Otoadese

Ava Otoadese
Colleen Davis
English 9H
3/12/15
Societal prejudices often become societal norms. Prejudice is a burden that countless
generations have struggled with, and will likely continue to struggle with long into the future.
Discrimination and resulting inequality divide and weaken communities, as shown in To Kill a
Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Harper Lee portrays the outcome of a small town ridden with bias.
Jem is a young boy who finds himself caught in between his fathers sense of justice and the
conflicting injustice of his town. Jem changes significantly throughout the novel, showing how it
is possible for an individual to defy societal norms and do what is morally right.
People are often easily deceived, making it difficult to detect immoral behavior in others.
However, Jem is able to see past this deception. One example is when he witnesses Tom
Robinsons trial: Its like bein in a cocoon, thats what it is like somethin asleep wrapped up
in a warm place. I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least thats
what they seemed like. (215) Jems realization that his hometown is not utopian, but rather full
of prejudice, is an important example of his growth. He begins to understand that while people
may seem virtuous, they often have hidden unethical biases. This understanding reflects Jems
ability to question social norms and the accepted actions of those in his community. Often times,
even those who are fully aware of the prejudices around them, do not make an effort to do what
is right. Jems new insight may leave him feeling betrayed and lead to his becoming a bitter man
in the future. Yet, his experiences may also motivate him to rise above others in his community.

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People are often more alike than they are different, yet many people continue to make
conscious efforts to discriminate, despite their inherent similarities. After the trial, Jem is
discussing the result with Scout. Thats what I thought, too, when I was your age. If theres just
one kind of folks why cant they get along with each other. If theyre all alike, why do they go
out of their way to despise each other? (227) This passage demonstrates Jems growth in several
ways. His ability to reflect on his previous beliefs and counsel Scout, shows his maturation as he
experiences the jaundiced views of Maycombs residents. It may be human nature for people to
isolate and place blame, often times to gain superiority and power. However, Atticuss constant
role modeling enables Jem to resist this unethical social dynamic.
Discrimination in society often begins with misunderstanding and fear of the unknown.
Jems bias and prejudice against Boo develops due to his lack of understanding. Jem explains a
recent revelation to Scout after the trial. Scout I think Im beginning to understand something. I
think Im beginning to understand why Boo Radleys stayed shut up in the house all this time
Its because he wants to stay inside. (227) This passage demonstrates Jems continued
maturation. In the beginning of the story, he comes up with dramatic theories as to why Boo
stays inside his house, making him seem more like a strange creature than an ordinary man. Boo
seems different from the ordinary townspeople, causing Jem to instinctively ostracize him. Jems
childish and narrow perspective changes after Tom Robinsons trial, when he begins to realize
how cruel and inhumane society can be. In turn, Jem is able to truly understand and almost relate
to Boos choices to remain indoors. He recognizes that Boos self-imposed isolation may be his
way of opting out of an unjust society. Jem is now able to maturely reflect on Boos life choices,
without passing judgement or ill will.

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Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, the concept of prejudice is exemplified in several
different ways. Examples include racial bias, gender bias, and discrimination based on individual
differences. Prejudice often develops into a norm within society, and many societal norms make
it difficult for people to to avoid engaging in unjust behavior. Within the novel, based upon his
experiences and role models, Jem is able to withstand the immoral behavior in his community,
thus demonstrating ones ability to defy inequality and do what is right.

Ava,
This is a really well written paper. Your voice and writing style are very sophisticated and
mature, which makes your paper flow nicely. You do a very thorough job of logically analyzing
your textual evidence and showing Jems progression as a character throughout the novel. As I
mentioned above, a little more close reading of the quotes would help solidify your analysis, but
what you have done here works really well and demonstrates a strong understanding of how this
kind of writing works. Your work also indicates your strong critical reading skills. Nice work!