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Essay / The Tragic Hero: Tom Robinson Will Kill a Mockingbird
Table of ContentsThe Trials of Tom RobinsonThe Implications of Tom Robinson's StoryConclusionHarper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, explores themes of racism, injustice and the destruction of innocence. One character who embodies these themes is Tom Robinson, a black man unjustly accused of rape in the small town of Maycomb. Throughout the novel, Tom Robinson is portrayed as a tragic hero, victim of racial prejudice and social injustices which plague the society in which he lives. This essay will analyze the character of Tom Robinson, his role in the novel, and the implications of his story, shedding light on the underlying issues of racial inequality and injustice in the 1930s American South . Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Trials of Tom RobinsonTom Robinson, a hardworking and caring black man, becomes the center of attention in Maycomb when he is accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Despite overwhelming evidence demonstrating Tom's innocence, including the fact that he has a crippled left arm that would have made it physically impossible for him to commit the crime, the racist jury convicts him solely on the basis of his race. This injustice reflects the deep-rooted racial prejudices that permeate Maycomb society. One of the key aspects of Tom Robinson's character is his unwavering integrity. Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence, even in the face of hostile questioning from the prosecution. This unwavering truthfulness highlights Tom's moral character and his refusal to succumb to the racist expectations placed on him. His integrity is further highlighted when he risks his own safety to help Mayella Ewell, despite her false accusations against him. The character of Tom Robinson is a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of racial injustice. Implications of Tom Robinson's Story The story of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird carries significant implications for the overall themes of the novel. First, his character exposes the hypocrisy and cruelty of a society that claims to uphold justice and equality while perpetuating racial discrimination. The trial becomes a microcosm of the broader racial tensions in the American South in the 1930s, where black individuals were systematically disenfranchised and subjected to prejudice and violence. Additionally, Tom Robinson's tragic fate highlights the destruction of innocence. Just as the mockingbird symbolizes innocence in the novel, the character of Tom represents the loss of innocence in the face of racial injustice. Although he is a kind and innocent man, he becomes a victim of a society that does not want to see beyond the color of his skin. This loss of innocence is not only experienced by Tom but also by Scout and Jem, the young narrators of the novel, witnesses to the injustice and cruelty of the world around them.ConclusionIn conclusion, the character of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird serves as a tragic hero, reflecting the racial inequalities and social injustices that prevailed in the American South in the 1930s. Through his unwavering integrity and unjust conviction, Tom Robinson exposes hypocrisy and cruelty of the Maycomb Company. Her story also highlights the destruction of innocence experienced by both the characters in the novel and the readers. Ultimately, Tom Robinson's fate serves as a powerful reminder of the need to confront and challenge the systemic racism that continues to persist in today's society. .Get a Custom EssayLee, Harper. To kill a mockingbird. Classics, 2006.