telling a story; she’s holding up a mirror to society’s flaws and prejudices urging everyone who reads it to think harder about racial injustice. When you look closely at these lines, they serve as a potent reminder about how destructive prejudice can be and why standing up for justice is crucial—even when everything seems stacked against you.

Diving deep into these quotes helps readers grasp themes threaded throughout "To Kill a Mockingbird," nudging them towards challenging those racial biases they might carry themselves.

Bibliography

• Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. HarperCollins Publishers, 2015.
• Samuels, Charles Thomas Jr., editor. The Critical Response to Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Greenwood Press, 1994.
• Kirkus Reviews Staff (1960). Review: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Kirkus Reviews.
• Barker, Deborah E., et al., editors. A Companion to the Literature and Culture of the American South. Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2004.
• Patterson James T., The Truth About “Harper Lee”, University Press Library Journal Publications 1966 (Library Of Congress).