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In To Kill a Mockingbird, what does the setting and the trial reveal about the characters?

To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in the 1930s in the rural, southern United States. Specifically, it takes place in Alabama. At this time in history, racial prejudices were extreme and condemned anyone who dared to confront the inequality between blacks and whites by treating people of all races equally.


It is in this setting that we meet the characters of the story. Much of the town where the story takes place, are typically strong minded, prejudiced southerners who condemn relationships between blacks and whites, particularly any type of romantic relationship. Anyone who stands up to that prejudice in this setting as Atticus does when he decides to defend the black man Tom against charges that he raped a white woman, is also condemned. However, the fact that Atticus stands up to the prejudices, determined to provide Tom with a fair trial in this setting, speaks to his strength of character. He believes that all men are deserving of equal treatment under the law.


At the trial, the majority of the characters represent the opposition to Atticus' beliefs. The prejudices of the witnesses, jury and those viewing the trial are all apparent in their words and actions. It is quickly revealed that most of the characters at the trial firmly believe that Tom is guilty simply because he is black and his accuser is a white woman. The jury cannot overcome their prejudices and in the end, find Tom guilty.

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