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H 2 >And I thought to myself, well, were making a step-its just a baby step, but its a step. Do you agree with Miss Maudie that Maycomb has advanced as a result of the Tom Robinson case? To Kill a Mockingbird, crafted expressly, intricately and beautifully by Harper Lee exhibits the unrelenting Maycomb, a small town with big issues. This classical marvel along with its authentic humour, is intertwined with the bigot and prejudice views of the township. The commencement of the Tom Robinson trial, in which a Negro is unjustly charged with the sexual assault of a young white girl triggers an onslaught towards blacks by the white people with horrific outcomes.
But, it is one white mans attempt to make things just with all people that leads to remarkable results. Atticus Finch sets a standard of morality and wisdom. Through his influence and although his case is lost, Miss Maudie utters that the town is making a step (p. 238). This factual response is justifiable, as we notice the abnormal amount of discussing taking place behind the jury doors, some characters new analysis of the Negroes and foretelling that the younger generations can bring new hope for the disease infested town of Maycomb.
Throughout much of the depression, Negroes have suffered from frequent massacres, threats and sexual assaults. Worse still is the ongoing ridicule the blacks faced even after they had been set free. Since the early years of freedom and when blacks were allowed to defend their name and innocence in court, they received harsh jail terms even if they were innocent. As the astute Reverend Sykes puts it, he had... (never) seen any jury decide in favour of a coloured man over a white man. (p. 230) The higher power, in this case, the white people, always seemed to prevail. Thus, meaning it took the jury less than four or five minutes to make their final decision. The Tom Robinson trial was relatively different from the other predictable cases.
The case in itself was significant. This particular case came along with a message, which would someday banish all prejudice between the two races. The duration of the trial is exceptionally protracted. This factor fortifies the dreary hopes of the black people. It was very atypical for the jury to take as long as two hours to come to a decision. Even the poignant Atticus had his expectations rise after seeing the jury out for a lengthy period of time.
During the days since Tom Robinsons conviction, Atticus points out to his children that there was one fellow who took considerable wearing down in the beginning he was rating for an outright acquittal. (p. 245) This particular person was in fact a Cunningham. Since the day after the attempt to kill Tom Robinson outside Maycomb County's jailhouse, the Cunningham's have obtained a new perception towards Negroes. The unknown Cunningham contributed to the time-consuming discussing between the jury. Even as typical country folk who went to extremes when dealing with Negroes, the Cunningham's prove to us that people can in fact change. Thus, making the town of Maycomb one step closer to the expulsion of narrow-mindedness. The majority of white characters in this novel all share the same and common views held against Negroes.
Their speculations are spread from one to another and soon, these gullible minds evolve to become one, big, unyielding disease. But remarkably, some minor characters were providential enough to stay immune from the chauvinism. Astute people such as Heck Tate, Dolphus Raymond, B. B. Underwood and Link Deas stay focused on the right path, and have a perception onto one race only. Maycomb County's leading sheriff, Heck Tate is one of the few who does not side with any one particular race.
He is a decent and level minded man who tries to his utmost ability to protect the innocent from danger. He is an honest and upstanding man and his ability to dispel any bigotry earns him the respect of Atticus and the Finch children. Dolphus Raymond, although white, decides to settle on marrying a black woman and produce mixed children. His behaviour is supposedly due to his frequent drinking, but we soon learn that Dolphus Raymond prefers to live with blacks because he is simply jaded by the hypocrisy of the white people. The publisher of Maycomb's newspaper, Mr.
Underwood is a rational man with a sympathetic nature toward cripples especially. Although not very fond of blacks, he writes in his editorial that the death of Tom Robinson associates with the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children. (p. 265) Although not exactly keen on blacks, he still did write an editorial - on behalf of Tom Robinson Tom Robinsons past employer, Link Deas is another face of tolerance. He has a strong willingness to look past prejudice and praise the integrity of Tom. With this, he hires Helen Robinson.
The presence of Helen at his work shop is futile, because Link didnt really need her (Helen), but he said he felt right bad about the way things turned out. (p. 274) Here, Link Deas shows his sympathetic nature. He is also somewhat of a deity to Helen Robinson. It is he who drives Bob Ewell from pestering and threatening Helen. These characters are a few of the ever-changing people in Maycomb. These people play a dramatic role in bringing the town of Maycomb a step closer to changing, as they become conscious to the fact that all Negroes are human too. The upbringing of life can lead to positive results.
That is, if you raise children in the proper manner. One person who has done this exceptionally well is Atticus Finch. His two children, Jeremy (Jem) and Jean Louise (Scout) have been raised with the fact that all people are equal. Their appreciation of human goodness is admirable, and thus, influences their new mate Charles Baker Harris (Dill). These three young minds bring hope that will eventually banish all hatred in their hometown.
Their sympathetic approach to human nature maybe the key into inducing other children to realise the importance of kindness towards the opposite race. From the beginning of the trial, we see the determination of the children to cast out the injustice taking place. Jem, especially, carries a strong hope of changing the town by becoming a lawyer and changing the townsfolk's perception on each other and the opposite race. Atticus influence on the Maycomb citizens had a huge impact.
The children can accomplish just as much as Atticus. Their mature insight into the world suggests that their views will play a major role in re-shaping Maycomb. The childrens impact on society will be a advantage for all. They, like Atticus, will be the benefactors in guiding Maycomb to end discrimination of all kinds, thus, creating one more step in the race to ban prejudice of all nature. Lees portrayal of Maycomb is, in a sense, pragmatic. We learn that from bad things, come good.
Even though Maycomb is obstinate in acceptance, hope still lies for the township. Maycomb has made some steps in advancing as a town. The changing characters in the novel will be a boon to all Maycomb citizens, as they provide the backbone of an ever-strengthening new stand against prejudice. Progress does take time, but perseverance will surmount over this relentless task.
Maycomb will soon shine with the radiance of peace. Though they havent progressed a great deal, they still did manage to make some small steps. The fight for justice in the small country town will not cease, for, as long as the town has determination, absolutely nothing can hinder their walk to reach tolerance And, after all, some steps are better than no steps at all.
Free research essays on topics related to: town of maycomb, dolphus raymond, heck tate, tom robinson, atticus finch
Research essay sample on Town Of Maycomb Atticus Finch
