Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, the theme of racial injustice is developed through the character of Tom Robinson. Tom is a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman in a small southern town during the 1930s. The details surrounding his case highlight the racial prejudices of the time and show the unjust treatment that he receives. Despite clear evidence supporting his innocence, including the physical inability to commit the crime due to a prior injury, Tom is found guilty solely because of his skin color. This reveals the deep-seated racism that existed in the South and the injustice that African Americans faced in the legal system. Furthermore, Tom's eventual death at the hands of a prejudiced prison guard underscores the devastating consequences of racism and the tragic outcomes that result from it. Thus, through the character of Tom Robinson, Lee powerfully communicates the theme of racial injustice and highlights the damaging effects of discrimination.