In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, the main character’s father, Atticus Finch, employs four main elements of literary style in his closing remarks to the jury in the Tom Robinson trial, which creates a well-composed speech that leaves a lasting impression on the jury.
Atticus Finch uses imagery to convey some of his messages to the jury. For example, when describing Mayella Ewell’s offense, he states, “‘It came crashing down on her afterwards,’,” (272), which makes it appear that Mayella Ewell is becoming trapped by the burden of her sin; kissing a Negro. As Mayella becomes more and more trapped, she becomes more and more frantic to save herself, meaning she will do whatever it takes to get Tom Robinson out of her life. Mr. Finch also uses imagery to point out that the only reason this case ever came to court is because of racism, not whether or not Tom Robinson raped Mayella Ewell. Atticus addresses the jury and states that the witness for the state assumes the jury will go along with the notion that “‘all Negroes are basically immoral beings,’,” (273), and he asserts that this is “‘A lie as black as Tom Robinson’s skin,’,” (273). Atticus’s simile …show more content…
This is a strong example of diction, because the jury is made up of men who are far from typical gentlemen, yet Atticus addressing them as if they are makes each man feel respected and encourages him to act like a respectable gentleman. Atticus repeats this throughout his speech, reminding the jury of how each man should act. Another example of diction which Atticus repeats throughout his speech is referring to Tom Robinson as “the defendant”, rather than numerous other things which could be used to describe Tom Robinson. By referring to him as “the defendant”, Atticus takes away the fact that Tom is crippled, that he is a Negro, and any other characteristics that may antagonize Tom. He is simply “the
Atticus Finch uses imagery to convey some of his messages to the jury. For example, when describing Mayella Ewell’s offense, he states, “‘It came crashing down on her afterwards,’,” (272), which makes it appear that Mayella Ewell is becoming trapped by the burden of her sin; kissing a Negro. As Mayella becomes more and more trapped, she becomes more and more frantic to save herself, meaning she will do whatever it takes to get Tom Robinson out of her life. Mr. Finch also uses imagery to point out that the only reason this case ever came to court is because of racism, not whether or not Tom Robinson raped Mayella Ewell. Atticus addresses the jury and states that the witness for the state assumes the jury will go along with the notion that “‘all Negroes are basically immoral beings,’,” (273), and he asserts that this is “‘A lie as black as Tom Robinson’s skin,’,” (273). Atticus’s simile …show more content…
This is a strong example of diction, because the jury is made up of men who are far from typical gentlemen, yet Atticus addressing them as if they are makes each man feel respected and encourages him to act like a respectable gentleman. Atticus repeats this throughout his speech, reminding the jury of how each man should act. Another example of diction which Atticus repeats throughout his speech is referring to Tom Robinson as “the defendant”, rather than numerous other things which could be used to describe Tom Robinson. By referring to him as “the defendant”, Atticus takes away the fact that Tom is crippled, that he is a Negro, and any other characteristics that may antagonize Tom. He is simply “the