The Theme of Social Class and Its Effects on Justice and Morality in To Kill a Mockingbird

The Theme of Social Class and Its Effects on Justice and Morality in To Kill a Mockingbird

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee explores the deep social class divisions that permeate Maycomb, Alabama, and their impact on justice and morality. The novel demonstrates how social status and economic standing play a significant role in shaping how individuals are treated, both by society and the justice system.

Atticus Finch, a lawyer and a figure of moral integrity, defends Tom Robinson, an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Despite presenting a strong case that proves Tom’s innocence, the jury convicts him because of his race and the power dynamics within the community. This demonstrates how justice in Maycomb is not blind but heavily influenced by race, class, and preconceived social hierarchies.

The Ewells, particularly Bob Ewell, represent the lowest class of white society, and their prejudices are amplified by their economic struggles. Bob’s actions, rooted in racial and social superiority, expose the flaws in a system that allows the wealthy and powerful to dictate justice. In contrast, characters like Calpurnia, the Finch family’s African American housekeeper, embody the struggle of navigating life within a rigid social class structure.

Throughout the novel, the characters’ moral decisions are often shaped by their social standing. For example, Scout and Jem grapple with how to reconcile their father’s moral values with the harsh realities of the class-based injustices they witness. Lee’s depiction of social class in To Kill a Mockingbird emphasizes how deeply ingrained prejudice and inequality affect both personal morality and the broader community’s sense of justice.