Racism, a disease of the ignorant, is a horrible part of society, and has reared its ugly head throughout history, and continues to do the same today. Racism comes in many shapes and forms, directed towards a variation of cultures. It can end lives and tear communities apart. Often there are people who see racism and are inspired to write about it, with the goal in mind of making a difference and changing society's beliefs. Abel Meeropol and Harper Lee had this goal in common when they wrote “Strange Fruit,” a poem about lynching, and To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel about a Southern persecutor. Both the contrast made and the choice of words are effective parts of the poem. Symbolism and satire are also important parts. The theme of racism is also important, supported by the title and the author's tone. To begin with, the contrast within the poem and the choice of words were all very significant and helped transform the poem into the stunning piece of literature that it is. . First, the contrast of the horrific events that occurred in the beautiful South is eye-opening. The author paints a beautiful picture of the setting, with “Pastoral scene of the valiant south…Scent of magnolia sweet and fresh” (5&7). Then, in the next lines, the reader learns of the horrible events that have occurred, taking the beauty from the land. “Black body swinging among the poplars. The eyes bulging and the mouth twisted” (3 and 6). The second significant part of the poem is that each word hits the mark. Abel Meeropol knew how to take words and use them in a way that would shock the reader and make them feel an empty feeling of guilt in the pit of their stomach. Subsequently, numbness has become a feeling that is felt too often, and that option is thrown out the window... in the middle of a sheet of paper... which can be seen as if being racist towards others is a shame. However, unlike “Strange Fruit”, the tone of To Kill a Mockingbird is very innocent, due to a child's point of view. This supports the theme because it shows the reader why racism is wrong, without any prejudice or bitterness. Incredible authors can make the reader feel strong emotions through their words and take on a new perspective on the world and life itself. Abel Meeropol, author of the poem “Strange Fruit,” and Harper Lee, author of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, have done a great job of starting to break down the mental walls that people have built over time, and making them see the fallacy of racism. Both authors used internal contrast, word choice, symbolism, satire and the theme of racism, supported by title and tone, to create incredible and groundbreaking literary works..