The insidiousness nay of prejudice is that it is a learnt behaviour propagated by ignorance and fear of the unknown. Moreover, accepting and internalising prejudice fractures both individuals and communities. On the other hand, experiences of prejudice can lead to a greater and more empathetic understanding of those who are marginalised in mainstream society. Harper Lee’s bildungsroman novel To Kill a Mockingbird (Mockingbird) reveals the heinous acts that people inflict on others due to the holding of preconceived ideas and suggests that rampant prejudice destabilises social cohesion and irreconcilably damages the fabric of society. Lee also posits that the antidote to prejudice is reason and justice. Toni Morrison’s novel, The Bluest Eye (Eye) explores the detrimental effects that are associated with society’s narrow definition of beauty and the devastation wrought by the stultifying poverty that entraps people due to the colour of their skin. Together both of these texts reveal the destructive nature of prejudice on individuals and society and the need for justice and reason to combat this. The blind acceptance of rigid social expectations legitimises and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Lee uses small town America in the 1930’s to illuminate the harmful repercussions of narrow ideas about what constitutes womanhood. These ideas are relayed through the character of Scout, a young girl who’s innocent and optismic outlook on life conceals the reality that is manifesting within her family, community and within society. Lee’s characterisation of Scout subverts the traditional notions about being a Southern Lady, and this is shown when Aunt Alexandra takes on the role of teaching Scout how to be a proper Southern Bell which includes exemplifying fine manner and wearing pretty dresses. However, Scout viewed this as “pink penitentiary” as she refused to conform to societies expectations of being a lady. The correlation of t