The feature of symbolism is used in the novel on page 179, during which Scout is describing the new courthouse, as the old one no-longer stands from being burnt. ‘From the other side, however, greek revival columns clashed with big nineteenth-century clock tower housing a rusty unreliable instrument, a view indicating a people determined to preserve every physical scrap of the past.’
From a certain standpoint, the courthouse would symbolise the world around them, newly built from the old whilst maintaining is foundations. The clock representing racism, old and useless to which many have given up on, but those few still check it for the time. And the columns standing for different things from different perspectives (as the rest can too), perhaps Atticus holding up justice, or Scout and Jem holding up the burden of Atticus defending a black man, seen as how they seem to be affected more than their father is.
From logical veiwpoints rather than metaphorical the ‘film of dust’ would suggest the courthouse or its proper uses are rarely used. This would lead to enthusise that the law of maycomb disregard their duty, and make things how they wish them to be- weither somone is innocent or not.
March 2, 2015 at 1:09 pm
I like how efficient this is as a means of recording the core content of the conversation. I trust you’d also be able to explain the background analysis should you wish to.
March 27, 2015 at 1:10 pm
This is a very good piece of work that uses quotations very well. You clearly show why you cjose these quotes and you provide a detailed description of your iinterpretations.
To improve I would simply talk about the history of the columns and how there was a democracy back in ancient Greece that they are trying to live up to. After all it is part of our greek culture.