To Kill A Mockingbird Notes

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TKAM Notes

LOCAL COLOUR- a type of American literature that concerned itself mainly with depicting the character of a particular region, concentrating especially upon the peculiarities of dialect, manners, folklore and landscape that distinguish the area

Bildungs Roman- a coming of age novel where a child grows into adulthood psychologically and morally. Roman is french for "novel". Bildung is German for "building". Bildung roman means the building of a person in a novel.

-Protagonist struggles to gain maturity

-Often begins with views that are in contrast to others (society)

-Eventually the protagonist accepts the values of society (not necessarily agrees with it)

Novel depicts and critizes the vices of society that cause the protagonist to suffer

The novel conveys a sense of realism because the protagonist is a common person. The psychological and moral growth of the protagonist gives the reader a deep insight into his character and helps understand his conflict in life

The reader can identify with the coming of age character and feel emotionally attached as he passes different stages of life until he is finally changed forever

Characteristics of a bildungs roman

-growth through the loss of innocence and the gaining of knowledge (not always positive)

Rites/Rituals of passage are involved

-Protagonist faces a conflict/ crisis that plays a role in his recognition of his role in the world

-told in first person point of view

-Tkam is told from an adult Scout recounting events that occurred when she was 6 years old