Racism has remained a social parasite for ages and has always been part of human life. It is a belief that some racial categories’ members have different qualities and that these differences make some racial categories inferior to others. This thought has plagued the minds of every society worldwide. Fighting against this injustice has remained an unfinished puzzle even though efforts are made to stop atrocities. To Kill A Mocking Bird (1960) by Harper Lee addresses the same topic.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is based on true events that the author saw when she was a young child. The book discusses several challenging and complicated issues such as racism and its impact on the judicial system, poverty and the Great Depression that were widespread in the middle of the twentieth century in the United States. Furthermore, it highlights how kids affected by these problems have their own morality, are courageous, and challenge racial and societal injustices. Even though the book discusses a tough topic, it is also brimming with tenderness and innocence.
Coming to the novel, we are taken to the fictional Alabama Town of Maycomb in 1933 through the narration of six-year-old Jean Louise Finch. The summer is spent in Maycomb by Jean, who goes by the name Scout, together with their friend Dill and their older brother Jeremy (Jem). Then we are introduced to Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer, who is the father of Scout and Jem. We see that children play with each other and look for adventures outside their houses.
The kids look for their mysterious neighbour, Arthur “Boo” Radley, whom they have never seen. Tom Robinson, a black man, is charged with raping a white woman, and Atticus is given the task of defending him. Atticus receives threats from the residents of Maycomb for standing up for a black person. However, Atticus chooses to continue supporting Tom even though it means being shunned by everyone.
Truth is more important to Atticus than race and this lands him and his family in danger. Even though there is little evidence that Tom actually committed the crime, his life is also in danger. Will he be able to save Tom? Well. the rest is worth reading.
It is a simple yet complicated story. Readers learn many valuable lessons from the book, including how real friendship, trust and understanding are shown through the eyes of a young girl. Scout also starts to comprehend injustice, prejudice, cruelty, and rage. Harper Lee expertly uses the innocence of children to portray all of these important subjects. I can say that it is a book that walks you through the full spectrum of emotions while instilling moral values and kindness in you.