In 1960, Harper Lee wrote a novel titled To Kill a Mockingbird. The book addresses racism in a small town called Maycomb County, Alabama in the 1930s. The book is narrated by Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. Her father is a lawyer whose name is Atticus Finch and he accepts a case involving a Black man named Tom Robinson. Tom had been accused of raping a poor white girl named Mayella Ewell. Mayella’s family would be considered in today’s society as “White trash.” The town and even some members of Atticus’ family criticized Mayella’s family, calling them “nigger-lovers” and other degrading names. The night before the trial Tom was sent to the county jail and Atticus, fearing an attack, stands guard outside the jail all night. Scout was scared for her
…show more content…
Atticus was satisfied with the trial because the jury took so long deciding their fate. In any other case the verdict would have been decided in minutes because a Black man’s word would not be trusted. Atticus was hoping for an appeal but unfortunately, Tom tried to escape from prison and was shot to death (To Kill a Mockingbird Summary). This book is a prime example of White versus Black in the 1930s. The town and the jury stereotyped Mr. Robinson into somebody that he showed no signs of being. Tom was a kind, generous man who liked helping people for the good of society and his family, but the only thing the White people saw was the color of his skin. Another novel that discusses the history of racism is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. “The novel is based in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s and tells the story of Black maids working in White Southern homes” (Book Summary). The book is about the main character, Skeeter, who is a fortunate White woman, and her Black maids. “In the beginning of the novel Skeeter’s dream is to be a writer, but the only job she can find is with the Jackson Journal writing a housekeeping advice column called "Miss
Atticus was satisfied with the trial because the jury took so long deciding their fate. In any other case the verdict would have been decided in minutes because a Black man’s word would not be trusted. Atticus was hoping for an appeal but unfortunately, Tom tried to escape from prison and was shot to death (To Kill a Mockingbird Summary). This book is a prime example of White versus Black in the 1930s. The town and the jury stereotyped Mr. Robinson into somebody that he showed no signs of being. Tom was a kind, generous man who liked helping people for the good of society and his family, but the only thing the White people saw was the color of his skin. Another novel that discusses the history of racism is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. “The novel is based in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s and tells the story of Black maids working in White Southern homes” (Book Summary). The book is about the main character, Skeeter, who is a fortunate White woman, and her Black maids. “In the beginning of the novel Skeeter’s dream is to be a writer, but the only job she can find is with the Jackson Journal writing a housekeeping advice column called "Miss