In the classic 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses irony to reveal Maycomb's true colors of prejudice, racism, and hypocrisy. The “tired old town” seems ideal and peaceful on the surface, but as the story progresses, it becomes apparent that the town is a biased and racist community. (p. 5) The author's irony helps the reader interpret the real hypocritical visions of the characters in the story. Simon Finch, Miss Merriweather and the Missionary Society and Miss Gates all show the existence of discriminatory and impartial opinions surrounding the city. Their actions contradict their seemingly positive words and intentions, showing their real ignorance. Simon Finch, one of the first Finch ancestors to come to America, fled Europe to escape religious prosecution. He was “angered by persecution” and came seeking the freedom to practice his religious views. (p. 4) However, upon arrival, he “bought three slaves” for Finchs Landing, depriving them of their freedom. (p.4) Slavery is immoral and deprives blacks of their basic rights. Of course, it didn't matter to any white people living at the time, as black people were undoubtedly inferior to them. Simon Finch "possess[ing] human chattels" and exposed blacks to similar circumstances he sought to avoid. (p. 4) His behavior is clearly deceptive, considering that he came to America for freedom, while simultaneously taking away the freedom of another. Harper Lee introduces this example at the very beginning of the book, creating the hypocritical and prejudicial tone of the novel. Merriweather and the Missionary Club are yet another example of the underlying prejudice and hypocrisy hinted at by Harper Lee in To Kill a Mockingbird. The ladies discuss the “poor Mrunas,” an African tribe who are converted to Christianity by the “saint J. Grimes Everett.” (p. 263) The author states, “Mrs. Merriweather's big brown eyes always filled with tears when he considered the oppressed,” in a form of satire, revealing the true hypocrisy of these women. (p. 263) Mrs. Merriweather then speaks of the “poverty… darkness… immorality” of the Mruna. (p. 263) This is deceptive because white racism in Maycomb is what is causing suffering to African Americans in their own city. This does not concern Mrs. Merriweather, as she turns a blind eye to the mistreated in her own backyard. She sympathizes with the minority in Africa because they live a depressed life, but is unaware of the crude standards of blacks in her own locality..