Comment upon the techniques employed by Harper Lee to introduce Maycomb society in the first 4 chapters of the novel Although Maycomb is a fictitious town, Harper Lee creates a realistic

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Nikita Mehta 10M

Miss. Williams

English Essay

Comment upon the techniques employed by Harper Lee  to introduce Maycomb society in the first 4 chapters of the novel

Although Maycomb is a fictitious town, Harper Lee creates a realistic and authentic atmosphere throughout the first four chapters of this novel. This is enhanced by the narrative technique where someone in later life is looking back and reflecting but with the events being seen and told through the eyes of a growing girl. By this means, we are introduced to the setting, the inhabitants who are closely observed and responded too & the situation where the confused child has explanations regarding the adult world around her.

Atticus becomes the voice of wisdom for Scout and us, leading to a greater understanding of how we should respond to the world nowadays and the people with their individual circumstances.

We see the range of pride and prejudice that are demonstrated by the members of their community, the influence of gossip and the prejudice that felt against those who were different. Theses differences are supported by realistic differences and engaging humour.

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Maycomb County is described as a ‘small isolated inward looking town’ where children are free to roam around and find out about other peoples businesses. As it is such a small town, gossip is rife, especially for the Maycombian ladies. For example, Miss Maudie Atkinson says things to Scout that she wouldn’t tell boys which shows how important gossip is for these peoples lives.

We are told in detail the history of how the Finches came to be in Maycomb county, and that they have been inhabitants there for nearly a decade. This clever technique that Harper Lee ...

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