To Kill A Mockingbird Analysis

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel written by Harper Lee that is considered a classic. Her work was written during the 1960s, a time highlighted by racial inequality and prejudicial attitudes that dominated the culture of the American South. This novel explores the ideas of racism and stereotyping surrounding African American individuals in the South during the Great Depression. Presented in first person narration, the novel follows Scout Finch, as she recounts significant events of her childhood. As an adult, Scout provides a mature understanding of the circumstances that she experienced as a child and begins recalling her story when she is six years old and her brother Jem is 10. They watch their father, Atticus, defend an African American man, Tom Robinson, who was being prosecuted for the raping of a white woman. …show more content…
At that time, many Southern white people believed that African Americans were dangerous and it was unimaginable that a black man would win a case against a white woman. Many of the citizens of Maycomb, including Atticus’ sister, Aunt Alexandria, felt that Atticus was risking too much by defending Tom. Although Scout’s formal schooling is disappointing, she learns many valuable lessons in life. From Tom Robinson’s trial for example, Scout learns that skin color should not determine the guilt or innocence of one’s character. She also becomes aware that conclusions about people and situations should consider other viewpoints and evidence not just biased personal opinions. Scout comes to understand that all people deserve respect regardless of life experiences and personal