Through viewing Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird through a Marxist lens, the reading public can understand how race and classism create Maycomb and they support its structure. Lee uses dialogue, connotation, descriptive language, symbolism, contrast, narrative voice, and metaphor to present these ideas and advocate for the reform of Maycomb, with its caste system and racism to be broken. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Looking at the text with a Marxist lens, racism is clear and is presented as Maycomb's natural way. The racial prejudice that the white American community holds towards the African American community becomes evident during Tom Robinson's trial. Although both Mayella and Tom Robinson have low social status, the jury prefers Mayella to Tom Robinson because he is African American. Had he been a white American, the evidence of his innocence would have been enough to acquit him, but because of his race he was harshly punished. This is explained through Reverend Skyes' dialogue "I never saw any jury decide in favor of a black man over a white man." Furthermore, the statement “Nigger always comes out in them” is negative connotative and insinuates what the general consensus is in Maycomb. The mentality that African Americans are inherently violent and dangerous is a stereotype and fear that exists among white Americans and is another reason why Mayella is favored over Tom Robinson. Atticus addresses this concern when he gives his final speech to the jury. His use of descriptive language conveys that it is an “evil assumption” to believe that all African Americans are inherently deceptive and destructive. This encourages the reader to empathize with African Americans and positions them to understand the struggles that take place. Lee uses the characters of Judge Taylor and Atticus to demonstrate that those with power and respect in society must be the first to instigate social change. Judge Taylor understood that the system was in desperate need of reform and used his position of power for the better by strategically appointing Atticus as Tom Robinson's attorney. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Although the outcome is not ideal, Lee uses symbolism to address the fact that Tom Robinson's case was "taking a baby step", as the jury considered Tom's case longer than normal. Maycomb is upset that Atticus “defended the Negroes” as he would defend a white American client, because it means that African Americans are being treated on the same level as white Americans. White American inhabitants work hard to maintain the order and status they have, as well as their racial superiority. Therefore, this shows the reader that racism exists in the city of Maycomb and helps maintain the system.