How Does Harper Lee Create Tension In To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a story that is filled with an intense plot that keeps readers entertained. Harper Lee uses writing techniques to develop mystery, tension, and surprise throughout the story. In the novel, Tom Robinson, a Black man, is falsey accused of raping a white woman. Atticus decides to defend him in court and is faced with threats from the community. The novel follows the story of Atticus’ children, Jem and Scout, during the thrilling events. The writing style adds to each scene as well as the overall plot. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses foreshadowing, word choice, and ellipses to create mystery, tension, and surprise throughout the story. Lee uses foreshadowing to create mystery, tension, and surprise throughout

When Scout and Jem are sneaking into Boo Radley’s house, it is described with “a ramshackle porch ran the width of the house; there were two doors and two dark windows between the doors. Instead of a column, a rough two-by-four supported one end of the roof,” (Lee 53). These details suggest that there may be something ominous in the house, and as the children explore, the story is filled with intense fear. The author uses this word choice to create a sense of mystery and tension in the story as the readers are intrigued about the actions that will follow. Later in the story during the time that the kids are attacked by Bob Ewell, Lee describes the setting as, “the night was still. Occasionally there was a sudden breeze that hit my bare legs, but it was all that remained of a promised windy night. This was the stillness before a thunderstorm,” (Lee 264). This eerie description sets the tone for the attack that occurs later that night, creating a sense of tension and mystery for the readers. It also creates a moment of surprise when the attack does happen. Hence, Lee uses word choice to create mystery, tension, and surprise throughout the