The Effects of Tom Robinson and Boo Radley on Society (To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Example)

📌Category: Books, To Kill a Mockingbird
📌Words: 804
📌Pages: 3
📌Published: 30 March 2022

In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the story of two converse characters, Boo Radley and Tom Robinson, affects the story significantly. The two come from entirely different backgrounds; Boo Radley is a man never seen out of his house, and the people of Maycomb characterize Tom Robinson to be a villain; however, Tom and Boo both greatly impact the novel. Boo impacts the novel, as he affects the plot and many characters through his invisibility to the world. In contrast, Tom impacts the story significantly by introducing what racism is and showing the limits of freedom. Although the two are opposites, elements such as prejudices and discrimination ultimately link them and are incredibly crucial to the story. Additionally, their stories affect Jem and Scout by teaching them impactful life lessons pertaining to the raw truth of society. 

 Boo Radley significantly impacts the novel as he affects the plot and many characters through his invisibility to the world. Boo is the Finch's neighbor; his symbolic invisibility defines him. Boo hides in his house and conceals himself from the town. Thus, he falls victim to Maycombs' pretentious gossip, which majorly helps to develop his raw character. False stories of harmful acts and terror paint out Boo to be malicious. He is said to have "dined on raw squirrels'' (Lee 13). Scout and Jem believe these wild tales, and so does the rest of Maycomb. Due to this, prejudice and discrimination against Boo are all that follows. However, significant developments in Boo's life helps to rewrite his story. Boo extends his arms out to the Finch kids; he vicariously lives through them and gives them gifts. After Boo kills Bob Ewell and saves Jem, the children truly learn that although someone may act strange or not live a picture-perfect life, it does not mean they are scary or evil. Additionally, they realize that "you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them" (Lee 30). Ultimately, Boo Radley's story significantly impacts the book and multiple characters, but he is not the only one who faces extreme prejudice and discrimination.

Tom Robinson impacts the story significantly by introducing what racism is and showing the limits of freedom. Tom is a black man wrongly accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. He represents innocence, as he does no harm to society yet gets punished in the most despicable ways. He falls victim to prejudice, extreme discrimination, and gossip. His bravery throughout the trial is outstanding and majorly helps develop his character as a beacon of goodness. As Tom mentions Mayella, he states that he "felt sorry for her" (Lee 201). This proves significant as we see the amount of courage Tom shows, even through the pain. However, he unfairly loses his trial and is sent to Enfield Prison Farm despite his efforts. On his journey to the prison, a police officer shoots and murders Tom. Nevertheless, Tom's story still persuades many minds of Maycomb, like Mr.Tate, the police officer. Additionally, his strength teaches Scout and Jem what true courage is, to stand up and be true to your story despite everyone disagreeing with you. Tom also shows the children the raw truth of racism and the ugly situations racism brings, as well as the limits to freedom. Elements in his story significantly impact the plot as it opens up Maycomb's eyes to society's horrors and inequalities. Tom Robinson is a strong man, who is a victim to the terrors of Maycomb, and yet still stands up to them.

Discrimination and prejudices link Tom Robinson and Boo Radley together. Both men fall victim to extreme prejudice and discrimination throughout the book and are utterly characterized and degraded by the town of Maycomb. Scout, Jem, and Dill assign characteristics to Boo, as Maycomb does to Tom. Moreover, the children treat Boo with as many prejudices as the town throws at Mr. Robinson. Additionally, they are both imprisoned; Boo to his house, and Tom by law. Both men symbolize a mockingbird; yet, one is forced to kill; the other is shot. As Scout and Jem watch both Tom and Boo, they learn many lessons. However, through watching the injustice that Tom faces, the children conclude why Boo stays inside, "it's because he wants to stay inside" (Lee 231). These various elements are proven to be significant throughout the book as they teach characters and readers many life lessons and persuade many minds of Maycomb to see what's right. This allows Maycomb to show less discrimination and teaches restraint to many. Tom and Boo's similarities define them, and the prejudices and discrimination they face truly connect them, as well as their motives and charitable souls.

Tom Robinson and Boo Radley affect the story significantly; from, Boo killing Bob Ewell to Tom being murdered, the two make an immense impact. They teach Scout and Jem what courage, perspective, and racism is. Additionally, the two persuade the minds of many citizens of Maycomb, such as Mr.Tate. While they both have very different backgrounds, ongoing prejudice and discrimination against them truly link them together. It is blatantly apparent that both men affect the story immensely and are linked together in many different ways.

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