To Kill a Mockingbird York Notes

The child Scout tells the story; the older Scout comments on events. The author’s use of the first person draws the reader in.

Descriptive language (metaphors and similes) is used to bring things to life; e.g. Jem’s shirt is described as ‘like a small ghost dancing away’ (p. 63).

Events are arranged in chronological order, i.e. order of time, between 1933 and 1935. Part One mainly deals with the children in the local neighbourhood. Part Two focuses on Tom’s trial.

A quote at the beginning of a novel often indicates key themes/ideas. In To Kill a Mockingbird the Charles Lamb quote makes a connection between ‘Lawyers’ and ‘children’.

Harper Lee sometimes puts events side by side to convey a message; e.g. the mad dog incident and Mrs Dubose’s death present contrasting ideas about courage.