IA1 – “To Kill A Mockingbird: Racism encountered by African Americans during the Great Depression”
Word Count: 1000
Harper Lee’s abrasive drama "To Kill A Mockingbird” published in 1960 during the American civil rights movement, was a literary miracle set in Maycomb, Alabama that transformed into a profane work which rapidly adopted pervasive social and cultural norms. In a southern judiciary, the story explores a racially discriminatory culture amid a socially deprived flourishing majority. Lee educates current generation on the brutal discrimination that captivated 1930’s, influenced by racial strife amongst a marginalized group. Racism is illustrated through the protagonist, Jean Louise Finch (Scout). Although, key characters that enhance
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Despite Atticus’ lawful actions in attempting to protect the alleged, Tom is shot 17 times. Tom’s death is a result of the jury’s conclusion based solely on his race, excluding the evidence present in court. Scout’s perspective to Dill and Jem is as follows: "Tom's death was typical. The classic N-word mentality” (p.265). The quote concisely captures the tragic effects of inequality on many innocent souls. Moreover, Lee uses "n-word" and "typical" to resemble alliteration, while Scout dictates Tom's death in a harsh tone. The word "mentality" vividly depicts dehumanization in 1930’s. Jem, Scout and Dill are deeply affected by the news as their reactions reflect the sense of bereavement felt by African Americans. By analyzing writer's choices, Lee allows audiences to sympathize with the black society, due to horrific consequences on institutional racism. Similarly, Atticus' statement to his children, "it’s a sin to kill a Mockingbird" (p.119) discloses the fact that virtuous people are targeted without proof and this foreshadows Tom’s demise. Mockingbird serves as a metaphor for Maycomb’s innocent black community, unjustly assailed by the dehumanizing morality of the whites. Killing a Mockingbird, therefore, symbolizes a request to abolish innocence. By analyzing writer's choices, Lee acknowledges racial inhumanity and provokes racial tension on audiences. Lee's holistic view of Tom’s execution reflects the predominant theme of racism. Lee's message is a powerful commentary on racial intolerance that prevailed in 1930’s, embraced by a harrowing account of brutal