Flaws of Society
Flaws of Society – To Kill a Mocking Bird
Bailey Moser
October, 13 2012
Some novels and plays seem to advocate changes in social or political attitudes, or in traditions. Note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions that Harper Lee apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques she uses to influence the readers views. Do not merely summarize the plot.
The novel, To Kill a Mocking Bird, was a revolutionary tale about growing up and the flaws in society. The author, Harper Lee, uses logos, pathos and ethos to express and influence the reader of her feelings toward racism, segregation, and stereotypes. These are all flaws that society as a whole has had for many years, and all of them are against the word of god, and the Christian way of life. Logos, when applied to literature, means logic. This literary technique is used by authors to play on the reader’s logic, and see where the author is actually coming from depending on the situation being described. Harper Lee shows logos through the character of Atticus. As a father Atticus proves to be highly logical, and teaches his children about society and why things are the way they are. As a lawyer, Atticus is always per swaying the jury using logic, and not emotional attachment. Pathos meaning emotions, is used frequently throughout the novel, and is shown through the children, Jem, Scout, and Dill. Jem, being oldest, and who has a sense of “maddening superiority” is shown going through the emotional trials that come with age and puberty. During the trial of Tom Robinson V.S Mayella Ewell, Mr. Raymond even made the comment that “only children weep”. Scout and Dill are shown going through the realization that the world is full of horrible things that no one can truly protect them from. This is shown through their changing opinion about Boo Radley, in the beginning of the novel they described him as “an unknown entity” but as the novel goes on and the children learn the ways of society
Bailey Moser
October, 13 2012
Some novels and plays seem to advocate changes in social or political attitudes, or in traditions. Note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions that Harper Lee apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques she uses to influence the readers views. Do not merely summarize the plot.
The novel, To Kill a Mocking Bird, was a revolutionary tale about growing up and the flaws in society. The author, Harper Lee, uses logos, pathos and ethos to express and influence the reader of her feelings toward racism, segregation, and stereotypes. These are all flaws that society as a whole has had for many years, and all of them are against the word of god, and the Christian way of life. Logos, when applied to literature, means logic. This literary technique is used by authors to play on the reader’s logic, and see where the author is actually coming from depending on the situation being described. Harper Lee shows logos through the character of Atticus. As a father Atticus proves to be highly logical, and teaches his children about society and why things are the way they are. As a lawyer, Atticus is always per swaying the jury using logic, and not emotional attachment. Pathos meaning emotions, is used frequently throughout the novel, and is shown through the children, Jem, Scout, and Dill. Jem, being oldest, and who has a sense of “maddening superiority” is shown going through the emotional trials that come with age and puberty. During the trial of Tom Robinson V.S Mayella Ewell, Mr. Raymond even made the comment that “only children weep”. Scout and Dill are shown going through the realization that the world is full of horrible things that no one can truly protect them from. This is shown through their changing opinion about Boo Radley, in the beginning of the novel they described him as “an unknown entity” but as the novel goes on and the children learn the ways of society