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What Is The Theme In To Kill A Mockingbird

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In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout, Jem, and Dill must encounter problems of racism and discrimination at the youthful ages of eight, twelve, and nine. Together, they learn that life isn’t always as it seems and that not everyone is righteous and ethical. The topics that are going to be talked about are reiterated in Mark Twain’s essay, The United States of Lyncherdom, and in C.P. Ellis’ book, Why I Joined the Klan. In the story, The 3 most prominent themes of To Kill a Mockingbird are a loss of innocence, power and corruption, and individual versus society.
Loss of innocence is one of many essential themes of the story. The start of Scout’s loss of innocence is when Atticus introduces his case to her. Tom Robinson is an important …show more content…

A particular individual who has to clash with society is Atticus Finch. Atticus is just a lawyer, and it is his job to defend his client. However, his family is not supportive of his choice to defend Tom Robinson. Atticus could decide to not defend him, but he does. Because of his decision, not just his family, but also society is looking down upon him. Although he is shamed, he is standing up for what he believes is right, and he is not giving into peer pressure. Another example of individual versus society is the “mulattos.” The term “mulatto” is used for a mixed race person. This shows the discrimination against others in the county of Maycomb. Society also looks down on them. Maycomb is not completely accepting of all people. This is a great example of individual versus society. Another individual who is up against society is Arthur “Boo” Radley. Boo Radley is a victim of prejudice. Society does not have a good amount of knowledge about him, so they prejudge him. Children have heard rumors about him, and they assume that he is an evil beast when in reality he is a regular man. These assumptions are what restricts Maycomb from being open-minded and accepting of other

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