rger theme of the story is about racial intolerance, but Scout never tries to make it a "lesson," it's simply part of the world she describes. That's why To Kill a Mockingbird rings true, and why it all seems so real.The trial of the wrongly accused Tom Robinson takes place during the time of segregation, when black people were not allowed to socialize with white people. In that era, when a white man said a black man committed a crime, the black man was presumed to be guilty. The law required that they have a trial, but everybody knew the defendant was going to be convicted. Atticus Finch, the quiet hero of the book, tries to persuade the jury that bigotry is wrong. His words are eloquent and heartfelt. He demonstrates that Tom Robinson couldn't possibly have assaulted the victim. Atticus even reveals the identity of the real villain, which enrages a very dangerous enemy. This act of courage endangers not only Atticus Finch but his family as well. They become the target of hate mongers and bigots. Even though the story took place many years ago, you get the idea that parts of it could happen today, in any town where people distrust and fear each other's differences.In a just world an innocent man should be found not guilty. But if you want to know what this particular jury finally decides and what happens to Scout, Jem, Dill, and Boo Radley and the rest of the people who live and breathe in To Kill a Mockingbird, you'll have to read the book!...