As children mature, they develop a sense of the inequality in our modern world; they learn that several prejudices, such as racism and sexism are widespread. To Kill A Mockingbird explores these taboo subjects and raises awareness of the prevalence of them by following the trial of a black man accused of rape. When the novel was first published, mass controversy followed due to the subject matters explored in the novel. However, this controversy never disappeared; today, teachers, students, parents, and lawmakers still debate over whether or not the novel should be taught in schools. To Kill A Mockingbird, a classic American novel by Harper Lee, is a necessary book for high schoolers, as it exposes to them literary devices, while revealing to high schoolers the effects of prejudice at the same time.
The horrendous acts of inequality in the novel match those found in 1930’s Alabama. Tom Robinson’s unjust and racist conviction parallels that of the Scottsboro Boys’ case and the prejudiced mindset seen in most of Maycomb’s citizens echoes that of 1930s Alabama. In the novel, Tom Robinson is falsely accused of rape by a white woman, Mayella Ewell, leading …show more content…
This racism persists through the novel and ultimately leads to the death of Tom Robinson, an innocent black man. In addition to racism, gender stereotypes and sexism are also shown in the novel. Scout Finch, the narrator, struggles with the pressure of becoming a “proper lady” and being othered by other children because of her gender. While playing with Scout, Jem rails, “Scout, I’m tellin’ you for the last time, shut your trap or go home-I declare to the Lord you’re gettin’ more like a girl every day!” (51-52). Jem’s comment toward Scout showed the sexism that most people in the 1930s took part in. Over 80 years later, this prejudice is still relevant, and Lee’s novel helps high schoolers see prejudice more
The horrendous acts of inequality in the novel match those found in 1930’s Alabama. Tom Robinson’s unjust and racist conviction parallels that of the Scottsboro Boys’ case and the prejudiced mindset seen in most of Maycomb’s citizens echoes that of 1930s Alabama. In the novel, Tom Robinson is falsely accused of rape by a white woman, Mayella Ewell, leading …show more content…
This racism persists through the novel and ultimately leads to the death of Tom Robinson, an innocent black man. In addition to racism, gender stereotypes and sexism are also shown in the novel. Scout Finch, the narrator, struggles with the pressure of becoming a “proper lady” and being othered by other children because of her gender. While playing with Scout, Jem rails, “Scout, I’m tellin’ you for the last time, shut your trap or go home-I declare to the Lord you’re gettin’ more like a girl every day!” (51-52). Jem’s comment toward Scout showed the sexism that most people in the 1930s took part in. Over 80 years later, this prejudice is still relevant, and Lee’s novel helps high schoolers see prejudice more