“I think there is only one type of person. People” (Lee 304). Harper Lee is the renowned author of To Kill a Mockingbird, inspired by the true events of the Scottsboro Trials. Throughout his novel, Lee indirectly references the affair by creating characters, events, and symbols that resemble and contrast with the affair. These elements allow the novel to emerge with a more realistic and historical plot. In particular, the similarities and differences between Judge Horton and Judge Taylor, Victoria and Mayella, as well as the atmosphere of the courtroom, are most prevalent. By examining these elements, one can respect the historical characteristics present in Harper Lee's fictional literary phenomenon, To Kill a Mockingbird. To begin with, parallel and contradictory features can be realized by exploring the judges of the two cases. Both Justices Horton and Taylor presided over the cases. Judge Horton was the second of three judges in the Scottsboro cases, and Judge Taylor was the fictional judge in To Kill a Mockingbird. Both men showed undeniable sympathy toward the defendants in these cases. Judge Horton sympathized with the nine Scottsboro boys, saying, "You're not trying whether the defendant is white or black...you're trying whether or not this defendant forcibly raped a woman" (People and Events). It is clear that Judge Horton was impartial and believed that the boys should be treated equally. This attitude is similar to that of Judge Taylor; Taylor assigned Atticus Finch, a prominent attorney, to the case of fictional black character Tom Robinson. Maxwell Green, an inexperienced rookie, should have been given the case; however, thanks to Taylor's empathy, Tom found a decent lawyer who would do the job...... middle of paper ......r strong theme, she teaches them to view each person as an equal . Most prevalent are his specific use of the similarities and differences between Judge Horton and Judge Taylor, Victoria and Mayella, as well as the atmosphere of the courtroom. She uses these elements to insert her message into the minds of everyone who reads To Kill a Mockingbird. Lee stood for racial impartiality and that's why she wrote her most memorable line: "I think there's only one kind of person." People” (Lee 304)Works CitedLee, Harper. To kill a mockingbird. New York: Grand Central Publishing, 1960. Print. Author unknown. “The Scottsboro Affair.” Staff.ashland.edu. NDWeb. February 8, 2012. Author unknown. “The Scottsboro Boys.” Spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk. NDWeb. February 8, 2012. Author unknown. “People and Events: Judge James Edwin Horton Jr., 1878-? » PBS.org. 2000. Internet. February 13 2012.