To Kill A Mockingbird Letter To The Editor Analysis

Dear Editor,
I am writing in recognition of your recent column about popular themes within the book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. The columnist mentioned the theme of racial discrimination and I feel that they have overlooked the most important theme; social inequality. If your columnist wishes to write about ‘popular’ themes, then please ensure that they have it right!
I am sorry to note that many people who read this extraordinary novel fail to acknowledge the fact that there are other characters within the novel who, unfortunately, have also suffered the burden of discrimination as a result of their social status. Harper Lee’s phenomenal style of literature requires the full attention of the reader to be able to read what is in between the lines. The messages within the novel are not as simple as black and white (ah, the great words of Atticus Finch!)
Social inequality, the most important theme, develops right throughout the entire book; from start to finish. It starts
out with little Walter Cunningham on his and scout’s first day of school. Walter had no lunch and refused to borrow any money from their teacher, Miss Caroline. Miss Caroline is an example of the clever characterisation that allows the responders of today to better understand the social expectations and structure of Maycomb County by comparing them with that of an outsider. When Scout is told to explain Walter’s situation to Miss Caroline, we are able to see that social expectations are so deeply engrained within Maycomb County that even the most innocent residents, the children, are able to understand. It is quite apparent during the classroom scene of their first day that Walter Cunningham does not live up to the social expectations in the County due to his family’s financial status. Scout, in the novel states ‘he’s probably never seen three quarters together at the same time in his life’. Through the characterisation of Walter Cunningham and Miss Caroline we are able to see that Walter and his family are known for their poverty and are looked down on for it. This is further discussed later on in the book when Scout asks her Aunt Alexandria if she can play with Walter. Her Aunt, the social butterfly of the family, insists that Scout must not play with Walter and when Scout, a firm believer that there is only one kind of folk, asks why, her Aunt replies with the answer ‘Because- he- is- trash’. This demonstrates the Cunningham’s failure to live up to the social expectations placed upon them and surely proves that there is more to the social inequality in the book than just racial discrimination.
The next example of social inequality is represented through the strange characterisation of Mr Raymond Dolfus, a white man who chooses to live with the black community. Scout and her friend Dill experience an odd encounter with Mr Dolfus during the court hearing. It is known amongst the Maycomb community that Mr Dolfus was once engaged to a white woman whilst being deeply in love with a black woman. His fiancé committed suicide because she was ashamed that he would choose a Negro over her. With the strong presence of racial discrimination in Maycomb County, the people were appalled by his actions and named him the town drunk as a result of always having a brown sack which would normally contain alcohol. When Dill felt ill and Scout took him outside the courthouse, they bumped into Mr Dolfus holding his brown sack. Scout and Dill soon learn that inside of the brown paper bag lays a bottle of innocent Coca-cola. When Scout asks Mr Dolfus why he lets people believe that he is a drunk he explains himself by saying; ‘Secretly, Miss Finch, I’m not

much of a drinker, but you see they could never, never understand that I live like I do because that’s the way I want to live’. In Mr Dolfus’ explanation we are able to see that it Negros are disliked for the pure colour of the skin and that people who choose to associate themselves with Negros are disliked just as much. The racial discrimination in the book not only causes the social inequality of the Negro community but has also contributed to the social inequality of those who choose to associate with the Negro community.
The final example of social inequality I wish to discuss is the ‘mixed’ folk, or people who are half Negro and half white.
Although this may fall under the category of racial discrimination, it also demonstrates the way the Harper Lee has created a society in which people are not racist towards the Negro community as well as judgemental to their own people who they feel do not fit into what they believe is socially acceptable. In the book we learn many lessons of integrity through the wise, young words of Jem Finch as he explains to Scout what it means to be a half Negro; ‘They don’t belong anywhere. Coloured folks won’t have ‘em because they’re half white; white folks won’t have ‘em ‘cause they’re coloured, so they’re just in-betweens, don’t belong anywhere’. From the innocent perspective of a child we are able to observe the Social structure of Maycomb County and understand that social inequality is so prevalent that is has become a way of life for those living in Maycomb
County.
In conclusion, I am quite sure that my letter has been highly successful in explaining to you why social inequality is the absolute, most important theme within the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Social Inequality is not only an important issue explored with novels but a prevalent issue within modern day society that needs to be addressed. Sure the legislation has changed but what about our attitudes? Perhaps that should be a topic for discussion in your next column. I hope that you find this letter enlightening and that you can remember that there is only one kind of folk; folk.
Kind Regards,
A firm believer.