Harper Lee's classic book To Kill a Mockingbird focuses on the concept of coming of age through the lives of its two main characters, Jem and Scout. The 1930s were a time of racial injustice and discrimination in the American South, which is the setting in which the novel is set. The characters are made to confront their own beliefs and ideas as a result of the events that take place in the story, which eventually leads to their personal development. Lee uses symbolism and imagery to convey the themes of losing one's innocence and racial injustice.
The first literary device used by Harper Lee in her writing is symbolism. The mockingbird is a great illustration of the symbolism used by Lee in chapter 17. The mockingbird is a representation of
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Racial disparity in Maycomb is shown vividly. People of color are oppressed and discriminated against in Maycomb, from Lee's portrayal of the town throughout the entire book. The novel's representation of the African American community makes clear use of this imagery. African People are depicted as being ostracized and subject to prejudice on the part of the white community. They are portrayed as being helpless, illiterate, and poor. For instance, the white community instinctively concludes that Tom Robinson is guilty because of the color of his skin, despite the lack of proof against him, when he is accused of raping Mayella Ewell. An example of imagery in chapter 17 is the description of the courtroom. The black people are said to be restricted to the balcony, while the white people are said to be seated in the first seats. The racial segregation that prevails in the South at the time is shown by this imagery. "The Negroes sat upstairs. They crowded each other and peered down into the courtroom." (Lee 210). A second use of imagery from this scene comes from this quote, "The jury box was to the left, under the judge's bench... it was a tight squeeze for twelve men." (Lee 206). The cramped and uncomfortable area where the jury sits throughout the trial is described in this quote using imagery. It reveals how anxious and under pressure the jurors are to reach the best verdict. Lee’s use of imagery helps create an