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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Essay

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Often times, literature reflects the problems within a society. An author finds their character’s struggles and triumphs in the people of each era. Inspirations from real life events fuel not only great literature but also books that become remarkable social pieces. A perfect example is Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. This novel is reflective of the 1930’s era. In the story racism runs rampant through society with only a noble few trying to stop it. The racism that is apparent and a focal point for the novel is, although fiction, closely matched to that of a racist era in America. Racism represents fear of the unknown in many themes in the book as well as in the daily aspect of life.

Racism is something that has always existed, …show more content…

The racism was so strong and vicious that an obviously innocent man went to jail for a crime he did not commit. Not a single black person was on the jury and white people dominated the case apart from Tom. Fear of the unknown plays a large role in this because although they knew what the truth was, the people on the jury were too afraid to say what they felt and what was right; they simply conformed to what was common. They were scared to prove that black is no different than white and that yes, white people can commit crimes. More importantly, however it was against the social morals of most white people to defend a black man especially in a case that contradicts the word and honor of a white woman.
Moreover, prejudice was the cause of the suffering of the black people in Maycomb. Two characters seem to stick out, Calpurinia, the Finches’ black maid and Tom Robinson. Calpurnia, is dearly loved by the Finches, and would do anything for Jem and Scout. Nevertheless, her being as close as she is to them receives some criticism from the black community. For, instance when Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to her church, she is questioned by some members and one even asks “ I want to know why you bringin white chillun to a nigger church; You ain’t got no business bringin white chillun here- they got their church and we got our’n (Lee-119). The black people in Maycomb seem to have the opnion that the white people perceive

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