Representation of the Lynch Mob in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
How the Lynch Mob was presented in How to Kill a Mocking Bird
In to kill a mocking, Harper Lee uses a range of techniques to present the mob in a bad, and in cases a mocking light. When first coming on to scene, the mob is presented as one shadowy figure, but when actually inspected closely upon, it is seen that that is not the truth at all.
When first shown, the lynch mob is anonymous, firstly shown when they arrive “shadows became substances as light revealed solid shapes moving towards the jail door” using metaphors to describe the mob members as “shadows [becoming] substances” gives of a atmosphere of tension and also scared the reader of the unknown. This is more exemplified by not only giving the speak a “deep voice” but also gives said voice a “shadow” of an owner, which agains gives of the atmosphere of a scary, hostile location. Harper Lee does not only show the mob to be scary by describing them through looks. She also describes them through their action and other ways. One of them is by showing them as “dark smelly bodies” and to smell of “stale whisky”. This suggests that not only have they been drinking, but they do not take much care in their hygiene, and therefore through further analysis suggest them to be of the lower intelligence.
When the mob first arrives, Atticus “folded [his newspaper] deliberately, dropped it in his lap, and pushed his hat to the back of his head” this shows that he was expecting tine lynch mob to arrive. Not only was he expecting them to come, he was expecting them to deal some damage to Tom Robinson, but he was weary that they would hurt him and others around him. This is shown by Atticus’ hands. Harper Lee shows that they “were trembling a little” this shows that although he isn 't trying to show, it can be seen. His caring nature is also seen when he starts to argue with Jem about going home. “Please Jem, take them home” the fact that Atticus has to reason with a child shows that he is desperate to get them out of
In to kill a mocking, Harper Lee uses a range of techniques to present the mob in a bad, and in cases a mocking light. When first coming on to scene, the mob is presented as one shadowy figure, but when actually inspected closely upon, it is seen that that is not the truth at all.
When first shown, the lynch mob is anonymous, firstly shown when they arrive “shadows became substances as light revealed solid shapes moving towards the jail door” using metaphors to describe the mob members as “shadows [becoming] substances” gives of a atmosphere of tension and also scared the reader of the unknown. This is more exemplified by not only giving the speak a “deep voice” but also gives said voice a “shadow” of an owner, which agains gives of the atmosphere of a scary, hostile location. Harper Lee does not only show the mob to be scary by describing them through looks. She also describes them through their action and other ways. One of them is by showing them as “dark smelly bodies” and to smell of “stale whisky”. This suggests that not only have they been drinking, but they do not take much care in their hygiene, and therefore through further analysis suggest them to be of the lower intelligence.
When the mob first arrives, Atticus “folded [his newspaper] deliberately, dropped it in his lap, and pushed his hat to the back of his head” this shows that he was expecting tine lynch mob to arrive. Not only was he expecting them to come, he was expecting them to deal some damage to Tom Robinson, but he was weary that they would hurt him and others around him. This is shown by Atticus’ hands. Harper Lee shows that they “were trembling a little” this shows that although he isn 't trying to show, it can be seen. His caring nature is also seen when he starts to argue with Jem about going home. “Please Jem, take them home” the fact that Atticus has to reason with a child shows that he is desperate to get them out of