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To Kill A Mockingbird

Decent Essays

Harper Lee's “To Kill a Mockingbird” explores key ideas exposing the human condition and the difficulties faced when one is forced to challenge their morality. “To Kill a Mockingbird” remains relevant in today's society as this novel effectively addresses preconceived issues of religion, racism and, the overriding theme of bigotry in our world, no matter the era in which we are living. Lee uses a variety of techniques to convey the social injustices and inequalities of the world in the 1930’s, whilst remaining timeless through the use of character and addressing the cruel fact that heinous things happen to innocent people, such as that of Tom Robinson. “To Kill a Mockingbird” not only remains relevant due to the covering of the sensitive …show more content…

Race is a huge topic of discussion in the novel, as well as in our society today, it is conveyed that we often have trouble accepting difference and make assumptions of a person based on the colour of their skin, not their actions. This theme of racism is evident from the onset and throughout the novel, Lee uses the word “nigger” conveniently to display the underlying racism in Maycomb county and to highlight the racist attitudes of many persons in the novel. This theme of racism is evident in scenes involving Tom Robinson, Atticus states in the courtroom “"Which, gentlemen, we know is in itself a lie as black as Tom Robinson's skin”, in this quote it is illustrated that the colour of Tom’s skin is associated with the depravity of the crime committed, this idea that there is a link between one’s colour and their actions is a theme that is a constant in our current society, as it is not unusual for a person to be exposed to stereotyping due to the colour of their skin. Racial discrimination is a theme that is still ever relevant in today's society as we are constantly associating specific groups with crimes and injustices. The theme of race is a subject matter that has kept Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” pertinent in our evolving and ever changing world and will continue to do

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