What is the authors comment on society and how does she make this comment?

Harper Lee's novel is a commentary about the worst and the best in society. Now, we must put the American South in the context of the time. The civil war was long over but not forgotten. Segregation was the norm, racism was the norm. The white jury, and much of the town, condemned an innocent man. Despite knowing the truth they chose their bigotry over justice. Harper Lee also gives us one of the most heroic characters in modern lit. Atticus Finch does what is right and just, even in the face of overwhelming odds. We can take solace in Atticus and his children (Scout and Jem). There are also other characters that give us hope (Mrs. Maudie) that perhaps in time things might change.