To Kill a Mocking Bird

Timothy Park10/27/10

English – Final EssayPeriod: 4

I Strongly agree that Harper Lee uses literary elements successfully and effectively in her book,

“To Kill a Mocking Bird,” because Harper Lee's use of vivid visual imagery with courtroom drama,

creativity of her original characters with Jem, Scout, and their father Atticus Finch, and the setting and

plot she chooses and constructs with racial separation at the time, It clearly shows that the author is

dedicated to her work and that she is an outstanding writer.

Harper Lee's use of visual imagery throughout her book keeps not only the attention of the

reader busy with what she writes, but also puts them back into time to the 1930's, when this book takes

place. Slavery and the civil war from the 1860's still dwells big in the back of people's heads and

racism is very prevalent. For example, At Tom robinson's trial, the African Americans had to sit on the

balcony, while the White people sit on the good seats on the floor. Court room drama is also another

very present event which in this book is very interesting to read about no matter how old you are. As an

attorney, Atticus Finch who defends a young black man accused of rape, Is the father of Jem and Scout.

Boo Radley, an initially sinister character is the heavy and bulky neighbor that Jem and Scout fear but

wrongly accuse of as their nemesis. Going near the end of the story, Boo Radley ultimately becomes

their protector and over grown friend.

Harper Lee's creation of original characters is another reason that this book is so interesting to

me and to also read about. For example, In the beginning of the story, the main character Scout, a six

year old little girl who begins the story with a strong, fierce mind frame toward anyone who wishes to

challenge her. Later on, Scout has so much more to offer and believes in the light and goodness of

people. Scout eventually becomes a great... [continues]

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