Transcript for:
Key Themes in To Kill a Mockingbird

Now let's cover some important themes in To Kill a Mockingbird. Issues of race and prejudice pervade To Kill a Mockingbird. Tom Robinson's trial reveals racial tensions deeply ingrained in Maycomb's day-to-day life. The separate facilities for blacks and whites demonstrate the institutional racism of the Jim Crow South. The town's newspaper publisher shows evidence of racism even as he exposes it in the community. Aunt Alexandra, Ms. Green, and many others in the town make racist comments. During the trial, the children are shaken by this sudden exposure to the town's prejudice. The children's reaction makes the racist behavior of the adults look illogical, petty, and immoral. Class. From Scout's first day at school... school we see how class divisions divide the townspeople. While Atticus disdains them, Aunt Alexandra is loyal to Maycomb's existing class distinctions. Aunt Alexandra considers families like the Cunninghams and Yules unworthy of respect. Throughout the novel, Jem and Scout struggle with the idea of class. They often talk about it in terms of background or family and learn to comprehend class distinctions. Equality versus inequality. The solicitor, Mr. Gilmer, treats Bob Ewell and Tom Robinson differently based on their race. In addition, the theme also reveals divisions between the wealthy and the poor. Inequality shows up in discussions about families whose community roots run deep, as opposed to those who are newcomers. There's also a sense of inequality between the sexes. Women are not permitted to serve on juries, and Jem occasionally pestered Scout about her gender. Morality. Morality occupies a central place in To Kill a Mockingbird and can be linked to racial issues and inequality. The story asks readers to wonder how characters who consider themselves to be moral and believe in Christians can also be racists. Much of the tension in the novel comes about when the moral ideas of Jem and Scout come into conflict with the world of Macomb. Atticus has faith in an innate goodness in people that makes them worthy of respect, whether reciprocated or not. The Finch concept of morality is sorely tested during the trial when Tom is convicted.