Unpacking the Racial Dynamics in 'To Kill a Mockingbird': Who Are Scout and Jem?

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a novel set in the racially segregated Southern United States during the 1930s, explores profound themes of racism and social injustice. Central to this exploration are the protagonists, Scout and Jem Finch, who are both explicitly identified as white characters. This article delves into the racial dynamics of the novel, using specific references from the text and unpacking the broader historical context of slavery and race in the Southern United States.

Who Are Scout and Jem Finch?

Scout and Jem Finch are two white children at the heart of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. This exploration is not merely a classification exercise but a means to understand how race and identity shape their experiences in a deeply divided society.

Clues to Race in the Paragraph

The fourth paragraph from To Kill a Mockingbird provides clues about the racial dynamics and historical context of the story, particularly in terms of the race and status of characters like Simon Finch. Let’s break down these clues:

1. Reference to the Battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings occurred in 1066 in England. This reference implies that Simon Finch, an ancestor of the Finch family, has no recorded ancestors on that side, suggesting a limited immediate history of roots in England.

2. Reference to Cornwall

Portland, Oregon is not the correct answer; Cornwall is a county in England. Cornwall, like many English regions, has a recorded history of religious dissent. This information indirectly highlights the religious and social background of Simon Finch, a significant early character in the historical narrative.

3. Reference to Methodism

Methodism originated in England, specifically in the mid-18th century. Simon Finch, according to the text, found himself irritated by the persecution of Methodists by their more liberal brethren, indicating a religious stance established during the colonial period.

4. Reference to “the possession of human chattels” in Alabama

This phrase “the possession of human chattels” refers specifically to the legal term used to describe slaves during the era of Southern plantation life. It highlights the plantation economy in Alabama and the ownership of slaves by the white elite. This immediately signals the racial dynamics that underlie the Southern United States in the period of the novel.

Bonus Clues: Who Tended to Be Slaves in the American South?

America's Southern United States experienced a system of slavery centered around the exploitation of African Americans. This racial hierarchy was epitomized by the legal and societal structures of the time, where black individuals were predominantly enslaved and African Americans tended to be the slave population. This fact underscores the racial and economic systems in place during the period of the novel, which also shaped the socio-political landscape that Atticus Finch navigates when he defends Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of raping a white woman.

These clues and insights from the paragraph reveal a wealth of historical context and racial dynamics that are integral to understanding To Kill a Mockingbird. They provide readers with a more nuanced understanding of the historical and social conditions that influenced the lives of the characters, particularly Scout and Jem, and their family.

Exploring these textual and historical elements helps clarify the racial dynamics in To Kill a Mockingbird, making the novel a powerful refutation of the racial prejudice and inequality that continue to plague society. Through the lens of these family histories, the novel critically examines the racial contexts of the American South, ensuring that readers appreciate the complexity and historical depth of this narrative.