Similarities Between 1984 And To Kill A Mockingbird

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When you read a book, you usually focus on the plot or your favorite character. But focusing on the author's craft can impact how someone would read the book, from the organization to its literary devices. Throughout 1984 by George Orwell and To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, similarities and differences between the two books can be seen. This includes the similarities with chronological order, similarities in the literary devices, and the difference in point of view. One of the similarities between 1984 and To Kill A Mockingbird is chronological order. Both books are told linearly, with events occurring in sequence. In 1984, Winston's story was told from beginning to end, with each event leading to the next. Orwell writes, "The long-hoped-for bullet was entering his brain" (Orwell 298). Similarly, in …show more content…

In both books, the authors use symbolism to express complex ideas. For example, in 1984, the telescreen represents the government's constant surveillance, and in To Kill A Mockingbird, the mockingbird represents innocence. Orwell writes, "The telescreen received and transmitted simultaneously. Any sound that Winston made, above the level of a very low whisper, would be picked up by it" (Orwell 6). Lee writes, "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (Lee 119). The authors also use foreshadowing to hint at future events, adding suspense to the plot and making the reader more curious. Orwell writes, "Syme will be vaporized. He is too intelligent. He sees too clearly and speaks too plainly" (Orwell 54). By using these literary devices, both authors create a more immersive reading experience for the audience and subject the reader to find the deeper meaning of something