How does the writer use the trial of Tom Robinson to bring out the themes and issues in this book?

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How does the writer use the trial of Tom Robinson to bring out the themes and issues in this book?

To kill a mockingbird brings out many themes and issues during the course of the book. The trial of Tom Robinson helps the readers to understand the prejudice that black people face in Maycomb County. The themes of courage and prejudice reflect the trial of Tom Robinson who was racially and falsely accused of raping a white woman. Part 2 consists of the trial.

Calpurnia takes the children to the Black community church. The quote, “Negroes worshipped in it on Sundays and white men gambled in it on weekdays,” really depicts the racial side of Maycomb and how racially prejudice this community is. Furthermore, this quote also suggests that in Maycomb the black churches do not mean anything and they are more of a waste of space to the white people. The quote, “She was talking like the rest of them,” was said by Scout who is a child. This shows that even the children of the community can recognise this clear division between the black and white people.

In the eyes of the white people the trial, “Was like a Saturday,” and was, “A gala occasion,” suggesting that they saw it as a big exciting event which had a convivial and joyful atmosphere. The black people treated it as a serious occasion. This difference in approach to the situation shows the difference in attitude between the black and white people. This really portrays the difference in racial status. Moreover, we see more racial boundaries, “They waited patiently at the doors behind the white families,” the black people know their status is under the white people and this shows there are patient about it.

The black people are very aware of the fact that they are disrespected. Tom Robison says, “Mr Finch, if you were a nigger like me, you’d be scared too,” and he is emphasising the fact that it is very hard to be a black person in this situation. For Tom he knew there was little chance of success. Furthermore, Tom says something which shocked the jury, “Yes suh. I felt sorry for her; she seemed to try more’n the rest of ‘em.” Mr Gilmer replied, “You felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for her?” The use of repetition is effective and shows that it should be the other way around. He shouldn’t be feeling pity over a white woman because it is not possible to be better than a white woman. This is taken as prejudice against Mayella and all the white people seated in the courtroom. It is unacceptable for a Black man to say that.

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A further issue is the placing of mixed children. “They’re real sad,” this phrase proves the segregation in Maycomb. This phrase shows pathos towards the mixed children who don’t belong or are wanted anywhere as they have black and white blood in them. It all about how you look and your background, “He looked black to me.” Furthermore the quote, “but around  here if you have one drop of Negro blood that makes you all black,” shows that you are not accepted even if you may look white but have a black background.

The Ewells are very low down ...

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