By viewing Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird through a Marxist lens, the reading audience can understand how race and classism create Maycomb and maintain its structure. Lee uses dialogue, connotation, descriptive language, symbolism, contrast, narrative voice, and metaphor to present these ideas and argue for the reformation 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 Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Looking at the text with a Marxist lens, racism is clear and is presented as Maycomb's natural path. The racial prejudice that the white American community has towards the African American community becomes evident during the trial of Tom Robinson. Although Mayella and Tom Robinson both have low social status, the jury prefers Mayella over Tom Robinson because he is African American. The evidence of his innocence would have been enough to acquit him if he had been a white American, but because of his race he was severely punished. This is explained by Reverend Skyes' dialogue: "I never saw any jury rule in favor of a colored man over a white man." Additionally, the statement "A nigger always comes out in it" has a negative connotation 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 preferred over Tom Robinson. Atticus addresses this concern when he gives his final speech to the jury. His use of descriptive language indicates that it is a “bad 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 taking place. Lee uses the characters of Judge Taylor and Atticus to demonstrate that those with power and respect in society should be the first to bring about social change. Judge Taylor understood that the system was in dire need of reform and used his power for the better by strategically appointing Atticus as Tom Robinson's lawyer. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized document from our expert writers now. Although the outcome is not ideal, Lee uses symbolism to explain that Tom Robinson's case "takes a small step", because the jury has been evaluating Tom's case longer than they normally would. Maycomb is upset that Atticus "defended the Negroes" as he would have defended a white American client, because this means that African Americans are treated the same as white Americans. White American residents work hard to maintain order and the status they have, as well as their racial superiority. Therefore, this shows the reader that racism exists in the town of Maycomb and helps maintain the system..