Themes

In To Kill A Mockingbird, I think the theme(s) would be racism and prejudice views on others. In chapters 17-19 during the trial, Tom Robinson is proved innocent. There is even proof that Bob Ewell is guilty for assaulting Mayella Ewell; but still Tom Robinson is the suspected "bad guy" only because of his race. An example showing the quality of respect blacks deserve in this novel is on page 180 when Ms. Ewell says: "I said come here, nigger, and bust off this chiffarobe for me, I gotta nickel for you". This is the only time Mr. Robinson received pay for his generous work. He still worked happily for her, never getting anything back for it, only because of his generosity.
Another theme is the use of the "Killing a Mockingbird" metephor. Mr. Tom Robinson is being wrongfully accused for raping Ms. Ewell when its proven that Mr. Ewell is the suspect. A Mockingbird is absolutely innocent and does nothing to harm us human beings, nor acts as a necessity. So, if we were to kill one, we would be putting life out of misery for being themself; harming no others. Tom Robinson absolutely does not deserve this punishment which would be death penalty, and Mr. Ewell should be to blame.