American Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The novel that explores themes of racial injustice in the American South is "To Kill a Mockingbird." This classic work by Harper Lee is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s and focuses on the deep-seated racial prejudices of the time through the experiences of the Finch family. The narrative centers around Atticus Finch, a white lawyer who defends Tom Robinson, a black man wrongfully accused of raping a white woman. This trial serves as a focal point for examining the societal attitudes towards race, justice, and morality, revealing the injustices faced by African Americans in a segregated society.

In contrast, "The Great Gatsby" primarily deals with themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream, rather than racial issues. "The Road," a post-apocalyptic novel by Cormac McCarthy, explores survival and the bond between a father and son, without focusing on racial themes. "The Catcher in the Rye," written by J.D. Salinger, addresses teenage angst and alienation but does not delve into racial injustice as a central theme.

Overall, "To Kill a Mockingbird" stands out for its profound critique of racial injustice, making it a key work