To Kill A Mockingbird Historical Analysis

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Harper Lees To Kill A Mockingbird has become an iconic staple in American literature. It serves as a historical criticism of the Southern United States in the 1930’s or depression era. The story takes place during three years (1933–35) of the Great Depression in the fictional "tired old town" of Maycomb, Alabama, the seat of Maycomb County. It focuses on six-year-old Jean Louise Finch (nicknamed Scout), who lives with her older brother, Jeremy (nicknamed Jem), and their widowed father, Atticus, a middle-aged lawyer. It can be seen that key places in society such as schools, courts, and even churches have been corrupted by prejudice officials and leaders. Throughout this essay, I will analyze Lee’s novel through the lens of a historical criticism …show more content…

This real life event is mirrored in Lee’s novel. Just like the jury in Tom Robinson's trial, the jury for the Till case was all white and all male, the trial was also held in a segregated courtroom. Despite this being a blatant disregard for a fair trial the case continued. In both the real-life case and in To Kill A Mockingbird both men were found to be guilty and despite an overwhelming amount of evidence and even killed before they received a fair …show more content…

Not only did Bob force his daughter into lying about Tom Robinson but he also tried to cover up his abusive tendencies by accusing Mr. Robinson of hitting his daughter despite the fact that it would be nearly impossible for Mr. Robinson to hurt her since he severely injured his left hand in an accident and the marks left on Mayella Ewell's face were on the right side of her face. This proved to be his fatal flaw and once the truth was uncovered, every possible shred of his credibility was destroyed. This pushed Bob Ewell to the edge and in a drunken rage attempted to kill the Finch children, But he was so intoxicated that he “tripped and fell” onto his own knife leading to his demise. Bob Ewell represents a form of masculinity that Atticus does not, and the novel suggests that such men, as well as the traditionally feminine hypocrites at the Missionary Society, can lead society

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