To Kill A Mockingbird Literary Terms Chart Key
To Kill A Mockingbird is a classic novel written by Harper Lee. It is a story about racial injustice and the loss of innocence in a small southern town. The novel has many literary terms that help to create a deeper meaning and understanding of the story. In this article, we will explore the key literary terms found in To Kill A Mockingbird.
Point of View
The point of view in To Kill A Mockingbird is first-person, as the story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch. This allows the reader to see the events of the story as they unfold through the perspective of a child, which adds to the innocence and naivety of the story.
Symbolism
There are many symbols in To Kill A Mockingbird, including the mockingbird itself. The mockingbird represents innocence and purity, as it only sings for the sake of singing. Other symbols include the oak tree, which represents strength and protection, and the fire, which represents destruction and chaos.
Irony
There are many examples of irony in To Kill A Mockingbird, such as the fact that Tom Robinson, a black man, is found guilty of a crime he did not commit, despite the overwhelming evidence that proves his innocence. This highlights the racial injustice and prejudice that was prevalent in the south during this time period.
Foreshadowing
There are many instances of foreshadowing in To Kill A Mockingbird, such as when Jem and Scout find various items in the knothole of the oak tree. These items foreshadow events that will happen later in the story, such as the attack on Jem and Scout by Bob Ewell.
Motifs
There are several motifs in To Kill A Mockingbird, such as the idea of courage. Atticus Finch embodies this motif as he stands up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Another motif is the idea of education, as Scout and Jem learn important life lessons throughout the course of the story.
Themes
There are several themes in To Kill A Mockingbird, such as the theme of racial injustice. The novel highlights the prejudice and discrimination that was prevalent in the south during this time period. Another theme is the loss of innocence, as Scout and Jem learn about the harsh realities of the world around them.
Tone
The tone in To Kill A Mockingbird is somber and reflective, as the story deals with heavy themes such as racism and injustice. However, there are also moments of humor and lightheartedness, which help to balance out the overall tone of the novel.
Imagery
The imagery in To Kill A Mockingbird is vivid and descriptive, which helps to create a sense of time and place. Lee uses imagery to describe the town of Maycomb, the characters, and the events of the story, which allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story.
Characterization
The characterization in To Kill A Mockingbird is rich and complex, as each character is fully developed and has their own unique personality and backstory. Lee uses characterization to explore important themes such as race, gender, and social class.
Conflict
The conflict in To Kill A Mockingbird is both internal and external. The external conflict revolves around the trial of Tom Robinson, while the internal conflict centers around the personal growth and development of the main characters.
Setting
The setting in To Kill A Mockingbird is the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. The setting is important as it helps to create a sense of time and place, and also plays a role in the overall themes and conflicts of the story.
Suspense
The suspense in To Kill A Mockingbird is created through the use of foreshadowing and the buildup of tension throughout the story. The reader is constantly on edge, wondering what will happen next and how the story will ultimately play out.
Metaphors
There are many metaphors in To Kill A Mockingbird, such as the comparison of Tom Robinson to a mockingbird. This metaphor highlights the idea of innocence and purity, and also serves to draw attention to the injustice of Robinson's trial.
Satire
The satire in To Kill A Mockingbird is subtle, but present throughout the story. Lee uses satire to poke fun at the hypocrisy and ignorance of the townspeople, and also to highlight the absurdity of certain social customs and traditions.
Flashback
There are several flashbacks in To Kill A Mockingbird, such as when Scout reminisces about her childhood and the events that led up to the trial of Tom Robinson. These flashbacks provide important context and backstory, and also serve to deepen the reader's understanding of the story.
Similes
There are several similes in To Kill A Mockingbird, such as the comparison of Boo Radley to a ghost. This simile highlights the mysterious and elusive nature of Radley, and also serves to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the story.
Syntax
The syntax in To Kill A Mockingbird is simple and straightforward, which helps to create a sense of innocence and naivety in the story. This also allows the reader to focus on the events of the story, rather than getting bogged down in complex language or sentence structure.
Imperative Sentences
The use of imperative sentences in To Kill A Mockingbird helps to create a sense of urgency and importance in the story. Imperative sentences are often used by Atticus Finch when he is giving advice to his children, or when he is addressing the jury during the trial of Tom Robinson.
Rhetorical Questions
The use of rhetorical questions in To Kill A Mockingbird helps to create a sense of introspection and reflection in the story. Rhetorical questions are often used by the narrator, Scout Finch, as she tries to make sense of the events happening around her.
Personification
There are several examples of personification in To Kill A Mockingbird, such as when Scout describes the trees as "whispering" or when she says that the moon was "drowsy." These examples of personification help to create a sense of atmosphere and mood in the story.
Hyperbole
The use of hyperbole in To Kill A Mockingbird helps to create a sense of exaggeration and emphasis in the story. Hyperbole is often used by Scout and Jem when they are describing their fears or when they are trying to make a point to their friends.
Alliteration
The use of alliteration in To Kill A Mockingbird helps to create a sense of rhythm and repetition in the story. Alliteration is often used by the narrator, Scout Finch, when she is describing the events happening around her, or when she is reflecting on her childhood memories.
Assonance
The use of assonance in To Kill A Mockingbird helps to create a sense of melody and repetition in the story. Assonance is often used by the narrator, Scout Finch, when she is describing the sounds of nature or when she is reflecting on her childhood memories.
Onomatopoeia
The use of onomatopoeia in To Kill A Mockingbird helps to create a sense of sound and atmosphere in the story. Onomatopoeia is often used by the narrator, Scout Finch, when she is describing the sounds of nature or when she is reflecting on her childhood memories.
Epiphany
The epiphany in To Kill A Mockingbird occurs when Scout and Jem realize the true nature of their town and the people living in it. This realization marks the end of their innocence and the beginning of their understanding of the world around them.
Conclusion
The literary terms found in To Kill A Mockingbird help to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of the story. Through the use of point of view, symbolism, irony, and