The novel To kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee has many themes. The themes include courage, racism and society.

Authors Avatar

To kill a mockingbird

The novel “To kill a mockingbird” by Harper Lee has many themes. The themes include courage, racism and society. The true meaning of courage is shown and is practised by the protagonists. Racism is the focal point and the main issue in the storyline of the novel. The novel also questions what society is.

Courage is defined by Atticus Finch as “when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” Atticus shows courage when he represents Tom Robinson in the trial. He knows that he is going to lose beforehand because Tom Robinson is a Negro and he lives in a town steeped in prejudice, but still he puts all his effort trying to prove Tom Robinson innocent. Atticus also says “you rarely win, but sometimes you do”. In this he explains with courage comes hope and satisfaction for standing up for yourself and others.

Join now!

Racism is the main issue in the storyline of the novel. Examples of racism in the novel include segregation and attacking innocent people. When Calpurnia takes Scout and Jem to her church, scout asks “Why is there only Negros here?”  Clearly Jem and Scout are at the Negro church. Segregation occurred at churches, schools, cinemas and even at restaurants. The purpose of the segregation then was to separate the Negros from the daily lives of the whites. The whites thought they were superior.  This, without a doubt is an example of racism. Tom Robinson is an innocent man accused wrongly. ...

This is a preview of the whole essay