Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird explores the theme of hypocrisy, particularly through the character of Mrs. Merriweather. Through her interactions and comments, Lee highlights the hypocrisy present in the society of Maycomb. This essay will analyze the instances of hypocrisy mentioned by Mrs. Merriweather and discuss their implications. By examining the nature of hypocrisy and its effects on the characters and the community, it becomes evident that Lee aims to critique the moral shortcomings of society. The hypocrites Mrs. Merriweather mentions serve as examples of the pervasive hypocrisy that exists in Maycomb.
Paragraph 1: Topic Sentence - Mrs. Merriweather’s comments on the Missionary Circle
Mrs. Merriweather mentions the hypocrites in the Missionary Circle, a group of women who pride themselves on their religious beliefs and charity work. However, their actions contradict their supposed morals. Lee uses this to highlight the hypocrisy within religious communities. Supporting evidence from the text includes quotes such as “...hypocrites, Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Buford, Mrs. Gates, and...” (Lee, 163). This quote serves as an example of the characters who are known hypocrites in the Missionary Circle. The implications of this evidence are that even those who claim to be devout Christians can exhibit hypocrisy, thus challenging the notion of religious morality.
Paragraph 2: Topic Sentence - Mrs. Merriweather’s comments on Atticus Finch
Mrs. Merriweather also mentions Atticus Finch as a hypocrite, criticizing him for defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of rape. She believes that Atticus is going against the norms and expectations of Maycomb society. The supporting evidence for this assertion can be found in the quote, “I tell you there are some good but misguided people in this town” (Lee, 234). This quote demonstrates Mrs. Merriweather's disapproval of Atticus' actions and her belief that he is hypocritical for not conforming to the racist beliefs of the community. The implications of this evidence are that hypocrisy can be seen in the disapproval of those who challenge societal norms, suggesting that the community's values are deeply flawed.
Paragraph 3: Topic Sentence - Mrs. Merriweather’s comments on the Cunninghams
Mrs. Merriweather also mentions the Cunninghams, a poor family in Maycomb, as hypocrites. She criticizes them for not accepting charity, yet they are willing to accept aid from the government. The supporting evidence for this can be found in the quote, “...I simply don’t have the time or the inclination to get involved with them. We can educate them till we’re blue in the face...” (Lee, 238). This quote shows Mrs. Merriweather's judgment of the Cunninghams and her belief that they are hypocritical for their refusal of charity. The implications of this evidence are that hypocrisy can be present even in judgments of those who are less fortunate, revealing the classist attitudes prevalent in Maycomb society.
In conclusion, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird showcases the theme of hypocrisy through the character of Mrs. Merriweather. The instances of hypocrisy she mentions, such as the hypocrites in the Missionary Circle, her criticism of Atticus Finch, and her judgment of the Cunninghams, shed light on the moral shortcomings of Maycomb society. Lee uses these examples to critique the hypocrisy that exists within religious communities, societal expectations, and classist attitudes. By exploring the implications of these instances, it becomes evident that hypocrisy pervades the community and is a major flaw in the moral fabric of Maycomb. This analysis serves as a reminder of the importance of examining our own actions and beliefs to ensure that we do not succumb to the pitfalls of hypocrisy.
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Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: HarperCollins, 1960.
