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Response to the Film “To Kill a Mockingbird”

The film “To Kill a Mockingbird” was based on Harper Lee's novel. It is set in a quiet Alabama town in the 1930s. It portrays deep racial problems and social injustice that existed in the South during Depression. It also shows poverty and growing up themes as it is told by a seven-year old girl called Scout. Racial problems and social injustice dominate the story. A black man, Tom Robinson is falsely accused of raping a white farmer’s daughter, Mayalla. The film shows how racism affected the legal system. The central character in the story is Scout's father, the white lawyer, Atticus Finch who defends Tom Robinson. First, Atticus has managed to prevent the mob from lynching Tom before trial but he is helpless against social prejudice during the trial. A largely uneducated, white population finds the black man guilty, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Atticus shows evidence proving Tom’s innocence, and Tom also testifies he is not guilty. The ending is tragic for Tom because he is not given a chance to appeal. He is shot dead by a deputy when he tries to “escape”. The black people of the town are very upset but not surprised at Tom’s unfair treatment. The black reverend said: “I ain’t ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man.” Atticus is in trouble by defending a Negro. Bob Ewell tries to threaten him and then attacks his children. Scout involves herself in a fight at school to defend her father’s work although she does not fully understand the issue. On the whole, racial problems and prejudice dominate the Southern society in those years. Another issue in the film is poverty. The inhabitants are simple folk, mostly uneducated and farmers stricken by the depression. Many people have worn-out clothes; children usually play outside without any toys or books of their own. Scout, Jem and Dill have fun in their tree-house or swing on a rubber tyre. Jem’s treasured box co...

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Response to the Film “To Kill a Mockingbird”. (1969, December 31). In Retrieved 05:49, April 21, 2015, from