“Mob Scene” Commentary Essay

During the tamp down scene in To Kill A Mockingbird, author harper lee uses juxtaposition of light and dingy imaging to convey the contrast that exists between wide-cut and evil. Through this comparison, the suspenseful and strain mood is portrayed strongly to the reader.Throughout the scene, sin shadows are vividly associated with the theme of evil, and the mob. The first evidence that clearly builds suspense about the mob is shadows became substance as lights revealed solid shapes (202). This quote server to keep the readers heading thinking about how the mob might actually look. Since Harper lee(prenominal) leaves a neutral expression on the mobs faces, the reader can bother their own interpretation on the mobs facial expression, and how they look. Solid shapes may withal be a sign of evil or harmful beings since in that respect are not any physical features associated to the body. By saying the bodies were dark solid shapes, a suspenseful mood is made and portrayed to the reader.As the sift mood arises finishedout the mob scene, Scout, Jem and Dill decide to go help out Atticus. I pushed myself through dark foetid bodies and bristle into the circle of light. (203). In this part of the scene, innocent Scout pushes her way through the dark mob, finding herself in a circle of light with Atticus. The dark mob, and the circle of light in which Atticus sits, makes a very plain barrier of good and evil. Atticus being the good guy sits and guards his defendant Tom Robinson in the circle of light while the dark smelly bodies of the mob plan to murder them both. Having both sides with different opinions, intentions and colour description, portrays the tense mood.The final evidence from the mob scene that displays a contrast of good and evil is when Atticus, Scout, Jem and Dill leave the dangerous mob. As they passed under a streetlight, Atticus reached out and massaged Jems hair, his one gesture of affection. (207) This quote shows a reappearing sig n of hope and goodness. Even though Atticus demanded Jem and the others to go acantha home (for their own good), without being successful, Atticus still loves his boy and cares for him. Harper Lee purposefully shows Atticuss sign ofkindness to stage that light is a symbol of kindheartedness and morality.In conclusion, Harper Lee creates a moment of tension and suspense in To Kill A Mockingbird during the mob scene through the juxtaposition of the ominous terror of the dark elements upon the light.