Skip to main content

What is one prejudiced quote from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?

In Chapter 23, Atticus explains to his children that a person related to Walter Cunningham initially voted for Tom's acquittal during the trial, which is why the jury deliberated for so long. Jem and Scout are shocked to hear this, and Atticus continues to elaborate on the Cunninghams' respectable family background. Scout then mentions that as soon as school starts she is going to invite Walter over for dinner. Aunt Alexandra tells Scout, "We'll...

In Chapter 23, Atticus explains to his children that a person related to Walter Cunningham initially voted for Tom's acquittal during the trial, which is why the jury deliberated for so long. Jem and Scout are shocked to hear this, and Atticus continues to elaborate on the Cunninghams' respectable family background. Scout then mentions that as soon as school starts she is going to invite Walter over for dinner. Aunt Alexandra tells Scout, "We'll see about that," and Scout asks her why not (Lee 299). Alexandra goes on to tell Scout that the Cunninghams aren't their kind of folks. She mentions that no matter how much you scrub Walter Cunningham and dress him appropriately, he will never be like Jem. Scout gets extremely upset and asks Alexandra again why she cannot play with Walter. Aunt Alexandra responds by saying,



"Because---he---is---trash, that's why you can't play with him. I'll not have you around him, picking up his habits and learning Lord-knows-what. You're enough of a problem to your father as it is" (Lee 301).



Alexandra's prejudiced comment depicts her contempt for individuals who are considered lower-class. Alexandra believes that her family is "better" than the Cunninghams, and is prejudiced towards poorer community members.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is hyperbole in the story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry?

The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his... The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him plu
Post a Comment
Read more

How can I analyze Moon and Six Pence by Somerset Maugham?

In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of... In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of that society. His decision to e
Post a Comment
Read more

What are some literary devices in Macbeth, Act V, Scene 1?

Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not... Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh! oh, oh! (5.1.53-55) Hyperbole - Obvious exaggeration  There is also h
Post a Comment
Read more