To Kill A Mockingbird Literary Terms Chart Answers
Introduction
Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird is a masterpiece that is widely read and studied in schools across the world. The book explores themes of racism, justice, and morality, and is packed with literary devices that enhance the story's impact. This article provides a literary terms chart for To Kill A Mockingbird, with answers to help readers better understand the book.
Setting
The story of To Kill A Mockingbird is set in Maycomb County, Alabama, during the Great Depression. The setting plays a significant role in the story, providing a backdrop against which the events unfold. The use of setting as a literary device is known as setting as a character. This means that the setting is not just a physical location, but also a character in its own right that affects the story's events and characters.
Narrator
The story is narrated by Jean Louise Finch, also known as Scout. She is a young girl who is growing up in Maycomb County and is the protagonist of the story. The use of a child narrator is an example of unreliable narrator, a literary device where the narrator's credibility is questionable because of their limited knowledge or bias.
Characters
The characters in To Kill A Mockingbird are richly drawn and complex, with each playing a significant role in the story's themes and events. Atticus Finch, Scout's father, is a prominent character who represents justice and morality. Tom Robinson, a black man accused of rape, is another character who highlights the racism and prejudice prevalent in Maycomb County.
Themes
To Kill A Mockingbird explores several themes that are relevant even today. Racism is a prominent theme, with the book highlighting the injustice and discrimination faced by black people in the South during the 1930s. The theme of justice and morality is also explored, with Atticus Finch being a moral compass in the story. Other themes include the loss of innocence, the power of education, and the importance of empathy.
Symbols
Symbolism is used extensively in To Kill A Mockingbird, adding depth and meaning to the story. One of the most significant symbols is the mockingbird, which represents innocence and goodness. The title of the book, To Kill A Mockingbird, alludes to the destruction of innocence, and the mockingbird symbol is used throughout the book to reinforce this theme.
Irony
Irony is used in To Kill A Mockingbird to create contrast and highlight the absurdity of certain situations. One example of irony is the fact that Tom Robinson is accused of rape even though he is innocent, while Bob Ewell, who is guilty of abusing his daughter, is not punished. This irony highlights the injustice and racism prevalent in Maycomb County.
Flashback
The use of flashback is a literary device used in To Kill A Mockingbird to provide context and background. Flashbacks are used to explore the childhood experiences of the characters and their relationships, providing a deeper understanding of the story's events.
Motif
A motif is a recurring symbol or theme in a literary work. In To Kill A Mockingbird, the motif of the mockingbird is used to reinforce the theme of innocence and goodness. Another motif is the use of education to combat ignorance and prejudice, with characters such as Atticus Finch and Miss Maudie being advocates of education.
Suspense
The use of suspense is a powerful literary device used in To Kill A Mockingbird to keep readers engaged and interested. Suspense is created through the trial of Tom Robinson, with readers eagerly anticipating the outcome and hoping for justice to prevail. The use of suspense adds tension and drama to the story, making it a compelling read.
Conclusion
To Kill A Mockingbird is a literary masterpiece that is packed with literary devices that enhance the story's impact. The literary terms chart provided in this article gives readers a better understanding of the book's themes, characters, and symbolism. By exploring these literary devices, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the book and its enduring relevance.