Social Inequality In The Literature

Have you ever witnessed discrimination based on your race? Have you suffered from unequal distribution because of your socioeconomic status? In the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” the author portrayed discrimination bases on the color of your skin as a large part of society. She also, includes the existence of social inequality in the 1930’s. Even Though “To Kill a MockingBird” has numerous themes, social inequality is the theme that stands out the most.

Racism was a large part of society. Racism is the act of separation and discrimination between different ethnic groups that aren’t superior to others. It has been present in society throughout history. In the book, Harper Lee states “Lula stopped, but she said, ‘You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here—they got their church, we got our in. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?'(Lee 158).This quotation portraits racism because segregation was involved were black people didn’t have to same privileges and abilities as whites such as having separate churese one for the whites and one for the colored. The theme racism is important in this novel to show how the citizens of Maycomb, Alabama lived a life where people were discriminated because of their race.

The existence of social inequality is also presented in this novel. Social inequality is the presence of differing opportunities and benefits within a society. This social issue can exist in various situations such as age, wealth and place of birth. In the book, the author states: “I mean young grown-ups. You’re lucky, you know. You and Jem have the benefit of you678r father’s age. If your father was thirty you’d find life quite different”(Lee 120). This quote shows social inequality because Atticus’s age should not make a difference in how Jem and Scout were raised just because Atticus is older doesn’t mean there life would be different even if he was thirty. The theme social inequality is significant because even though this was happening in the 1930’s it is a social issue we are all facing today.

Even though social inequality and racism are social issues that were present back in the 1930’s, they are issues that we still face today. Social inequality is well known to be a major issue in today’s society. “I am simply defending a Negro his name’s Tom Robinson.He lives in that little settlement beyond the town dump”(Lee 100). This quote shows that This is one of the reasons why literature has universal themes because it is important for everyone to relate. As a writer, is the author’s job to reach out to a large number of readers with different point of views and ideas.

Even Though “To Kill a MockingBird” has numerous themes, social inequality is the theme that stands out the most. The main ideas of the novel are, the existence of social inequality and racism as a large part of society. It is important to analized themes and literature because they represent issues that were part of history or issues that are still present in today’s society.