What's In It For Me?
Question 5: ‘Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it.’ Explore how Harper Lee presents the setting of Maycomb in the early part of the novel. (Total 40 marks: AO1 – 20, AO4 – 20) 5. ‘Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it.’ Explore how Harper Lee presents the setting of Maycomb in the early part of the novel. You must consider the context of the novel in your answer. (Total for Question 5 = 40 marks) AO1 (20 marks) Understanding of setting, use of quotation and analysis of language/structure The description of Maycomb in Chapter 1 sets a sleepy, unchanging atmosphere: “Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town”. Lee uses sensory details — the heat, red dust, slow-moving people — to present Maycomb as stifling and monotonous. The courthouse and jail are central physical and symbolic features, reinforcing ideas of justice and injustice. Scout’s narrative voice uses vivid, childlike imagery to present Ma...