controversial issues in "To Kill a Mockingbird", by Harper Lee, racism, discrimination and social class are explored

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee addresses many controversial issues. Such issues as, racism, discrimination, and social class are explored. During the 1950's in the small county of Maycomb, the mentality of most southern people reflected that of the nation. Most of the people were racist and discriminatory. In the novel, these ideas are explored by a young girl, Scout. The readers see the events that occur through her eyes. In the …

…kill those without a voice. The message of the novel is to stop knocking those people down who do not have a voice. Scout realizes that it was wrong to assume evil things about Boo Radley. Furthermore, it was unfortunate that the people of Maycomb county did not realize their unfair treatment of Tom Robinson. But most importantly, it is tragic that the American society did not recognize the injustice done to the black race.