To Kill a Mockingbird Literary Analysis

Discrimination: When Will It End? The world is inhabited by a variety of species: plants, animals, and… human races. Despite physical, biological, or even typical idealistic differences, one would assume that humans, in general, should still be humans, no matter what goes on between them. That is not always the case. Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, demonstrates a few of the minor matters that, in a way, greatly affect society, though seeming to have no effect within the events taking place in the book. To Kill a Mockingbird is limited within Maycomb County and is emphasized through the impertinent attitude of a very young girl, only to reveal a small portion of Earth’s shockingly insensitive public. Maycomb, Alabama is very small, a town that has grown with the families living in it; Harper Lee creates a limited environment to just within the quiet county’s parameters. The story took place during the Great Depression in the 1930’s, so money was limited as well. For example, the Cunninghams had no means of monetary payment, but agreed to give crops instead (21). This proves how badly the farmers were hit and how greatly economic limitations were set. According to Miss Caroline, there was also a limit to how much Scout was to learn (17), and finally, there was a limit in society. The townspeople were expected not to fraternize with the “Negroes”, or black community. Though slavery had officially ended, there was still that social boundary. Segregation was still present all throughout the south, except in Finch’s Landing, where Calpurnia is greatly welcomed and respected, despite Aunt Alexandra’s wishes to fire her (136). Scout does not just exaggerate her thoughts and views, she puts emphasis. She greatly emphasizes the description of the Radley house all throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, and even referred to Miss Caroline in that “she looks and smells like a peppermint drop” (16). When she and her older brother, Jem, meet Dill – Charles Baker Harris

Cited: Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Warner Books. 1982. Print. “Dictionary.” Web. 5 Dec. 2011. <http://www.dictionary.reference.com/> “Thesaurus.” Web. 5 Dec. 2011. <http://www.thesaurus.com/> “To Kill a Mockingbird Summary and Analysis.” Web. 5 Dec. 2011. <http://www.gradesaver.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird/study-guide/section3/>