To Kill a Mocking Bird Essay

Introduction

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Harper Lee in 1960. The story is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, and is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who grows up in the town with her brother Jem and father Atticus. The novel explores themes of racism, prejudice, and injustice through the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, and the subsequent events that follow.In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Harper Lee uses the characters of Scout and Atticus Finch to highlight the themes of racism, prejudice, and injustice in the South during the 1930s.

Body Paragraphs

Firstly, the character of Scout Finch serves as the narrator and protagonist of the novel. Through her eyes, we see the events of the story unfold, including the trial of Tom Robinson. As a young girl, Scout is innocent and unaware of the racism and prejudice that exists in Maycomb. However, as the trial progresses, Scout begins to understand the unjust treatment of black people in her town. This is shown in her interactions with her classmates, who are quick to judge Tom Robinson based on his race. Scout's innocence and growing awareness of the world around her serve to highlight the theme of racism in the novel.

Secondly, Atticus Finch is portrayed as a moral and just character who defends Tom Robinson despite the racial prejudices of the town. Atticus's belief in the fundamental equality of all people, regardless of race, is demonstrated in his decision to defend Tom Robinson, and his attempts to teach this lesson to his children. Atticus's courtroom defense of Tom Robinson, despite the inevitable backlash from the community, shows his unwavering commitment to justice and highlights the theme of prejudice in the novel.

Lastly, the trial of Tom Robinson and its outcome demonstrate the theme of injustice in the novel. Despite the clear evidence of Tom's innocence, the jury still convicts him of the crime, highlighting the racial prejudices of the time. Furthermore, the aftermath of the trial reveals the harsh realities of racism and its impact on the lives of those living in the South during this time period. Tom is killed while attempting to escape from prison, and the innocent Boo Radley is revealed as the true hero of the story. This reversal of expectations serves to underscore the theme of injustice in the novel.

Conclusion

Afterall, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a powerful novel that explores themes of racism, prejudice, and injustice through the characters of Scout and Atticus Finch. Through their experiences, we see the harsh realities of life in the South during the 1930s, and are reminded of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Harper Lee's novel continues to be a powerful and relevant piece of literature that reminds us of the dangers of discrimination and the importance of justice.