From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

What are the themes of identity and social inequality in Harper Lee's “Go Set a Watchman”?

Harper Lee's "Go Set a Watchman," a long-awaited companion novel to her iconic masterpiece "To Kill a Mockingbird," delves into the profound themes of identity and social inequality with a thought-provoking and introspective lens. In this poignant exploration of personal identity and the pervasive impact of social divisions, Lee confronts the complexities of race, class, and individuality, weaving a narrative that challenges the reader to confront uncomfortable truths and grapple with the multifaceted nature of identity in a society marred by prejudice and injustice.

At the heart of the novel lies the theme of identity as the protagonist, Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, returns to her hometown of Maycomb, Alabama, grappling with the shifting dynamics of her personal identity and the unsettling revelation of the deep-seated prejudices harbored by those closest to her. As Scout navigates the complexities of her own evolving sense of self, she confronts the harsh realities of a society defined by racial segregation and the ingrained social inequality that pervades every aspect of life in the deeply divided South.

The theme of social inequality is intricately interwoven with the exploration of identity, as Scout grapples with her own privileged upbringing and the inherent biases she begins to uncover within her own family and community. Through Scout's interactions with her father, Atticus Finch, a beloved figure of moral righteousness in "To Kill a Mockingbird," Lee challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truth that even the most revered individuals can be shaped by the prevailing attitudes of their time and place. The stark contrast between Scout's idealized perception of her father and the revelation of his involvement with segregationist organizations serves as a catalyst for her own journey of self-discovery, forcing her to question her own beliefs and reconcile the complexities of her own identity within a world rife with inequality.

Lee's exploration of identity in "Go Set a Watchman" also extends to the themes of gender and familial expectations. Scout, now a young woman, grapples with societal expectations of femininity and the constraints placed upon her as she tries to carve out her own place in a world that seeks to confine her to traditional gender roles. Her interactions with Aunt Alexandra, a staunch advocate for maintaining the status quo, highlight the tension between individual identity and societal expectations, particularly for women in a deeply patriarchal society. Scout's resistance to conformity and her struggle to assert her own individuality serve as a testament to the strength and resilience required to forge an authentic identity in the face of societal pressures.

Furthermore, the novel's exploration of identity is intricately intertwined with the broader themes of racial inequality and the legacy of slavery. Through Scout's interactions with Calpurnia, the Finch family's African American housekeeper, Lee highlights the power dynamics and racial divisions that persist in Maycomb. Scout is confronted with the stark reality that her own privileged upbringing has shielded her from fully understanding the experiences and struggles of the African American community. As she begins to challenge the deeply ingrained prejudices of her upbringing, Scout confronts her own complicity in perpetuating the social inequalities that plague her community, prompting her to question her own role in the fight for justice and equality.

"Go Set a Watchman" is a powerful exploration of the themes of identity and social inequality, challenging readers to confront the complexities of personal identity within a society marked by racial divisions and entrenched social hierarchies. Harper Lee's incisive examination of the intersections of race, class, and gender encourages readers to critically examine their own beliefs and biases, and to grapple with the uncomfortable realities of societal inequality. The novel serves as a poignant reminder that the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of a just society require a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and the courage to challenge the prevailing norms and expectations that perpetuate social injustice.