Stabler, Scott. “To Kill a Mockingbird.” St. James Encyclopedia of Pop Culture. 2002. 31 Mar. 2006.                                                     <http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_tov/ai_2419101241#continuev>

This article mostly provides a brief summation of the plot and themes of To Kill a Mockingbird. The author talks about the success of the book and film, and the effect on the prejudices of the south. To Kill a Mockingbird explores the race relations and racism in a small southern town, and the attempt to overcome that racism for truth. The article also provides a short, summarized biography of author Harper Lee, a direct descendent of Robert E. Lee. There is a good chance that the book is based on Harper Lee’s own life, as her father was also a lawyer in a small southern town. Harper Lee always said to write about what you know, and most likely she followed that advice herself.

            The article talks about the various themes in the work, such as ignorance versus knowledge, cowardice versus heroism, children versus adults, and courage versus cowardice. The dispute between Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell also concerns the “stereotype of race cohesion,” which Atticus attempts to end. Boo Radley and Tom Robinson both represent an attack on innocence, and Tom Robinson’s murder represents the continuing racism of the South. The article explores other themes and symbols as well. The book and film are a universal success because of the various themes on which they touch.