Harper Lee wrote "To Kill A Mockingbird" in 1960.
The various themes dealt in the novel are those of prejudice, social inequality, good and evil, and moral education along with the 'mockingbird' imagery.
Explanation:
Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" was written around 1956 - 1959, with many revisions and alterations, including the title of the book. The first title was "Go Set A Watchman" which was changed to "Atticus". But none of them stayed long, not reaching the publisher's expectations. Then Lee finally changed it to "To Kill A Mockingbird" for the story deals beyond the literal content of it. And it was finally published on July 11, 1960.
Through it's characterization of the many main and minor characters, Lee deals with the diverse themes of racial injustice, social inequality in the southern state, the education of children not only in schools but also through moral experiences, the existence of good and evil, courage and compassion, the roles of both genders, and the most important, the 'mockingbird' theme. Lee uses the character of the youngest, Jean Louise "Scout" Finch to talk and show all these themes. Through the eyes of Scout, we are led through the lives of these southern residents, their approaches to the society and their perspectives.
Atticus Finch, the father of Scout and her brother Jem, is a lawyer who plays an important role in educating his children about the moral values, good and bad judgement and the need to be morally educated even when reason may contradict. He makes them understand the importance of having their own opinions, and helps them whenever they make mistakes. Most of all, he taught them the true meaning of what a mockingbird is. It was from him that Scout finally learns the meaning of "killing a mockingbird"- that it stands for something that is falsely accused and killed. "Mockingbird" represents the true goodness and innocence in a person that should always be protected.
Also, the attempts of Aunt Alexandria and Calpurnia to teach Scout how a true southern lady must act, they represent the gender roles of women to be ladylike and help in the housework while the men work outside. The theme of prejudice is seen when the black man Tom Robinson was falsely accused of raping a white girl. Jem and Scout, who had always believed that everyone holds the same opinion like their father does, are shocked to see the racism in their own place. Boo Radley epitomizes the goodness in a person when he saved the Finch children from being hurt by Bob Ewell, the father of the raped girl. These are some of the examples from the text that deals with the themes.
