What does the setting of this novel have to do with its message?
This novel takes place in Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression. The setting is very downcast but also very realistic which greatly impacts the message of this story because the message is depressing, but it is the truth about our world. The message of this novel is the loss of innocence and realization about the cruel reality of adulthood. There are many pieces to this message such as racism and poverty. Scout and Jem start out as pure children who do not understand what is happening around them, and just love to play. As the novel progresses and they grow in maturity and intelligence they realize the world around them is not as innocent as it seems. Scout learns about
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In the beginning of the novel, Jem and Scout are children. They think, play, and act like children. They do not have a true sense of the world around them, they just mess around and have fun. As the novel progresses they are shown the realities of the adult world. One example of this is through Arthur Radley. Arthur is known as “Boo” throughout the story, because he is known to frighten children as if he was a ghost. Jem and Scout along with their friend Dill, make fun of Boo and see him as a monster rather than a human being. They play games to see if they can get him to come outside, or who can touch the house without being caught. As they grow in maturity they realize that Boo is no monster, he is a human just as they are who has had a troubling past and does not like to be outside. They then grow a respect for Boo and no longer make fun of him, and he later saves them in the story. Another example of the theme is through the trial of Tom Robinson. Jem and Scout are shown the very dark side of their world and community through this trial. Their father, Atticus, is defending a black man who is accused of raping a white woman. The trial is lost simply because of the all white jury, and racist community who is against