In this novel, the author, Harper Lee, displays interesting literary devices to help contribute to the themes that she is trying to convey. Lee so beautifully uses these techniques to develop not only her storyline but also her broader message. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the author uses literary devices such as motifs, symbolism, and characterization to convey the theme of racism during the scene at the jailhouse.
The recurring motif of the mockingbird in this novel represents innocence, and it manifested in Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson accused of sexually assaulting a white woman, also happens to be a person of color. These events take place in Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s, or in other words, an area of fierce persecution against people of color. Most of the people in the town of Maycomb saw a man who was black and was thus guilty. However, Mr. Atticus Finch, the town lawyer, saw an innocent man in need of defense against the crime of being black. The innocence of Tom Robinson in this court case is the motif of the mockingbird presenting itself through the character. All of this becomes incredibly evident in the scene at the Maycomb jail. Were a mob of angry men drive up and ask, “‘He in there, Mr. Finch?’ a man said. ‘He is,’ we heard Atticus answer, … ‘You know what we want,’ another man said. ‘Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch’” (Lee 172-173). This excerpt from the novel exhibits a party of men wanting to kill …show more content…
All of these parts come together to create a cohesive view about racism in the novel, and send a message to the people reading the book. Lee strategically placed all of these elements throughout the novel, and they, individually and collectively, contribute to the powerful theme of racism that she develops throughout the book, but especially in this pivotal
The recurring motif of the mockingbird in this novel represents innocence, and it manifested in Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson accused of sexually assaulting a white woman, also happens to be a person of color. These events take place in Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s, or in other words, an area of fierce persecution against people of color. Most of the people in the town of Maycomb saw a man who was black and was thus guilty. However, Mr. Atticus Finch, the town lawyer, saw an innocent man in need of defense against the crime of being black. The innocence of Tom Robinson in this court case is the motif of the mockingbird presenting itself through the character. All of this becomes incredibly evident in the scene at the Maycomb jail. Were a mob of angry men drive up and ask, “‘He in there, Mr. Finch?’ a man said. ‘He is,’ we heard Atticus answer, … ‘You know what we want,’ another man said. ‘Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch’” (Lee 172-173). This excerpt from the novel exhibits a party of men wanting to kill …show more content…
All of these parts come together to create a cohesive view about racism in the novel, and send a message to the people reading the book. Lee strategically placed all of these elements throughout the novel, and they, individually and collectively, contribute to the powerful theme of racism that she develops throughout the book, but especially in this pivotal