How Does Lee Use Direct Characterisation In To Kill A Mockingbird

In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Harper Lee uses a range of characterisation techniques, including dialogue, direct characterisation and character development to portray the theme of discrimination. Dialogue is one such technique, shown in the use of “nigger” throughout the text. When Bob Ewell states that he has "seen that black nigger yonder ruttin' on my Mayella," it reveals to the audience his racist views. Use of “nigger” as a derogatory term reveals to the reader character’s racist views. Lee also uses direct characterisation. At the start of the novel, Jem and Scout’s view of Boo is based on rumours, such as “he dined on raw squirrels,” and “his hands were bloodstained.” These characterisations paint a picture of Boo in the reader's head.

Lee uses the symbols of the mockingbird and snowman to provide a deeper insight into the recurring theme of discrimination. When Atticus tells Scout she can “shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em,” but reminds her that “it's a sin to kill a mockingbird," it is his way of explaining discrimination to her. Mockingbirds are a symbol of innocence, they do nothing but make music. This represents the case of Tom Robinson. Lee shows the reader that Tom is innocent, but the jury judged him based not on the evidence presented, but the colour of his skin. The town decreed him guilty, despite the evidence that Tom was physically incapable of committing the crime. As such, Maycomb ‘shot the mockingbird.’ Boo Radley’s innocence reflects the mockingbird. Boo is subject to discrimination because he lives differently to the majority of Maycomb and they cannot comprehend this. He prefers isolation, and the town conjures up awful speculations to justify his way of life to themselves. Another symbol in the novel is the snowman made by Jem and Scout. Made of dirt, the snowman is black on the inside, but coated in snow. Because of this muddy appearance, it is a “nigger snowman.” This is an abstract representation of how skin colour is a trivial appearance. Jem and Scout can see this as they are young and have been raised free of prejudice. Lee uses the symbols of the