Racism in Literature

Racism, a disease of the ignorant, is a horrific part of society, and has reared its ugly head throughout history, and is continuing to do the same today. Racism comes in many shapes and forms, directed towards a variation of cultures. It can end lives and tear communities apart. Often times, there are people who see racism, and are inspired to write about it, with the goal in mind to make a difference and change societies belief. Abel Meeropol and Harper Lee had that goal in common, when writing “Strange Fruit”, a poem about lynching, and To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel about a persecuting southern to. Both the contrast made and the word choice are effective parts of the poem. Symbolism and satire are also big parts. The theme of racism is also important, which is supported by the title and the author’s tone.

To begin, the contrast within the poem, and the word choice were all very meaningful, and helped develop the poem into the amazing piece of literature it is. First, the contrast of hideous events in the beautiful south is quite an eye opener. The author paints a beautiful image of the setting, with “Pastoral scene of the gallant south… Scent of magnolia sweet and fresh” (5&7). Then, in the next lines, the reader learns of the horrific events that have occurred, taking the beauty out of the land. “Black body swinging in the poplar trees. The bulging eyes and twisted mouth”(3&6). The second meaningful part of the poem is having every word hit home. Abel Meeropol knew how to take words, and use them for a way in which he could shock the reader, and make him or her have an empty guilty feeling in the pit of his or her stomach. Next, numbness has become a feeling that is felt too often, and that option is thrown out the window wi...

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...which can be looked at like being racist towards others is a sin. However, unlike in “Strange Fruit”, the tone in To Kill a Mockingbird is very innocent, due to the point of view of a child. This supports the theme because it shows the reader why racism is wrong, without any bias, or bitterness.

Incredible authors can make the reader feel strong emotions through their words, and take on a new perspective on the world, and life itself. Abel Meeropol, author of the poem “Strange Fruit”, and Harper Lee, author of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, did a great job of beginning to knock down the mental stone walls people have built overtime, and making them see the wrongness of racism. The authors both used inner-contrast, word choice, symbolism, satire, and the theme of racism, supported by the title and tone, to create incredible, groundbreaking works of literature.