1987. Some novels and plays seem to advocate changes in social or political attitudes or in traditions. Choose such a novel or play and note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions that the author apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques the author uses to influence the reader's or audience's views. Avoid plot summary.
The goal of a writer is often to entertain their audiences, but sometimes they try to advocate change, an example being Harper lee. In one of her novels To Kill a Mockingbird, she sets the story of Scout and Jem in Maycomb, Alabama, a rural Southern town filled with racism. Lee writes about how Scout and Jem grow up and see the world in a different light in an effort to get readers to do the same, hoping to end this injustice.
Maycomb is not depicted as a particuraly special town, but is described as being racist towards African Americans, something not uncommon for the South. When Atticus decides to take the case to defend Tom Robinson, Scout and Jem's friend make fun of them for their fathers actions. They use racial slurs because Atticus took such an unpopular action. A mob also forms around Tom Robinson's cell, hoping to hang him for being accused of rape. The mob doesn't give Tom a chance due to his race. Though the mob does not get to Tom, the all white jury still convicts Tom despite substanstial evidence he is innocent because Tom is an African American accused of raping a white women.
In the beginning of the novel, Scout and Jem are depicted as innocent. They daydream about what Boo Radley, their secret gift giver looks like. They had no understanding of racism, when the mob approaches Tom's cell, Scout, clueless of the situation asks how Mr.Cunningham's child was, snapping him back to his senses. Their eyes are finally opened when they attend the trial. Scout and Jem realize that Tom is innocent, but are devastated when Tom is pronounced guilty. The act destroys their innocence and is a milestone in their growth. More importantly it shows to them for the first time the cruelty of racism. Harper Lee does this on purpose, showing the reader, who was previously oblivious to the sins of racism, the reality and impact of it.
In modern times, the issues of racism has died down a bit. With the Civil Rights movement powered by the previous generation, we can worry less about it. But this book still serves as an eye opener to the historical role of racism.
You did a good job proving your point, however I felt that you sort of summarized the plot. Sounds like Scout and Jem had sort of an epiphany!
ReplyDeleteIt needs more analyzation, the summary proves your point but it doesn't dig very deep. Pointing out some diction choices or certain images would have made this even better than it already is.
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