IndexIntroductionRepresentation of racism in To Kill a MockingbirdEffects of racism on the characters in To Kill a MockingbirdResponse to racial conflict in the storyConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionUsually called simple lines of demarcation, the Boundaries are commonly used metaphors in novels. Boundaries are established by society or individuals. They define who people really are, including their desires, fears and limitations. They can range from physical and psychological to social and racial. Borders can also divide communities and cause social tensions. There is a strong racial conflict between African Americans and whites in To Kill a Mockingbird. The conflict arises from the racial boundaries that thrive in the small town of Maycomb. Scout, the narrator, looks back on her past and tells the story of how racism developed in Maycomb when she was younger. Lee uses Scout's memories to describe how the power of racial boundaries affects the town of Maycomb. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Portrayal of Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird The power of racism in the 1930s is illustrated through Scout's memories. When the jury in the Tom Robinson trial returns to the courtroom after voting, they move slowly and do not look at Tom. Scout described it as "[...] like watching Atticus walk down the street, carry a rifle over his shoulder, and pull the trigger [...] knowing the gun was empty" (282), which clearly refers to the scene by Tim Johnson. Scout describes Atticus and the jury as “underwater swimmers” (127, 282). The jury acts as if it were itself guilty of the crime. They give Tom Robinson the guilty verdict because he is an African American. The power of racism is an overwhelming factor influencing him and his fate in court. Later, as the children return home from the trial with Atticus, Jem says, "It's not fair, Atticus." Atticus responds, "'No son, that's not right.' We walked home.(284) Scout uses the last sentence of “we walked home” to let the readers know that the conversation ended on that note, which shows that Atticus is not at all surprised seen cases like Tom Robinson where racism plays a role There is nothing surprising, and the way Scout tells readers about his memories subtly demonstrates this. Once again, the power of racism determines the verdict of trial in cases involving race. After the trial, Jem continually asks Atticus more questions about why the jury cannot reduce the sentence. Atticus responds: “'No jury in this part of the world will say, 'We think you be guilty, but not much' for a charge like that. It was either a straight acquittal or nothing.'” (294) Because Scout remembers this specific thing that Atticus says and chooses to tell the readers, it is important knowing that an important idea is being represented. Atticus' dialogue shows that the jury would side entirely with African Americans or against them, which illustrates the power the jury has over racially based cases. The racism in Maycomb from whites towards African Americans is powerful enough to impose the death penalty on an African American who didn't even commit the crime. Effects of Racism on the Characters of To Kill a Mockingbird's Scout's memories demonstrate how people in Maycomb are affected by racism. When Jem and Scout are at church with Calpurnia, Reverend Skyes makes a statement: "'You all know Brother Tom Robinson's troubles [...] the collection raised [...] goes to Helen, his wife, to help her out of the house'” (160). This scene in the church is important for understanding the sideof the racism of African Americans. Even African Americans who are not directly accused of doing something against whites are affected by racism. Scout shows through her memories how African Americans want to try to help Tom Robinson and his family, while most whites don't.care about them. Racism affects how people treat others of the same or opposite race. It makes African Americans want to help each other and causes whites to distrust blacks just as they distrust Tom Robinson. Racism also causes tension between simply being classified as white or African American. For example, when biracial children are introduced before the trial, Jem explains to Scout where they fit in society: “'Colored people won't have them because they're half white; white people won't have them because they're colored.'” (215). Biracial children are suddenly brought into the story of the trial, and it is no coincidence that Scout chooses to include this part of her story. He wants to clarify the point for us. Due to racism, biracial children are between whites and African Americans. They are not part of either racial group because they both reject them. As Jem says, “they don't belong anywhere” (215). Other characters in the novel, although they belong to a racial group, feel as if racism has taken over Maycomb. Jem suspects this of Arthur (Boo) Radley. When Jem talks to Scout about the social structure in Maycomb, he says, "'[...] I'm starting to understand why Boo Radley's been stuck in the house all this time [...] he wants to stay in'" (304). Scout chooses to include this dialogue rather than delve into what she and Jem were discussing previously. He wants readers to know that this is an important passage, choosing to end the chapter on this note. The quote itself says how Boo Radley creates a boundary between himself and Maycomb. It is separating itself from the racism that is growing and developing in the community, which shows how it is influenced by racism. The response to racial conflict in StoryScout's memoirs shows how Maycomb residents react to racism. When Scout asks Atticus if he defends “niggers” as the kids at school say, he replies, “'Don't say nigger, Scout. This is common'” (99). Scout chooses to tell the readers, which shows that Atticus' tone seems casual but hurt. Atticus seems disgusted but not surprised by the racism in Maycomb. There is a similar reaction from Jem when he and Scout pass Mrs. Dubose's house one day. Mrs. Dubose screams, "'Not just a Finch waiting tables, but one in court defending niggers.'" (135). Scout shows how significant the insult is by adding "Mrs. Dubose's shot was a hit and she knew it" (135). Jem is angry at Mrs. Dubose for insulting Atticus and for being racist towards African Americans. From here it is inferred that because Atticus helps African Americans like Tom Robinson in trials, Jem does not care about them. He sees African Americans differently than Mrs. Dubose, for example, who makes it clear that he has no regard for most of them by Mrs. Dubose on racism, Bob Ewell uses racism to convict Tom Robinson of a crime Bob Ewell is found innocent at trial because of that racism However, Atticus manages to damage his reputation by providing evidence that Tom Robinson did not rape Mayella. Because of this, after the trial, Bob Ewell approached Atticus and "[...] spat in his face, and told him he would get him if he took the rest of his life" (290). The serious tone that Scout uses shows how significant this event is. The quote, 1960.