Essay writing on two of the most celebrated classic American literature books, 'The Help' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird' could be an interesting and challenging task. Though both the books were written by the same author, Harper Lee, they have completely different stories and themes.
The Help is set in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s and is based on real life events. It focuses on the growing civil rights movement of the time and how it impacted the everyday lives of African-Americans. The story follows a young white woman, Skeeter, who enlists the help of black maids to tell their stories about working for white employers, and how they are often mistreated and taken for granted. The book ultimately shows that despite all the prejudice and racism of the time, kindness and humanity can still prevail.
To Kill a Mockingbird, published in 1960, is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s. This book focuses on the trial of a black man accused of raping a white woman by a prejudiced jury. The story follows the lawyer Atticus Finch and his two children Scout and Jem as they try to find justice in a society that seems to be against them. The story ultimately shows that no matter how much injustice exists in society, there is still hope for change.
Essays on both these books should focus on how Harper Lee uses symbolism and other literary techniques to highlight important issues in society such as racism, prejudice, and justice. It should also discuss how these two books have left an impact on society by raising awareness of these issues. Furthermore, it should explore the themes of courage and empathy present in both books and how they continue to inspire readers today.