Jan 9, 2009

To Kill a Mockingbird | Social Sensitivity

To Kill a Mockingbird is about two deeply disturbing subjects: rape and racism. Lee addresses both subjects with grave sensitivity. The details regarding Mayella Ewell's alleged rape come to light during the trial scenes, with Atticus gently guiding the proceedings. Although these details are not explicitly described, there is the suggestion of incest—that Bob Ewell not only beat his daughter but raped her as well. Since the story is being filtered through Scout, all of this information is related subtly and succinctly.

The novel also reflects the reality of racism in segregated...