Mishael Liu Ms J.

Wilson ENG2DB-08 June 6, 2012

A Different Perspective in the Narrative Voice of Jean Louise Finch Literature is a form of art that expresses a story. With literature, ideas are introduced by a narrative mode. Narrative mode is the narrative voice that portrays a story in a characters voice. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the narrative voice is taken from Jean Louise Finch or Scout, a young, curious girl living in the county of Maycomb. Harper Lee gives Scout a separate personality that makes her voice distinct from the rest of the Maycomb. Being the youngest and only female protagonist in the story, the treatment she concedes from the adults in Maycomb is different in comparison to the treatment that other characters receive. Scouts adventurous psyche challenges her to discover the information she desires, further developing her character as the story progresses. Scouts child-like interpretations limits her comprehension of the thoughts of others in Maycomb, however, it also goes above what the others think, as it is different opinion. It views people and events in a more unbiased level, without the influence of other peoples opinions. Scouts child-like interpretations create a narrative voice that develops her point of view of the events that occur in Maycomb. Scouts voice further engages readers to view characters of To Kill a Mockingbird in a different perspective compared to the rest of the population in the county of Maycomb. As the other members of Maycomb judge different families through reputations, Scouts view of people is not mainly based upon reputation or race; it is appraised from the personality and actions of the characters. Scouts first glimpse of Mayella takes place in the Tom Robinson trial. Scout feels

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sympathy towards Mayella as she quotes, She was as sad, I thought, as what Jem called a mixed child: white people wouldnt have anything to do with her because she lived among pigs; Negroes wouldnt have anything to do with her because she was white (Lee 192). From this chapter, perspective plays a vital role in understanding characters. Scout shows compassion towards Mayella, and sees her as the person she truly is: A lonely nineteen year-old teenager that no one wants, much like the half white, half coloured people. This act of sympathy would not be considered by the other residents of Maycomb, as Mayella is a Ewell. The Ewells are members of an exclusive society that follows a law-breaking form of living. Scout believes that Mayella is different in comparison to the other Ewells. Scouts unique views transform the setting of To Kill a Mockingbird into a reality where many unanswered, child-thought questions exist. Curiosity in Scouts narrative voice intrigues readers to read on, in order to find answers and understand the characters. While dramatizing as the Radleys, Scout hears a particular sound that persuades her to quit the game. Scout reflects, Through all the head-shaking, quelling of nausea and Jem-yelling, I had heard another sound, so low I could not have heard it from the sidewalk. Someone inside the house was laughing (40). At this moment, Scouts curiosity leads to questioning who Boo Radley really is. Readers have established the understanding of Boo or Arthur Radley, as it is know that Boo has not been seen for over twenty-five years. It makes this moment a bigger mystery because Scout, Jem, nor Dill has ever seen Boo Radley. The interpretation of Boo reveals the idea of mystery by exploring Boos identity. Scouts voice builds interest in readers because while growing up, the myths of Boo makes him an important character Scout aims to uncover. As time passes, Scout begins to show signs of development, making her more knowledgeable. Deeper in To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout begins to act in a different manner. As the story progresses, Scouts development from a childish character shows more maturity and deeper thoughts that justifies her outlook within the town of Maycomb. Even though she acts more maturely, Scout is still a child; however, her thoughts become much more developed near the end of To Kill a Mockingbird in comparison to the beginning. Right

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after walking Boo Radley back to his residence, Scout visions the future life of Boo Radley in Maycomb. Finally understanding the events, Scout refers back to Atticus words, saying, Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough (279). From that moment, Scout begins to understand the identity of Boo. The development of her understanding of Mr. Arthur changes from her understanding in the beginning of the novel. From originally attempting to discover Boo and making him come out, the perspective changes into knowing who Boo really is. From Scouts voice, readers finally understand the true character of Arthur Radley, as Scout is a character that truly walks in Boo Radleys shoes. Evident throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus judgements and personality influences Scout to shows discipline and more understanding towards the conflicts in Maycomb. When Jem is learning how to use air-rifles, Scout overhears Atticus saying, Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit em, but remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird (90). Though not directed towards Scout, she still takes this saying into understanding conflicts, such as the Tom Robinson trial. Scouts apprehension of the events derives from Atticus morals, as they differ from the opinions of others. This saying is kept in Scouts mind, even to the end of the book, where she quotes Well, itd be sort of like shootin a mockingbird, wouldnt it? (276). This shows how much influence Atticus has on Scouts perspective on events and people. Within To Kill a Mockingbird, the idea of expressing ones beliefs is very significant, as it plays a role in taking Tom Robinsons life, resulting in a darker tone. With Scouts child-like interpretations and perspective, it gives readers the idea of a different viewpoint than the majority of the population. Harper Lees use of Scouts narrative voice effectively leads to the deep understanding of the characters and events. In reality, distant ways of thinking looks at people and traits from all angles. As a result, it further develops a better understanding of the world.

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