In the novel

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee brings up the controversial issue of racism and explores it. During the time of the 1930’s in a small county of Maycomb the thoughts of most southern individuals reflected that of the whole nation. In the novel issues that are brought up are explored by a young girl Jean Louise Finch who is also known as Scout. The readers see the events that occur through her perspective. The main example of racism in the novel is brought up through the trial of Tom Robinson. Tom was the outcast of the society and represented the black race at that time. He’s a victim of racism and is characterized by what the people of Maycomb county say about him. After he’s accused of rape the town see him as an evil creature. During the trial while Bob Ewell testifies, he points to Tom Robinson and says, “I seen that black n***** yonder ruttin’ on my Mayella.” (pg. 173) According to Mr. Ewell, Tom Robinson is an animal who tormented and violated his daughter. Throughout the trial, Tom Robinson is portrayed in this manner because of the racist mentality of the people in Maycomb. Even though there is a good amount of proof which shows he did not commit the crime, Tom is a black man who will be denied justice. Atticus reinforces this idea when he tells Jem, “in our courts, when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins.” (pg. 220) If the town knew how to understand others the death of an innocent person would’ve been prevented.