Literary Devices in to kill a mocking bird - Harper Lee

Genre

To kill a mocking bird is a good example of southern Gothic, courtroom, drama and Bildungsroman

Gothic refers to fiction in American literature, fiction combines horror, death and romance.  Along with its serious issues of rape and racial anger, the novel is widely read for its warmth and humor.  Atticus Finch has been portrayed as a moral hero and the most enduring fictional image of racial heroism.

The novel focuses on an act of violence and the deep-rooted racism.  But the novel is not so gruesome overall compared to other Gothic fictions.  Lee’s characters are more sympathetic with the background of poverty and slavery.

Courtroom Drama:  much of the action takes place in the courtroom during the criminal trial.  The serious issue raised by the case creates a sensitive atmosphere.  Tom Robinson a black man has been unfairly accused of rape.  But he is found guilty and is killed after the verdict which is completely out of the genre.

Bildungsroman:  it’s a German word, one character’s passage from youth to adulthood.  Transforming from one to another.  From immature to mature.

In to kill a mocking bird Scout’s development from an innocent child to matured member of the society through the trial of Tm Robinson.  Also, the children are rescued by Boo Radley Scout learns about racial inequality and the weak legal system.  At the beginning of the book she believes that most people are basically good but at the end of the novel she has seen violence, injustice and inequality.  So she prepares to enter the same society she faces the challenges of society and that gives awareness in her, even though she is a child.

Allusion

It is an indirect reference to a place and person or that has historical, mythological or literary significance called an Allusion.  The audience or readers are aware of the philosophical or historical significance of that references, and can understand its relationship with the context of the play.

Examples from to kill a mocking bird:

1. “thus, we came to know Dill as pocket Merlin……… Fantasies”

• This refers to Merlin the king Arthur’s legendary adviser and wizard.

2. “He read in a book where I was a bullfinch instead of a Finch. ………was born and I really a

• This refers to Bullfinch’s mythology.  It is a famous collection of Greek myths.

3. “It is the Dewey Decimal system”

• This is an allusion to the dewy decimal system in 1876.

4. “The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers, and crash hit them the hardest”

• This allusion refers to the stock market crash of 1929.  It was the most disastrous financial crash in U.S history.

5. “Miss Tutti denied it and lived in a world ……………from one of those dog victorals

• This refers to the Victrola a gramophone produced by RCA Victor.

6. “I asked who killed it he said nine ol men”

• Nine old men is an allusion refers to the nine member U.S supreme court.  Political reference.

7. “He said, “you tell Cecil I’m about as radical as cotton Tom Heflin”

• This refers to Thomas “Cotton Tom” Heflin (1869 – 1951) a politician from Alabama.  He was an outspoken racist.

8. “Look at those folks-you’d think William Jennings Bryan was speaking”

• This allusion refers to William Jennings Bryan as a politician from Nebraska.

9. “She didn’t permit Calpurnia to make the delicacies…. On rice Christians.”

• Rice Christians refers to people converted to Christianity in Asian countries where diet are based on Rice.

10. “let this cup pass from you, eh?”

• This refers to Jesus and his last night before his death. 

Style

The style is humorous and conversational but it reflects the main idea and complicated issues.  The book is a recollection of the narrator.  The narrator adopts more child like narration.  The contrast between what people say and what they mean is clear by the style of the story.

Often in the novel Scout thinks a lot, imagines a lot, expresses a lot.  Her childish expression brings out many hidden truths.  “I should be a ray of sunshine in my father’s lonely life”

Throughout the play Scout presents herself as a skeptical character, keeping secrets to herself.  Her description of her Aunt Alexandra creates a closeness between her and Scout.  Many adult characters in this play are baffled by Scout.  But the style of the novel is warming humorous and conversational which create trust and reliability.  The whole book establishes the transformation of Scout from a youth to an adult literally.

Harper Lee uses foreshadowing to present the theme in full effect.  For example, Atticus shoots a mad dog.  This incident foreshadows many things such as, the fear for the dog foreshadows the fear that many feel for Tom and the black community.  Another example is when scout and her brother begin to find gifts left in a tree hole.  This foreshadows the children’s relationship with Boo.  Boo was initially frightening but could turn into good.

Irony is another important literary Device.  Irony expresses author’s views on racism and prejudice.  For example, Scout’s teacher criticizes Hitler for being prejudiced when in reality she is too prejudiced towards the different community.  Another example is church lady Mrs. Merriweather appreciate Mr. Everett for his association with African tribe but she criticizes Atticus for taking Tom Robinson’s case.

All these literary devises bring out the theme of racial discrimination very clearly.  The novel is a mirror which reflects the hypocrisy and how easy to judge other by their appearance. 

Tone

The tone in “to kill a mocking bird” changes from innocent to knowledge and maturity.  Scout the narrator of the novel recalls playing with her brother Jem and friend Dill.  The first part of the novel is Scout’s reminiscences such as her first experience at school, first time seeing snow, trying with Boo Radley and inviting their poor classmate for lunch and reaction of Calpurnia.

After a homely atmosphere the tone slows down and turns towards the trial of Tom Robinson.  The Tone become too serious.  During the process of trial, the Tone is calm and the entire narrative is focused on the trial.  The Tone of innocence is transformed into more practical and realistic.  At the end of the book the attack of Ewell on Scout and Jem is frightening and dramatic in Tone, more chaotic as Scout and Jem have learned the bitter truths about the world.

To be continued.....