Section I : Reflection
This first section mainly serves to 'set the stage' for the narrative. Harper Lee spends many pages describing the social setting and circumstances that backdrop the interactions between the characters. What struck me was how familiar the citizens of Maycomb are with each other. Because of the town's small size, everyone's business and reputation are known. This aspect of the setting serves two functions. First, it means that the children's story is inextricably linked to that of the town. The children become key actors in the events of Maycomb. Second, it creates a community of people who are 'set in their ways'—unwelcoming to change and reacting strongly against disturbances. In this way, the setting Harper Lee so well describes allows the reader to glimpse the trajectory of the story.
Even early on in the book, I too felt as though there was a division between the kids (and the views) in comparison to the rest of the town. I also like your point of how everyone seemed to know each other, shown through the interactions of Scout and Jem with the townspeople.
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