Essay Questions

Why is Marshall living in fear despite being a renowned civil rights lawyer in America in the 1940-1950s?

Marshall begins to get death threats when he takes the case of the four black men accused of raping a white girl. This case is of the utmost significance in America because everyone is waiting to see the outcome. Under his defense, the Supreme Court overturns this case in favor of the defendants. This decision caused outrage among the white community and they start a mission of revenge in which many black boys are lynched and other shot. Marshall starts to receive death threats because he is accused of being responsible for the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the state's decision which should have favored the plaintiff.

Why do you think that America is a racist society?

The notion that the whites are never wrong manifests itself in this story. Even before the rape case is heard and determined, the state is already deciding in favor of the plaintiff. When Marshall manages to convince the court that the four black boys are innocent, the Supreme Court overrules the state’s decision. This decision spikes anger among whites who consider Blacks as inferior beings. They start to shoot and kill Blacks. Similarly, as the story begins, Marshall is introduced as a civil lawyer fighting for the high levels of inequality. Blacks are not given similar privileges as the whites which support the theme of racism in the book.

How does the author use Thurgood Marshall as a symbol?

At the beginning of the story, the reader notes that Marshall is nicknamed as ‘Mr. Civil Rights’ to represent his prowess in matters of civil law and defending the rights of the marginalized. Marshall is a famous lawyer and the system thinks that he is the only person who can help the rape case achieve the anticipated outcome by many people. During his time, black people are treated as inferiors but this does not hinder his work because he believes in his course.