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Kevin Kola
Hooper
9LC 4th Hour
6 January 2016

A Twisted World
Set in 1930s Alabama, Harper Lees novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, shows how people are
judged before someone truly gets to know them. In To Kill a Mockingbird, we see different
examples of judgement. Judgement is shown in racist ways, such as on court against Tom
Robinson. Judgement is also seen against Boo Radley, which is based off rumours spread about
him. These examples of judgement teach the children how wrong judging a person can be. Lee
uses Boo Radley and Tom Robinson to show that rumours and stereotypes shouldnt be a way to
judge people.
In the beginning of the book, Jem and Scout met Dill, and Dill wanted to know
information about Boo Radley. Being curious, Dill asked Jem and Scout about the looks and
personality of Boo Radley. Jem described Boo by the thoughts he had based off of rumours he
had heard from town. There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had
were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time (Lee 13). Two words
that really pop out in this quote are the words reasonable description. These words really pop
out because the children dont really know what he looks like yet. Jem is judging Boo even
though hes never seen him or met him and he doesnt even know Boo personally.
Stereotypes were being used against Tom Robinson in the case he was involved in at
court. Before the members of the courthouse finally went to make their decision, Atticus was

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pleading to them to make the right decision and not the evil one. He knew that no matter what
they heard, they would use stereotypes to make the wrong decision. Atticus stated the truth when
he said, You men would go with the evil assumption that all negro men lie, that all negro men
are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their
caliber (Lee 204). A word that really stands out from the text is the word evil. Atticus states
his claim and a fact as well that the court will go with the assumption that Tom Robinson is
guilty because of his skin color even though the facts and information says otherwise. The court
appears to be leaning towards the corrupt assumption and Atticus knows this.
Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, many examples of judgement are shown in different
forms. Judgement is something that happens often. A few areas its shown in is in the court
against Tom Robinson and against Boo Radley throughout the town. Judgement is shown in
ways which rumours are involved. Lee uses Boo Radley and Tom Robinson to show that
rumours and stereotypes shouldnt be a way to judge people.