Truth

Truth is a strong motivator for Harper Lee's writing. She struggled to compete against the sort of nonfiction novel which Truman Capote writes. That being said, when she began her project of The Reverend, Lee ran into problems adhering to the truth, being met with dozens of rumors, speculations and even blackmailing while she was in pursuit of the truth. Overall, Lee struggled to write a book that adhered to facts, and this is what may have prevented her from ever finishing The Reverend.

Politics in the South

Tom Radney's political campaign for state senator is important in that it highlighted the political minefield of the South. Through this, the reader understands the extent to which liberal policies were not welcome in the South. Tom's rebellion against what was called "our State's rights and Southern way of life" by defending the liberal politics of the South...