Context is crucial to understanding the backdrop and setting during a certain period. The context of the text often is reflective of the ideologies that were present during the respective timeline, offering insight to readers. The novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, written by Harper Lee, the book focuses on the lawyer, Atticus Finch, and his attempt to defend a black man accused of rape. As the plot thickens, the author, Harper Lee, skillfully delves into the common concerns prevalent in the era of the Great Depression. The novel displays perspectives of prejudicial injustice towards black people, especially within the legal system and the bigoted views of white characters in the book, it also shows the racism that was prevalent in the 1930s. …show more content…
The novel dives into the various aspects of injustice, racism and acceptance shown throughout the context of 1930s Alabama within the people and how the living conditions for both races were extremely different to each other, with black people experiencing worse conditions in comparison to white individuals. Harper Lee keeps readers engaged with the body of work, even though it’s a moment of teaching. The notion of injustice can be seen throughout the novel, reflecting the racial and social dynamics during the 1930s in Maycomb, Alabama. This is apparent in the scene when Scout and Dill can be seen chatting with Mr Raymond and asking him questions, which he assertively affirms to Dill, “Cry about the hell white people give coloured folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people too”. The use of agitation in his tone in his words indicates his prediction of what Dill won’t do in the forthcoming future and when they become more mature, they will no longer be phased by …show more content…
During the trials of Tom Robinson, Atticus uses the technique of irony in his quote, “She was white, and she tempted a black man. She did something in our society that is unspeakable: she kissed a black man,”. Illustrates the racial system that was implemented and how kissing a black man is seen as something horrific, reinforcing the racism which was prevalent throughout the book. This quote indicates to the readers how Alabama during the 1930s was prejudiced against dark-skinned folks, which extended to how they were not allowed to have free will over who they dated. Jem and Scout listen to Atticus as he goes on about Tom Robinson’s court case. Harper Lee’s effective use of juxtaposition in the quote, “In our courts, when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins. They’re ugly, but those are the facts of life,”. This shows how even if Tom Robinson is proven innocent, the white man will still win, because of his skin colour, revealing the racial bias that was common within courts, this exhibits to the audience, the frequent racism towards black people and how they were not shown equality. Atticus explains to Jem and Scout the racism that exists outside of Maycomb courthouse and how it is a common phenomenon, by applying the technique, of juxtaposition in the quote,” There’s nothing more sickening to me than a low-grade white