Literary Elements In To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird: Three Literary Elements That Make Lee’s Work an American Masterpiece

Many people regard To Kill a Mockingbird as a masterpiece of American literature, despite the fact that numerous readers overlook the literary beauty of Harper Lee’s novel. Yet, the authors’ use of literary elements has a grand impact on making To Kill a Mockingbird the magnum opus that it is. Furthermore, the literary elements revealed throughout the novel significantly develop Lee’s work. Therefore, Harper Lee’s novel is considered the masterpiece it is, as it explores important diction, incorporates significant plot elements and includes unique perspectives.

To begin with, diction is a significant literary element in Lee’s work, as it develops a gothic

motif. For example, Jem describes Arthur “Boo” Radley as “… about six-and-a-half feet tall, … he dined on raw squirrels and [on] any cats [that] he could catch, that’s why his hands were bloodstained… There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; …” (Lee 16). To explain, Lee’s choice of diction in this description makes the reader uneasy, frightened, and disgusted. Therefore, this elaborates the gothic motif in the novel because of the grossing description of this individual. Also, the stylistic diction used throughout the novel progresses setting. To illustrate, Scout describes the people of Maycomb having “… nothing to buy and no money to buy it with, …” (Lee 6) we can deduce that the writer is portraying poverty amongst the citizens of Maycomb, Alabama. To explain, the diction depicts that the novel is set in America during the Great Depression. Furthermore, diction used in Lee’s work also progresses characterization. To explain, Scout describes their coloured domestic named Calpurnia as “… all angles and bones; … she squinted; …” (Lee 6). Even so, this progresses her persona because we can interpret that she’s unable to afford a great deal of food since she is thin, or to buy herself glasses considering that she squints. Therefore, the choice of diction in this statement gives the reader an accurate portrayal of her character.
Secondly, plot is a significant literary element in the novel as it unfolds conflict. For example, Atticus deals with the conflict of man vs. society when he’s chosen to advocate for Tom Robinson; he tells Scout that even if he’s disadvantaged because of the colour of Tom’s skin “… is no reason for us not to try to win.” (Lee 101). To explain, Atticus defends an African American in a time where racism is still very prominent, while being aware of the consequences that will arise from this situation. Moreover, this conflict is significant in the plot because Atticus shows proof of immense courage, despite the fact that the citizens of Maycomb loathe him for defending a coloured man. Alternatively, plot elaborates important events. To illustrate, when Tom is judged guilty, Scout says, “It was Jem’s turn to cry. His face was streaked with angry tears …” (Lee 284). To explain, Jem is deeply saddened and frustrated because he knows that the verdict is unjust; in contrast, this teaches the reader of the bittersweet realities explored in life. Therefore, this event in the plot is important as it elaborates racism and inequality. Furthermore, the plot is an important literary element as it develops symbolism of the mockingbird. For example, Atticus says, “ … it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (Lee 119). To elaborate, Tom Robinson is a good man who works hard to be able to provide the best life for his family; conversely, when Bob Ewell wrongfully accuses him, Tom was slowly wrecked by evil. In consequence, plot develops the symbol of the mockingbird, as it’s metaphorically integrated in Lee’s work through characters such as Tom Robinson and Arthur Radley.
Lastly, perspective is an important literary element as it elaborates the theme of “coming of age”.

For example, in To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus tells Scout that, “ You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view⎯ …” (Lee 39). To elaborate, this theme is illustrated through Scout because she learns to not judge an individual without knowing the circumstances they live in. Therefore, point of view is important in the novel, as it evolves Scouts character. Moreover, perspective plays an immense role of developing the theme of “the coexistence of good and evil”. For example, when Walter is part of the mob wanting to hurt Atticus and Tom Robinson, Atticus says, “Mr. Cunningham was part of a mob last night, but he was still a man. … you children last night made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute.” (Lee 210). To explain, Atticus shows the reader that good and evil are intertwined together; consequently, just because Mr. Cunningham did a bad thing, it doesn’t make him a bad person. Therefore, perspective in the novel teaches good morals for the readers. In addition, perspective explores setting in the novel. To illustrate, Scout’s Aunt Alexandra said she “… wasn’t supposed to be doing things that required pants.” (Lee 108). To explain, Aunt Alexandra embodies society’s vision of being a lady in the time period that the novel took place. Furthermore, women were expected to be ladylike; therefore this develops setting as it portrays the standards women were held by in those

days.
In a nutshell, To Kill a Mockingbird owes its undeniable success to the authors’ use of critical literary elements. The impeccable choice of words develops the abhorrent gothic motif in Lee’s work, the time period, and evolution of characters. In addition, the plot progresses major conflict that deals with unjust racial issues and important symbols that teach morals to the reader. On the other hand, perspective elaborates themes regarding life lessons and bittersweet realities that people come across. Overall, the incorporation of these literary elements have a unique way of making the novel an outstanding masterpiece of American literature. However, which literary element contributes the most in making it an American masterpiece?