Table of ContentsIntroductionTom Robinson's Testimony: A Reflection of Racial Injustice “It's Over Now”: The Inevitability of Racial Prejudice “I Don't "Can't Live Like This": The Despair of the OppressedConclusionIntroduction Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a seminal work that delves into questions of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South during the 1930s One of the most poignant aspects of the novel is its exploration of discrimination through the character of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Tom Robinson's quotes throughout the novel are crucial indicators of the prevailing racial prejudices and systemic discrimination he faces. This essay aims to examine key quotes attributed to Tom Robinson, highlighting how they encapsulate broader themes of racial injustice and the societal implications of these biases. By dissecting these quotes, we can better understand the novel's critique of racial discrimination and its lasting impact on individuals and communities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Testimony of Tom Robinson: A Reflection of Racial Injustice One of the most revealing moments in the novel occurs during Tom Robinson's testimony. When asked why he helped Mayella Ewell, Tom replied: "I felt really sorry for her, she seemed to be trying harder than the others." This quote poignantly highlights the intersection of racial and social hierarchies in Maycomb. Tom's expression of pity for a white woman is seen as a crossing of societal boundaries, suggesting that even compassion is limited by race. The reaction to this statement in the courtroom underscores the entrenched racism of the era. The prosecutor, Mr. Gilmer, retorts incredulously: "You felt sorry for her, did you feel sorry for her?" This repetition not only seeks to undermine Tom's character, but also reveals the underlying belief that a black man has no right to express pity toward a white person. The court's reaction to Tom's words encapsulates the harsh reality of racial discrimination that permeates the novel, illustrating how deeply ingrained prejudices dictate social interactions and moral judgments. In a conversation with Atticus Finch, Tom says, "No, I can't use my left hand at all. I caught it in a cotton gin when I was twelve. All my muscles were torn." Despite this clear evidence that he could not have inflicted Mayella's injuries, the all-white jury convicted him, demonstrating the inevitability of racial prejudice. This quote highlights the novel's criticism of the legal system's failure to protect the innocent when racial bias is involved. The conviction of Tom Robinson, despite irrefutable evidence of his innocence, constitutes a scathing indictment of a society that values ​​racial discrimination over justice. It illustrates the futility of truth in the face of ingrained racial prejudice, highlighting the broader societal implications of these prejudices. The legal system's complicity in maintaining these biases further underscores the pervasive nature of discrimination and its devastating impact on individuals and communities. “I can’t live like this”: the despair of the oppressed. Tom Robinson's final statement, "I can't live like this 'this isn't the case anymore', before attempting to escape from prison, is.