ranking item image

To Kill a Mockingbird

Novel

About

To Kill a Mockingbird is a seminal novel by Harper Lee, published in 1960. Set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, it explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who, along with her brother Jem, navigates the complexities of their community under the guidance of their father, Atticus Finch. Atticus, a lawyer, defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, despite the overwhelming racial prejudices in the town. The novel delves into the deep-seated racial inequalities of the time, exposing the flaws in the justice system. Through characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, Lee highlights the importance of empathy and compassion. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize and has become a classic in American literature, widely taught in schools for its profound exploration of social issues. Its impact on American social discourse is significant, as it challenges readers to confront their own biases and consider the complexities of morality and justice.