to kill a mockingbird

Examine the theme of racism/hypocrisy/courage in the novel. How is this theme demonstrated in the novel? What is harper lee’s underlying message about racism/hypocrisy/courage? What techniques does she use to communicate this?

To Kill a Mockingbird was written by Harper Lee in 1960. It has become a classic of modern American Literature. Since it publishing date in the 1960s it has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The book is set in the American South state of Alabama in the 1930s. The main characters brother and sister; scout and jem and their father; Atticus. Scout tells the story of when she is growing up in her country town of Maycomb. The main event the story is based on is when a black man; Tom Robinson is accused of raping a white woman. Atticus is a lawyer and decides to defend Tom against the charges. One of the most prominent themes in this story is racism. Throughout American history racism against black Americans has always been a prominent issue; especially in the southern states.
Throughout the book there are examples of racism and racial inequality. In chapter 21 Jem is confused about why Atticus didn’t win the case and he was so sure that he was going to win. Reverend Sykes goes on to say “I aint seen any jury decide in favour of a coloured man over a white man” What the reverend says about the jury is an example of racism and racial inequality. There was solid evidence placed forward by Atticus to defend Tom and even though he is probably innocent there is a more than likely chance that he will be declared “Guilty…Guilty…Guilty…Guilty” by the jury. If the positions were swapped and it was a white man standing trial he would probably be declared innocent. This is all because of the colour of Tom Robinson’s skin
There are quite a number of characters in the book who have no problem expressing their dislike for black Americans. Mrs Dubose says “Not only Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for a Negro!” Jem stiffened. Mrs Dubose’s shot had gone and she knew it: “Yes indeed, what has the world come to when a Finch goes against his raisings? I’ll tell you!” She put her hand to her mouth. When she drew it away, it trailed a long silver thread of saliva. “Your father's no better than the negro and trash he works for!” This quote said by Mrs Dubose to Atticus is a definite racist quote. She believed that Atticus was wrong for defending a black American in court. She was brought up at a different time where they were taught that black people are trash and white people are better and superior.
Harper Lee has used one of the most common forms of racism in her book; Segregation. She has used the technique of her own experiences. Around the time that she was writing this book there would still have been quite a few places that were still segregated. Segregation is a system that keeps different groups separate from each other. In this case separating the black and white Americans. In the book this is shown through the way the town of Maycomb is divided into 2 separate housing areas, one for black Americans and one for white Americans. The black Americans are also maids for the white people of Maycomb. Calpurnia is the Finches house maid, although she is treated quite well by Atticus, Jem and Scout. Others were not so lucky to be in her position.
Most of the story is told from Scouts POV. This is a technique used by Harper Lee to give a different perspective of the situation. Throughout the whole book scout says “There is only one kind of people and that is folks”. When she says this she means that she believes that there is no white or black segregation because we are all human. For such a young girl she shows a large amount of knowledge in this time period.
Harper Lee’s underlying message about the theme or racism and racial inequality is that it was in every aspect of life. It affected everyone not just black Americans but white also. Atticus family was constantly persecuted by the town’s people of Maycomb for supporting a black man in court. Every word and action has a meaning and a consequence.
The theme of racism is quite thoroughly explored throughout the novel written by Harper Lee. Through the ways she expressed the issue we can gain an insight into what life was like for black Americans and white Americans who supported them (Atticus). It also gives the novel an extra sheet of interest for the reader in the way that there is another aspect of the 1930s life thrown in there for us to experience.