Chattahoochee River
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
To Kill a Mockingbird Section One
The first section of "To Kill a Mockingbird" is intriguing, and describes in depth the setting and circumstances in which the story takes place. The first person narration gives a different perspective than one would normally expect from a historical fiction, as the narrator is Scout Finch, a young girl of only six years old. The author does a very good job describing what life in Maycomb is like. The people in the town seem to be "set in their ways" and partake in specific traditions and have superstitions that make the most sense to those living there. Everybody knows everybody, and there are no secrets. This leads to the elusive character of Miss Caroline - she comes to Maycomb as an outsider from a liberal county filled with "big mules and Republicans." Caroline doesn't understand the rural, simple ways that the children are growing up in. She tries to maintain control of her class by punishing Scout for being too advanced, which pushed me to have a sort of hatred for Caroline's character. However, I believe the author tries to invoke these feelings on purpose to contrast Miss Caroline's vulnerability in a new town. This is shown through her conflict with Burris and the children's sympathy for the situation. Miss Caroline's attempt to implement a new schooling system to people not used to change is reminiscent of schooling changes in the 21st century in reference to the Common Core curriculum. This similarity interests me, because even though this story is set in the 1800s, author Harper Lee is able to relate the details to modern day issues.
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Correction: the story takes place in the 1900s, but I think my final point still applies.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, do you think then that some issues transcend time? Is it your position that we have not grown as a nation (that we don't learn our lessons)? Interested in your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThat was very insightful Caroline and it got me thinking that the hatred toward Miss Caroline is built by Harper Lee on purpose so that we feel exactly how the people of Maycomb feel, uncomfortable. They are resisting change, and we as the reader feel the need to ally with them, and that's why we cheer for Scout when she continues to read and write with Atticus and Calpurnia.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Schulz, I think that we definitely have grown as a nation, however the similarities of our reactions to change is interesting. I think some portion of any community will act hesitantly toward sweeping change, such as instituting a new education system. For example, Common Core is a common talking point in politics due to its nationwide influence.
ReplyDeleteAnthony, I think that's a good point. Harper Lee did a very good job putting us in the emotional shoes of a six year old in the Deep South, when our own characters are probably far from that.