To Kill A Mockingbird Essay

Question -

Choose a novel or short story which involves a theme of conflict and show how the dramatist makes the story compelling for the reader. You may refer to structure, characterisation, key scene(s) or any other appropriate feature.

Introduction

A novel which involves a theme of conflict is ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. It is the story of a town divided by racism and ignorance, and a miscarriage of justice.

Setting

The novel is set in Alabama during the Depression. Maycomb is a poor community of farmers. This is shown in the early chapters when Scout attends school. The poverty of the other children is revealed at lunchtime, when they take out pails of molasses to eat. Walter Cunningham pays Atticus in turnips as he has no cash. When his son visits for dinner, he pours molasses over his food. As well as poverty, the town is divided. Black people worship at a separate church and live in their own area. The conflict of the novel arises from prejudice, which leads to Tom Robinson being accused of rape.

Characterization

The character of Atticus is central to the novel. At first he appears a somewhat boring middle-aged man: ‘Atticus was feeble; he was nearly fifty’. He does not play football like the other fathers. The incident with the rabid dog shows that he has kept his shooting skill a secret from his children in order to protect them. He represents the moral centre of the novel, refusing to allow Scout to use the word ‘niggers’ and standing up for Boo Radley and Miss Dubose. In the second half of the novel he defends Tom Robinson even though he is certain to lose.

The novel is narrated by Scout as an old woman. Scout is hot headed and gets into fights at the start of the novel. She becomes more like Atticus as she learns more of the fight against prejudice.

Key scene

A key scene of the novel is chapter 15. At the start of this chapter, we are reminded of the setting as the children eavesdrop on their father on the front porch. They hear Atticus’ dangerous question: ‘Do you really think so?’ This is repeated later on in the chapter as Atticus confronts the local men. Scout shames Walter Cunningham into withdrawing by reminding him he is an ordinary man.

Symbolism

Symbolism is important in chapter 15. The Maycomb Jail contrasts with the other buildings on the main street, being far grander and older, yet, in the minds of the townsfolk it is ‘full of niggers’. Tom Robinson seems to be living in a building better than theirs. The idea of being at home is continued with Atticus, who sits under a light bulb, in a chair, with a newspaper. This gives us some understanding of what motivates the locals to try to lynch Tom: they see him as being above them, and perhaps as a guest of Atticus’ home.

The ending of the novel

Despite the optimism of chapter 15, the book still ends with the death of Tom. However, Boo Radley saves the family from Bob Ewell and the policeman refuses to investigate what may have been Ewell’s murder by Boo. The conflict of the novel leaves the reader with a sense of injustice but also optimism. The good people of the novel include people such as Walter Cunningham, who learn tolerance from a child’s point of view.

Conclusion

In these ways, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is a novel which features conflict. The author uses symbolism, characterisation and setting to explore the theme of racial prejudice.