Social Inequality In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s book To Kill A Mockingbird is about life in the Great Depression. It’s a non-fiction book that makes you get sucked into the story. This story is about a girl named Scout who goes through everyday life being the daughter of a lawyer. Scout soon learns that not everything is as it seems in life. This book has many themes including the one that will be stated, social inequality through the characterization of  Walter Cunningham, Mrs. Dubose, and Bob Ewell.

Lee develops the idea of social inequality through the character of Walter Cunningham. He goes to school like any other kid, but he has no money and refuses to take anything that cannot be given back. The text states, “Impatience crept into her voice. “Here Walter, come and get it””(Lee 25). This shows that she was getting aggravated because Walter didn’t want to go get the quarter she was offering. She didn’t know that he was poor, but she didn’t have to persist. Showing that she is misunderstanding what the child is saying. Another way that social injustice is shown is when Walter goes to the Finch’s house and eats. The text states, ”Walter poured syrup on his vegetables and meat with a generous hand. He would probably have poured it into his milk glass had I not asked what the SAM hill he was doing”(Lee 32). This shows that he doesn’t even know what to do with the syrup. He thinks that syrup is used for everything. It shows that he and his family are poor.

In addition, Mrs. Dubose is a woman of many mysteries. She is viewed very highly by Atticus. She shows social injustice by judging Atticus when he decides to be Tom’s lawyer. The author states, “Your father’s no better than the blacks and trash he works for''(Lee 135). This shows that she has no respect for black people at all. Another example is when Mrs. Dubose has Jem and Scout come to her house every day. The daily routine that Mrs. Dubose does because Jem has ruined her flowers is another example of her showing racial injustice. The text states “Mrs. Dubose would hound Jem on her favorite subjects, her camellias, and our father’s black-loving propensities”(Lee 144). This shows social injustice because she is adverse to Atticus, their father, helping Tom Robinson win the case. 

Another way Lee shows social justice is through the character Bob Ewell. Bob is the father of Mayella who is the victim of a rape. During the trial of Tom, he makes his statement toward Tom. The text states, “Well, Mayella was raisin‘ this holy racket so I dropped m’load and run as fast as I could but I run into th’ fence, but when I got distangled I run up to th‘ window and I seen—” Mr. Ewell’s face grew scarlet. He stood up and pointed his finger at Tom Robinson. “—I seen that black nigger yonder ruttin’ on my Mayella”(Lee 231). This shows social inequality because the accusation has no evidence. When he was asked he immediately call him the n-word. Showing he’s opposed to people of color. Then goes on later to try to attack the kids of Atticus because he stuck up for Tom. Another way Bob shows social inequality is when Scout describes Bob. The text states,” All the little man on the witness stand had that made him any better than his nearest neighbors was, that if scrubbed with lye soap in very hot water, his skin was white”(Lee 229). This shows social inequality because he prizes himself over his neighbors. This is saying that if he scrubbed his neighbors with soap and used hot water they’d be white. 

In the end, all of the book shows social inequality through the characterization of  Walter Cunningham, Mrs. Dubose, and Bob Ewell. Walter shows social inequality by using the gravy on everything and refusing to take a quarter because of his poverty. Mrs. Dubose shows social inequality by insulting Atticus and his kids because he took up for Tom Robinson. Lastly, Bob Ewell shows social inequality by calling out Tom without any evidence to support his claim and acting like he’s better than all of his black neighbors. Today, social inequality is shown by being racist toward other races and poverty. This book was written around the Scottsville boys trial and uses some of the same accusations. In real life, this book shows that the world could be a little less separated and accusational, and more inclusive.