Reader Response Essay 1

"In our courts, when its a white mans word against a black mans, the white man
always wins. Theyre ugly, but those are the facts of life."(Pg. 295) From this quoted
dialogue in the novel of To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, racism among society is
one of the key issue that was highlighted to the readers.
In To Kill A Mockingbird, I have gained an understanding of life among the
black and white people in the early 1920s in Southern America. In Maycomb, there were
strict social classes practiced. The white people had their own social classes and then
only come the black people which were placed below the white people. Most of the
whites do not mingle with the black people as the white people were brought up to be
prejudiced against the black people. Racism was clearly shown from the plot of Tom
Robinsons trial. Tom Robinson was an innocent coloured man who was accused of
raping Mayella Ewell, a white girl. He was proven not guilty although there were
sufficient evidences found by Atticus Finch. However, in Maycomb, the white will never
accept the fact that a black man can win over a white man, so, the jury which were
made up of all white men, ignored all the evidences and convicted Tom.
Harper Lee also used some symbolism in her writing which can help the readers
to understand better the characters and events in this story. For example, Atticus said to
Jem one day, "I'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after
birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a
mockingbird."(Pg. 119) A mockingbird is an innocent bird which it is not harmful but
sings for human, so to kill something that is harmless is terribly wrong or against
humanity. In this novel, Harper Lee inserts the harmless characteristic of a mockingbird
into Toms character. Tom Robinson is a hard working guy who works for Link Deas and
he never caused him any problem. Unfortunately, his courtesy in giving aid to Mayella
Ewell whenever she needs help was his biggest mistake. Mayella used her advantage
as a white to accuse Tom although he was innocent and Tom being a black, had to
suffer over something he did not do. Although Atticus managed to find evidences to
defend him, but because he was black, his chances in winning this case were very slim.
Next, are the characteristics of Mayella Ewells father, Bob Ewell. He was an
irresponsible man. He was also selfish, mean, and rude. He was a white who hated
black people. He kept called Tom a nigger although he was in a courtroom. The racist
view of the jury had helped him won the case over Tom Robinson. He was also mad at
Atticus Finch and wanted to take revenge because Atticus made a fool of him during the
trial just to defend a black man. This can be clearly seen with Bobs act this morning
Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him
hed get him if it took the rest of his life. From this quotation, we as the reader will be
wondering what he will do to harm Atticus for making fun of him in the court in the next
chapters. Harper Lee used foreshadowing technique to insert some suspense element
in the story.
To sum it up, Harper Lee described on how people that lived in that era dealt with
racism and these will definitely help the readers to broaden their views on racism issues.
In my opinion, when Atticus said: But there is one way in this country in which all men
are created equal there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a
Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and ignorant man the equal of any
college presidentall men are created equal.(Pg. 274) made me realize that people
should be treated equally and everyone has the right to defend himself or herself and to
have his or her own opportunity in life. If racism problem can be overcome efficiently,
unity among the society will surely create a better future.