Wednesday 5 April 2017

How is social justice reflected in Chapter 30 of To Kill a Mockingbird?

Social justice, as per dictionary.com, refers to the "distribution of advantages and disadvantages in a society."  In Chapter 30 of To Kill a Mockingbird, there are two main instances of social justice.  First, Scout's treatment of Boo -- offering him refreshments rather than playing mean-spirited games about him -- offers him the "advantage" of friendship.  This response to Boo is better suited to the friend he has been to Scout.  From offering her a blanket...

Social justice, as per dictionary.com, refers to the "distribution of advantages and disadvantages in a society."  In Chapter 30 of To Kill a Mockingbird, there are two main instances of social justice.  First, Scout's treatment of Boo -- offering him refreshments rather than playing mean-spirited games about him -- offers him the "advantage" of friendship.  This response to Boo is better suited to the friend he has been to Scout.  From offering her a blanket at Ms. Maudie's to carving her figure out of soap, Boo has, in the end, been nothing but friendly.


The major instance of social justice in the chapter, however, has to do with Atticus' and Heck Tate's treatment of Boo.  While it is clear to them that Boo is the hero of the scene, having stabbed Bob Ewell and rescued the children, both Atticus and Heck realize that telling all of Maycomb would thrust Boo into a spotlight that he is not ready for.  While they privately thank Boo for his heroism, Atticus and Heck act responsibly from a social justice perspective by telling the residents of Maycomb that Bob Ewell fell on his knife (as opposed to being killed by Boo).  In that way, they take Boo out of the equation and return him to the quiet that he no doubt prefers.

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