Literary Analysis of Harper Lee's Work Paper Example

Introduction

Harper Lee wrote one of the popular books in history, To Kill A Mockingbird. The work truly moves its readers to embrace the content and understand it as it tackles the real issues of life. Lee was not afraid to confront race, gender, sexual assaults, and roles in the society. She highlights prejudice as the main focus of the book using discourses of race, class, sex, and societal role to enable the readers to encapsulate her stand on the racist ideology.

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The story points out the issues of prejudices in the race, gender, and societal roles. It is a popular novel in the United States (US) that traces back to 1930s in America when especially racism was so prevalent that whites discriminated the blacks openly and racial prejudices were the major dilemmas encountered in the United States. During the novel's time, the American's laws favored the whites compared to the African-Americans counterparts (Kelly 237). Consequently, many blacks had to endure blackmail and sometimes had to go to remands for criminal activities they did not commit.

Thesis statement: The issues of life that the novel by Lee presents and discussed in this paper are based on gender, race, and societal roles. The prejudices that mainly affect humanity include racial prejudices, gender discriminations, and unguided societal roles.

Racism

Tom Robinson's trial is one of the significant events in the book. His case was subject to unfair judgment since the jury could not judge guided by justice but rather by Tom's black skin color. However, Atticus, who is White, tries to use all means to present the evidence to support Tom's innocence but his struggle is in vain (Lee 67). Ultimately, Tom is still accused of rape against Mayella Ewell, a white woman. The entire town is seen hungry and enraged of the black man who supposedly raped a white woman, and they supported his conviction. They fail to acknowledge that Mayella's abusive father is to blame concerning the rape. The step that Atticus takes shows that racism is a choice and he tries to teach his family to try and show love to all people (Lee 117).

Tom's case event was not only the incident of racism. Another obvious instance is with the Calpurnia, a black housekeeper who works for the Finch's (Atticus). Her role is to look after Scot and Jem (Finch's children), and although she has nice treatment, she refers to these children as Ma'am and Sir regardless of her age. Also, the visit of Scout and Jem in the all-color church represents how the Black and Whites did not mingle together in public places. Moreover, Scot's aunt, Alexandra denies her from visiting the home of Calpurnia, depicting that the whites and blacks are not to mix.

Also, the case of Mr, Raymond, a white man who married a black woman depicts an aspect of racism. During the time of the novel, it was a requirement to cover bottles using paper bags when having public drinking. Raymond, however, explains to Scout and Dill that he uses the paper bags to cover Coca-Cola drinks to convince the public that it was actually alcohol. This symbolism is a racism incident that also shows how white people were ashamed of the blacks. Some of the quotes that show racism include: 'she tempted a Negro, despite being a white, and, therefore, has done something unspeakable!' (Lee 204).

There existed inhuman situations that were fueled and manipulated by ethnocentrism, racism, and discriminations. Indeed, this created mistrusts and deep-rooted suspicions that made Afro-Americans to be fearful and class of traditions in the United States. For instance, innocent Tom is jailed not because of what he did but as a result of the strong forces of prejudice and racism. It can also be understood that the novel emphasizes the importance of education. Atticus who is educated portrays qualities of human in the whole episode, he defended the right and innocence of Tom.

Gender

Gender is another theme that the author presents in her book. Lee uses Scout as one of the characters to bring out the element of gender stereotyping. There are several presentations on the defined roles of both men and women in the manner they should dress, speak, act, and what they can or cannot do. The objective is to present gender disparity that exists in Maycomb's town and society. The society's expectations are instilled upon female children from their young ages. Scout is seen as a tomboy, who does not present the expectations of a girl, that is, gentle and petite. She is seen as playful and tough and mostly wants to spend outdoors unlike the lady-like expectations. Scout does not adhere to the gender roles and she gets upset when made to do so. A female is expected to be in certain clothing. For instance, Scout on attending a local school is made to wear a dress, which displeased her. She has no choice but to put it on regardless of lack of comfort in it. Such dressing code is what the society deems appropriate for girls. Also, her aunt, Miss Maudie, tells her that she cannot be a female if she does not dress like one, and always disapproves her tomboyish character. Scout represents the minority group of people that do not fully conform to the norms and ideals of the society regarding gender roles. She is even ridiculed by those who are less informed and enlightened in the society, the people of Maycomb.

Another good example of sexism and gender issue is observed when Mrs. Dubose says, "What are you doing in overalls. If you don't start acting proper you will end up serving tables"(Lee 105). This aspect of sexism is usually directed at females. The acts, behavior, and dressings are not only reinforced by men but also other women who have embraced sexism. Alexandra, Atticus, and Maudie all highlighted the unique nature of Scout. Moreover, the society accepted the norm and even schools act as promoters of the same.

In another aspect to show the theme of gender expectations, Aunt Alexandra tells Scout that as a girl, she should be a "ray of sunshine" in her father's life, trying to depict an old-time expectations that girls must be continuously happy and glamorous to brighten their husbands' and fathers' lives (Lee 84). Essentially, the aunt tries to instill gender roles on Scout despite her ardent resistance. The supposed 'right activity' for girls include passionate gossiping, joining clubs, and hosting missionary groups. The aunt is portrayed as judgmental, and able to easily make pre-judgments regarding others.

The role of women in bringing up children is also clear in the novel. Aunt Alexandra's and Miss Maudie's effort were very crucial in the character development of Scout. At some point in the novel, Scout begins to respect the aunt and believe in her as she begins to accept her nature. This act makes Scout comment the following: her composure and would handle "If Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I." (Lee 241).

Sexual Assault and Incest

An abusive father, Bob Ewell, is not held accountable for sexually abusing Mayella Ewell, by raping her. The blame is cast on someone else, because of his skin color. The victim gives a manipulated story, a lie, to falsely convict Tom. Despite the intervention of Atticus, the lawyer of the accused, the jury still cannot see beyond the defender being a black man (Lee 67). It is unfortunate that the problems of sexual assault still affects the current society, nearly 60 years later. Also, cultural discrimination on justice provision to sexual assault cases still exist.

Conclusion

The work To Kill A Mockingbird by Lee is a timeless piece that is still significant for the current society. The rightful reading of the novel would allow one to make a good decision on matters regarding prejudice and discrimination against gender, races, and on matters of assaults. The narration is both informative and meditative. The conventional approaches of prejudices are clearly manifested. The key lesson is that it is crucial to understand everybody as they are and avoid pre-judgments. Also, a just approach of taking sides should be after understanding both sides of the stories clearly and judging without any external influences.

Works Cited

Kelley, James. "Reading to Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set A Watchman as Palimpsest." The Explicator 74.4 (2016): 236-239.

Lee, Harper. "To kill a Mockingbird." Litigation (1990): 68-58.