Can any one sum up " To Kill A Mocking Bird"?

Question

I'm doing a speech on Racism.

Thnx.

Answer 1

The story took place in the south, during a time of great prejudice against blacks. But the laws were still, "innocent until proven guilty". Simply because he was black and seen near the rape scene, lawyers and the community alike felt certain of his guilt. They didn't care about his character, or who they actually knew him to be. Even the child accused him, in fear of repercussions for accusing the white man, who actually did it. Blacks were still viewed as the lower scale in society.

It took one brave man to defend him, not just because he could, but because he believed in his innocence and aimed to prove it. The intensity of fear and prejudice got an innocent man hanged.

Hope you actually read the story, because it was a great one. Sadly, still a sign of the times in some places. It's been so long since I read it, I can't remember the characters names....Old age setting in. ;-) But, I hope this gives you enough to expand on , in your own words. Good luck!

Answer 2

If you can find time, read the book yourself. It's a terrific story that depicts the kind of crazy sexual hysteria that Jim Crow inflicted on its white and black citizens.

But here's a link that will help.

Also, you might want to look up "the Scottsboro Boys." Similar incident, but one that actually happened.

Answer 3

White girl in the South accuses black man of raping her. Black man didn't do it. White lawyer defends him and comes up with a pretty good defense. Racist jury convicts him. He dies before the appeal. All this is told through the eyes of a young girl. Read it yourself, it's a good book

Answer 4

The book is about a lot of things, just one of them being racism. I think the underlying theme in the book dealing with racism is that racism is not an innate quality, but one that you learn from your environment, and that when you add in ignorance and stupidity, along with mob mentality, it can be a very powerful, evil emotion.