One of the central themes in the novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird” is social injustice. The story takes place during the Great Depression, when social injustice such as; discrimination and racism were prevalent. Throughout the story the author uses Tom, a black man, and the literary elements;setting, character, and conflict to depict the inequalities he faced as a black man in a white man's community.
The setting of this novel took place during a time when treating blacks unfairly in the south was seen as normal. In the text Atticus says to his children, “ when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins.” and that, “ you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view”. These statements expose the children to the reality of social injustice. Atticus does this by explaining the idea that, no matter how innocent a black person may be, the white man’s word is always right and trusted. At this point the children are beginning to understand the world they’re living in. …show more content…
Though he faces many inequalities he is presented as a kind hearted man. For example after Atticus asks Tom if he had helped Mayella with no pay he says, “yes, suh. I felt sorry for her…”and when explaining his side of the story Tom says, “ I didn’t wanta be ugly… i didn’t wanta push her or nuthin…” These statements are used to develop Tom as a man of compassion that’s considerate of others. Throughout the trial Tom’s statements made the white crowd uncomfortable but the color of his skin made them overlook how good of a guy he
The setting of this novel took place during a time when treating blacks unfairly in the south was seen as normal. In the text Atticus says to his children, “ when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins.” and that, “ you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view”. These statements expose the children to the reality of social injustice. Atticus does this by explaining the idea that, no matter how innocent a black person may be, the white man’s word is always right and trusted. At this point the children are beginning to understand the world they’re living in. …show more content…
Though he faces many inequalities he is presented as a kind hearted man. For example after Atticus asks Tom if he had helped Mayella with no pay he says, “yes, suh. I felt sorry for her…”and when explaining his side of the story Tom says, “ I didn’t wanta be ugly… i didn’t wanta push her or nuthin…” These statements are used to develop Tom as a man of compassion that’s considerate of others. Throughout the trial Tom’s statements made the white crowd uncomfortable but the color of his skin made them overlook how good of a guy he