Conflicting Perspectives-to Kill a Mockingbird - 785 Words

The concept of conflicting perspectives is consistently present in Harper Lees’ novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The text asks questions about current trends in society and the attitudes that cause people to ‘act like sheep† and conform while also expressing the need for individuality. It also brings into question the way the judicial system should be beyond reproach no matter what man is on trial, whether they be white or black. In a similar manner it also shows changing attitudes in regards to racism over time and in turn establish a conflicting perspective between the reader and characters of the novel. Written in the 1960’s and set in the 1930’s, the text is removed from its immediate context as it portrays the defence of a black man,†¦show more content†¦Another conflicting perspective is set up between the readers themselves and the characters of the novel. The reader empathises with Atticus’ goal and is shocked and affronted to the racism presented in this novel. In our, the responder’s, context racism is looked down upon however Lee contrasts this to the context of her novel where racism is ever present. The common conception of the 1930’s is shown in the repetition of â€Å"Negro†,Show MoreRelatedTo Kill a Mockingbird and A Time to Kill: Similarities and Differences818 Words   |  4 PagesA Time to Kill and To Kill a Mockingbird both have a number of similarities to be compared and contrasted. Both stories can be compared in their themes about justice and racial prejudice. However, this is where the similarities end. The the mes and ideas in both novels are vastly different in shape and scope. In A Time to Kill justice is the main theme and most of the ideas are focused on justice and the gray in between the lines of black and white set by the law, racial prejudice is also touchedRead MoreTo Kill A Mockingbird Essay1505 Words   |  7 PagesJem. These laws followed the Southern societal ideas of the separation between races, but also demonstrated a division between a community where individuals held different moral ideas. To Kill a Mockingbird explores human morality from the perception of a six year old child, providing a different perspective on important issues of this time period. Scout’s understanding of morality develops from her once simple idea of an individual being either good or evil to a much more complete comprehensionRead MoreSnow Falling on Cedars, The Greasy Pole and To Kill a Mockingbird Compared1164 Words   |  5 PagesThrough composers use of conflicting perspectives, a div erse set of values are presented, offering responders insight and a deeper understanding of political, social and economic incongruities within society. David Guterson’s courtroom drama, Snow Falling On Cedars (1994) utilises the symbolic setting of the court trial and the island of San Piedro as a microcosm to reflect the embedded racial discrimination within American society. The characterisation of Ishmael, as an embittered individual allowsRead MoreLoss of Innocence in Raisin in the Sun and To Kill a Mockingbird1974 Words   |  8 Pages Recently, I have read both a Raisin in the Sun and To Kill a Mockingbird, both considered literary classics. They share a number of similar themes and character that face similar situations. Ultimately, they have extremely different plots, but address the same issues; some that were common around the time they were published, and some that carry relevance into current times. What I wish to bring to light in this essay is that in both novels, there are many characters that lives’ hit a shatter-pointRead More The Theme of Prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay example2548 Words   |  11 PagesThe Theme of Prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’ teaches us about the deceit and prejudice amongst the residents of Maycomb County, all of whom have very contrasting and conflicting views. We are told the story through the eyes of little girl, Scout, and the day-to-day prejudices she faces amongst society. Her father, Atticus, is a white man defending a Negro, even though the town frowns upon such a thing. He is trying to bring order to the socially segregating viewsRead MoreThe Broken Ladder Of Society2580 Words   |  11 Pagesboasts perfection and happiness for all. Throughout history, the human race has gone through periods of injustice, social inequality and morally questionable doings.There are many memoirs and accounts of social injustice, though the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee reflects upon it in a perceptive manner that is difficult to embody. The social hierarchy benefited no one, from the lowest ranked coloured folk’s who were burdened by stereotypes, the outcasts whom fooled their community with