TKAM REVISION by Noor Kassem

Context

nkassem28_2 — 2024-09-17 08:04:30 UTC

Published in 1960 by Harper Lee. Takes place during the great depression (around 1929-1937). It takes place in the state of Alabama. She wrote in 1960 but set it during the great depression because she wanted people to understand racial segregation, she wanted them to feel for the black community. In 1960, the civil rights movement took place, and maybe if people read the book then they could stand and advocate for the civil rights movement. It would be an eye-opener.

Jim Crow Laws:

Under these laws, they tried to make it seem that black people had rights and were equal by giving them basic human rights. They separated them and blacks and whites had different schools.

The Scottsboro Trials:

It was a series of Trials in Alabama (1931-1937). A group of young African Americans were falsely accused of raping two women. They were both under the influence when they accused the nine boys. Their stories did not match and one of the women was a prostitute. The entire Jury was white. They all went to jail for a long time and their lives were ruined. It symbolizes the injustice of the American legal system. This trial influenced Harper Lee.

Main Topic

nkassem28_2 — 2024-09-17 08:20:12 UTC

Racial Injustice:

This topic is highlighted in many moments throughout the novel, especially during Tom Robinson's trial. Tom Robinson was falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell (a white woman). The entire town went against Tom and took Mayella's side. Atticus Finch, Tom’s lawyer, stands up for him, knowing that the town is full of prejudice and racist biases. However, many people in the town also looked down on Atticus for defending a Black man. Despite the lack of evidence, Tom is charged as guilty and is sentenced to death by an all-white jury. This shows how racism controls the town's justice. The town's discrimination is so strong that even the truth cannot overcome their racism. Tom’s fate is sealed not by justice, but by the color of his skin, showing how the topic of racial injustice is highlighted in this novel. This is an important topic because

Loss of Innocence: Scout and Jem lose their innocence during Tom Robinson's trial because they learn that evil and prejudice exist in the world.

Moral Growth: Scout and Jem grow morally through Tom Robinson's trial.

Symbolism

nkassem28_2 — 2024-09-19 06:38:27 UTC

Mockingbird: symbolizes innocence, through Tom Robinson and Boo Radley who are innocent people targeted by society. Killing a mockingbird symbolizes destroying innocence.

Radley Place: symbolizes the danger of judging others without understanding. Represents fear of the unknown and prejudice. Initially seen as mysterious and frightening, but later they no longer fear him.

Characters/characterization

nkassem28_2 — 2024-09-19 06:44:11 UTC

Atticus: Integrity and strong moral principles. Courage in the face of adversity because he decides to defend Tom Robinson, even though he knows he will lose the trial and be judged by society. Compassion and empathy for others. Teaches his children important life lessons through example.

Scout: Curious, intelligent, and outspoken young girl. Struggles with societal expectations for her gender. Experiences significant growth and moral development. Learns to see the world from others' perspectives. Understand a lot, and question societal norms.

Tom Robinson: Trialed unfairly, honest man.

Boo Radley: The character of "never judge a book by its cover". His goodness was brought out by the children.