The setting that a story takes place in always affects the story’s plot in one way or another. The plotline of a story will change depending on the scenario the story is set in. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee the setting is extremely important to the plot of the story, if not for the scenario the story was set in there would be no plot!
The story takes place in the small southern town of Maycomb, Alabama. The people of this town have very strong views about who is and who isn’t accepted. They are particularly biased towards black folks and think that, “Once you have a drop of Negro blood, that makes you all black.” (162).
On the other side of things, there are a few people who don’t think this way. Atticus believes that men are created in God’s image, and should be treated equally. He tries to influence the Scout and Jem in the same way, but they don’t always heed his instruction. Later in the book, Scout realizes the truth in Atticus’ words and says; “I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.” (227).
All of these views come into play when Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of rape and then tried in court. The Judge chooses Atticus to defend him. Throughout the case, it is evident that Tom is innocent; nevertheless, he is charged as guilty. This was primarily because of the jury’s biased assumption that all black people are sinful and that Tom is no different; “people have a way of carrying their resentments right into the jury box.” (220).
After the court case, Atticus and his family are given a rough time for defending a black man and encounter some trouble because of it. One day, on his way out of the post office, Atticus is stopped by Mr. Ewell. Mr. Ewell threatens to kill Atticus for disgracing him and his family in the court case. Atticus doesn’t take this to heart and tells his family that Mr. Ewell “got it all out of his system” (218). Therefore, they have nothing fear. But, as we see later in the story, they are...