Question

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 thin..k 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?

Answer 1

Harper Lee’s choice to have Scout Finch serve as the narrator in To Kill a Mockingbird is significant for several reasons. As a young girl in a racially divided Southern town during the Great Depression, Scout provides a unique and unfiltered perspective on the complexities of her world. Her innocence and youth allow readers to witness the harsh realities of prejudice and injustice through the lens of naivety, making her eventual loss of innocence all the more poignant. Scout's observations are often candid and straightforward, which contrasts sharply with the societal norms and biases of the adult characters in her life. This duality enhances the emotional impact of the story as readers navigate these themes alongside her.

Scout’s cultural background as a white Southerner heavily influences her point of view. Living in Maycomb, Alabama, she is surrounded by systemic racism and social hierarchies that she initially does not fully comprehend. Her upbringing in a relatively progressive household, especially with a father like Atticus Finch, provides her with critical insights that complicate her interactions with other characters. For instance, her experiences at school, her interactions with Boo Radley, and her understanding of Tom Robinson’s trial help her gradually confront the realities of racial injustice and moral complexity. As she learns from her father and her experiences, Scout begins to question the prejudices around her, which is a significant part of her character development throughout the novel.

As a modern reader, one might respond to Scout's narration with a mix of empathy and critical awareness. While Scout's innocence and honest perceptions offer an endearing quality to her character, they also serve as a stark reminder of the ingrained prejudices that persist in society. Readers may feel a sense of discomfort when confronted with the overt racism depicted in the story, as well as the cruel treatment of marginalized characters. At the same time, Scout's growth can inspire hope and spark conversations about empathy, understanding, and moral integrity.

Overall, the juxtaposition of Scout’s youthful innocence with the dark realities of her society creates a compelling narrative that challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the dynamics of race and morality in their own contexts. Harper Lee’s choice in narrator encourages readers to grow alongside Scout, appreciating the complexity of human experience and encouraging a more profound contemplation of social justice.