The novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is one which deals with important human issues. It is about the demise of a white lawyer's defence of a black man in a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy, which resulted in the black man's struggle for justice. This essay will examine the different ways in which the theme of prejudice is shown and how the writer explores its significance.
             In the mid-1800s, when slavery of the blacks was abolished after the American Civil War, the blacks were seen as inferior to the whites in the South of the United States of America. in the early 1900s, when this novel was set in, the South still clung on to their old values and traditions.
             One way in which the theme of prejudice is shown is through racial prejudice. In the town of Maycomb, there is a clear detachment of the black and white community. The white children, Scout and Jem Finch and black caretaker Calpurnia visited together a black church but were rudely greeted, "I wants to know why you bringin' white children to nigger church." This vague greeting could have shown that the people of both races wanted to become detached, not just the whites.
             Another way in which prejudice is shown is through family groups and class division. Aunt Alexandra is aware of maintaining the name of the Finch family and therefore does not want Calpurnia to raise the children. She attempted to convince Atticus, "you have a daughter who's growing up to think of" but Atticus retaliated. She clearly is discomforted by the upbringing of the white children through a black woman.
             Finally, another way in which prejudice is shown is through certain individuals. Boo Radley, who was locked in his house for many years, is virtually unknown to the public. Therefore rumours are spread that he is psychopathic. Calpurnia explained to the children, "There goes the meanest man ever God blew breath into." Though there was no evidence to prove that he was, thi
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