In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee sets her story in a small, segregated southern town during the Great Depression. The story, as told in an extended flashback by a young narrator, focuses on a series of events that shape her understanding of the world and tarnish her sense of innocence. Why do you think the author chose Scout as the narrator? How do the narrator's cultural experiences as a young white Southerner influence her point of view? How do you, as a modern reader, respond to the narrator's version of events and to the events themselves?
The author likely chose Scout as the narrator because she offers a unique perspective as a young, innocent child who is still learning about the complexities of society. Scout's youth allows her to observe the world with an open mind and to question the injustices she sees around her. Additionally, as a white Southerner growing up in a segregated society, Scout's identity and cultural experiences shape her point of view in significant ways. She is raised in a racist, patriarchal environment, and she is initially influenced by these attitudes.
As a modern reader, it is important to recognize the limitations of Scout's perspective due to her age and cultural background. While she is portrayed as a sympathetic character who challenges societal norms, she still holds some prejudices and biases that are ingrained in her upbringing. It is essential to critically analyze Scout's narrative and consider how her experiences may influence her interpretation of events.
In response to the events depicted in the novel, modern readers may feel a range of emotions, including empathy for the characters who face discrimination and injustice, anger at the systemic racism and inequality portrayed in the story, and a sense of urgency to address these ongoing issues in society. To Kill a Mockingbird remains a powerful and thought-provoking novel that continues to resonate with readers today, prompting important conversations about race, justice, and morality.