From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023
How does Harper Lee challenge societal norms and expectations through the character of Atticus Finch in “Go Set a Watchman”?
In the vast realm of literary inquiry, the eminent Harper Lee weaves a tapestry of audacity and subversion in her seminal work, "Go Set a Watchman," wherein she confronts and challenges the very fabric of societal norms and expectations. Through the enigmatic character of Atticus Finch, Lee unveils a complex portrait of a revered figure, a man once perceived as the epitome of justice and morality, now exposed in his flawed humanity. Within the nuanced contours of Atticus's persona, Lee subtly dismantles the pedestals upon which societal idols are placed, unearthing the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the veneer of respectability.
Atticus Finch, widely known and celebrated as the embodiment of righteousness in Lee's preceding masterpiece, "To Kill a Mockingbird," undergoes a profound metamorphosis in "Go Set a Watchman." Lee deftly employs this transformation to challenge societal norms and expectations, interrogating the sanctity of revered figures and exposing the fallibility of even the most noble individuals. Atticus, previously held as an unwavering champion of justice, now emerges as a flawed human being grappling with his own biases and the prevailing zeitgeist of a deeply divided society.
Lee navigates the tumultuous terrain of Atticus's journey, both within himself and within the societal landscape, to examine the complexities of race, prejudice, and moral ambiguity. Through the character of Atticus, she confronts the reader with the uncomfortable reality that even the most seemingly virtuous figures can harbor deep-rooted prejudices and implicit biases. Atticus's transformation challenges the idealized notions of heroism, provoking readers to question the unquestionable and to confront their own assumptions about the infallibility of revered figures.
Lee ingeniously employs narrative techniques to unravel Atticus's inner conflicts and to expose the hypocrisies ingrained within societal norms. The juxtaposition of Atticus's revered status and his participation in a citizens' council that upholds segregation serves as a searing critique of the deeply ingrained racial prejudices of the era. Through this juxtaposition, Lee unveils the uncomfortable truth that even those considered paragons of virtue can harbor contradictory beliefs, shining a disconcerting light on the moral complexities that lurk beneath the surface.
Moreover, Lee probes the delicate dynamics of filial relationships to underscore the nuances of societal expectations and norms. The strained relationship between Atticus and his daughter, Scout, becomes a canvas upon which Lee paints a portrait of generational conflict and the clash between differing ideologies. Atticus's transformation challenges Scout's perception of her father as an infallible figure, forcing her to confront the uncomfortable reality that even those we hold in the highest esteem can disappoint us and betray our expectations. This exploration of paternal disillusionment serves as a metaphor for the disillusionment with societal norms and expectations, prompting readers to question the foundations upon which their own beliefs and values are built.
In a broader context, Atticus's evolution becomes a poignant reflection of the shifting social landscape of the Deep South during the 1950s. Lee astutely captures the ideological turmoil of the era, as the civil rights movement gains momentum and challenges the deeply entrenched racial hierarchies. Atticus's transformation serves as a microcosm of the larger societal shifts, illuminating the complexities of an era marked by the collision of tradition and progress.
Through the intricate characterization of Atticus Finch, Harper Lee interrogates societal norms and expectations, laying bare the inherent flaws and contradictions that underpin even the most revered figures. Atticus's transformation forces readers to confront their own assumptions and to question the pedestals upon which societal idols are placed. In the unmasking of Atticus's fallibility, Lee urges us to scrutinize and challenge the prevailing norms that perpetuate injustice and inequality, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between individual morality and societal constructs.
In the realm of literary scholarship, Harper Lee's "Go Set a Watchman" emerges as a powerful testament to the complexities of societal norms and the unmasking of revered figures. Through the enigmatic character of Atticus Finch, she invites readers to embark on a tumultuous journey of disillusionment and self-reflection, ultimately challenging the very foundations upon which societal expectations rest. In this literary odyssey, Lee illuminates the uncomfortable truth that societal norms are mired in fallibility, urging us to confront the uncomfortable complexities of our own beliefs and to strive for a more just and equitable world.