How does Harper Lee illustrate the racist attitudes prevalent in Maycomb County in the 1930's? Refer in particular to the trial and conviction of Tom Robinson.

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How does Harper Lee illustrate the racist attitudes prevalent in Maycomb County in the 1930’s? Refer in particular to the trial and conviction of Tom Robinson.

In ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee, the theme of prejudice or racism is shown through many important characters in the story. Harper Lee especially uses Bob Ewell in this story; she makes him out to be the villain in many ways. Bob Ewell’s character is a poor white man who is racist towards all blacks and believes they have no rights compared to whites. Harper Lee uses him as a typical racist of that time and this portrays it well to her advantage. When she was writing, racism was still at large and many black people where executed and prosecuted falsely. When the novel is set, life in the southern USA was even harder as racism had reached an extreme high and this is shown in the novel through the court case and Bob Ewell once again. Bob Ewell hates all black people and is a key factor in the false prosecution of Tom Robinson as he lies to the court.

Anti-racist views were prominent in 1930’s Southern Alabama, USA. This is portrayed by Harper Lee the night before the trial begins. A racist mob wish to lynch Tom Robinson before he goes to court and the sheriff, Heck Tate, goes to warn Atticus:

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“I don’t look for any trouble, but

I can’t guarantee there won’t be any”

The author is trying to indicate to the reader that even the law enforcers feel unable to stop racist acts. It is especially Harper Lee’s use of the word “ trouble” that gives the impression that the sheriff is either vague about what may happen, or he can’t face the blunt idea that the mob may kill Tom Robinson.

Sheriff, Heck Tate also talks of a lynch mob that wants to take Tom Robinson before the trial and kill him; this is pure ...

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