To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic included in the literary canon because of the way it has transcended time and broken cultural barriers from the time it was written. The literary canon refers to a body of books and other texts that are considered to be most important and influential at the time of a massive event or change in the world. America in the 9th century represents one of these time periods, producing the book To Kill a Mockingbird. Through its universal themes and close attention to issues of the past, it transports todays western readers into what seems an entirely different planet, where many of them wouldnt have been accepted. As one of the first novels to display the prejudice that was present at the time, this story marks a massive change in the way society perceives people of a different race, this is the key reason for its inclusion in the canon. Its important for young people to understand that this discrimination happened, and it still does happen in many parts of the world, even right here. As well as these issues being addressed, the books evoke for emotion and memorable characters that the audience can easily empathise with strongly support, To kill A Mockingbird as a powerful piece in this collection of works that is still very much needed to be taught to the future generations.
Harper Lees use of literacy devices have had a very important place in earning the book a place in the Canon. Such devices help connect th
e reader to the deep story being told. Some devices that are used in this book are its point of view and symbolism. The story is set through Scouts eyes. She gives the reader the events from her childhood perspective, only 6 years old. This makes the narration extremely naïve and innocent, as she does not understand the scale of horrific events around her. She describes the events as she experiences them as facts, without any bias opinions or hatred. While it is refreshing for the story to be told simply, it is also intriguing seeing how a child would see the culture back then in 9th century Alabama, which also shows us no child is born racist, it is taught. The future generations would come to love scout as they can relate to her perspective, with being children themselves. The strong symbolism between the mad dog and the court case, the children and the Radleys house and innocent men and the mockingbird is completely unique and really makes the audience ponder over its true message. They don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.’ The symbolism and point of view give the reader or watcher a way to personally connect and relate with the story being told. Remembering how they viewed the world when they were younger or seeing the same links the author created. Its this connection that has kept To Kill A Mockingbird so popular over the last 50 years, earning its place in the literacy canon.