How does the writer use the trial of Tom Robinson to bring out the themes and issues in To Kill A Mockingbird?

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By Lucy Hughes

M5 Aleph

‘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 book. The trial of Tom Robinson helps the readers to understand the prejudice that the black people faced in Maycomb. The themes of prejudice and courage reflect the trial of Tom Robinson who was racially and falsely accused of raping a white woman.

The trial of Tom Robinson brings out the theme of Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird. Maycomb is a very small town and everybody knows everything. The trial of Tom Robinson is the centre of all the gossip, and on the day of the hearing, everyone heads down to the court to watch and to listen. Maycomb was very busy with the rail, “there was no room at the public hitching rail for another animal, mules and wagons were parked under every available tree.” The use of the word wagon suggests that people travelled from neighbouring tows to attend the trial, and shows how large the trial had become in everyone’s gossip. “The courthouse square was covered with picnic parties.” The quote shows how the trial had become a date in everyone’s diaries and a public gala occasion, suggesting that the white people saw the trial as a big exciting event with a pleasing tone.

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Another theme that is bought out in the trial of Tom Robinson is the theme of racial prejudice. The black people treated the trial as a serious occasion whereas the white people did not. The difference in approach to the situation shows the difference in attitude between the black and white people, and also represents the difference in their racial status. “They waited patiently at the doors behind the white families”. This quotation shows that the black people know that their status is under the white people and they are aware that they are disrespected. Tom Robinson says, “Mr Finch, ...

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