'To Kill a Mocking Bird, is set in the mid- 1930's in the American county of Alabama, Maycomb 'a tired old town'. During this period, prejudice and deep-rooted racism was very rife (common) in the Southern American States. It was against black people who were not considered citizens and were named 'niggers' by the white people. The black people of the time were considered social outcasts in a society, which upheld white fundamentalist Christianity.
Harper Lee brings to our attention the prevalent traditions of this society.Probably one of the main reasons of why Maycomb is such a spiteful, racist and prejudice town is because it is a very traditional and old-fashioned town. Since many people in Maycomb believe that tradition equals prejudice, people would grow up to believe that racism and prejudice is not in fact a wrong thing and could even go to the extent to claim that they are innocent. However, Atticus in fact is a lot different from the rest of his fellow town folk, as he believes in Justice, isn't racist and most important of all, he treats others how he would like to be treated'.The ways, in which Atticus stands up as a man of reason and courage in this traditional and backward-minded environment is by the fact that Harper Lee portrays the image of Atticus as a man in shining armour, who has come to Maycomb to rid it from racism and injustice. The way in which Atticus achieves this is by employing the slow, but also effective method of 'baby steps'.
An example of this is at the trial of Tom Robinson when Atticus's inspires Mr. Walter Cunningham by his speech and as a result of this Atticus in a way had converted Mr. Cunningham towards his religion of both truth and justice.The proof that Atticus had converted Mr Cunningham to his religion is the fact that Walter tried to hold out long against his fellow jury, 'That jury took several hours'.
.. 'usually it takes 'em just a several minutes'. This highlights the fact that Walter took into account of what Atticus had said, and tried to hold out for as long as he could whilst trying his best to free Tom Robinson. Due to the reason that Walter was on his own and it was him against the rest of the jury, at the end the opposition jury eventually wore Walter down and so sadly and unjustly Tom Robinson the Mocking bird got convicted guilty.
The ways in which Maycomb is a traditional place is by the fact that it is isolated in a way from the outside world and so as a result of this it has become inward looking and now reject the truth that people like Atticus bring with them. Maycomb is also described as a tired old town and whites are segregated from the blacks. However life is still hard for some types of people such as Mr Dolphus Raymond because of the old-fashioned class system. Since everyone takes their time about things and ' people seemed to move more slowly' there are more whites than blacks.If someone brought an outsider then it would no more than a 'ripple in the community as it is extremely 'close knit' and everyone has there own place and is expected to stay in it.
Black people are at the bottom and the whites are superior to them in everything according to the people of Maycomb. Another thing that hasn't changed is that the white man's word is always listened to rather than a black mans. The missionary tea party is especially hypocritical as they are talking about the black people and Calpurnia is serving the cakes she made.Racism is rife and accepted by almost everyone in the novel.
The word 'nigger' I used whether the blacks like it or not which is absolutely a disgrace. Many people call Atticus a Nigger-lover but Atticus sees this as a compliment for defending Tom from prejudice. Atticus fights Southern tradition using the law in his speech in the court. Atticus is a typical role model for people to follow, especially Jem and Scout. Atticus is a very courageous and shows bravery through out the novel, ' I wish Bob Ewell wouldn't chew tobacco', he shows this especially while he defends Tom Robinson.
He keeps his cool while everyone taunts him and still shows his respect. He shows respect to Miss Dubose when she is being abusive, by tipping his hat and talking to her in a polite and well-mannered way. Atticus is a man who has allsorts of personalities packed in one, he his noble, courageous, polite and honourable. He has a very big influence on the reader and especially his children. I often ponder about the ways I could myself be an exact reflection of Atticus.
