Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

"Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee sparked a major literary discussion when it was released in 2015, nearly 55 years after her iconic novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird." The novel brings readers back to the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, where Scout Finch, now an adult named Jean Louise Finch, revisits her past and confronts unsettling truths about her father, Atticus Finch. While "Go Set a Watchman" was technically written before "To Kill a Mockingbird," it reads as a sequel and offers a much more complex and nuanced view of the beloved characters.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Background and Publication History

"Go Set a Watchman" was initially written before "To Kill a Mockingbird." In fact, the manuscript was thought to be lost for decades until it was discovered in 2014. Many believe that Harper Lee never intended for the book to be published, as it reads more like an early draft than a polished sequel. Nevertheless, its release stirred widespread interest and debate, as readers were eager to see how Scout’s story continued.

Plot Overview

In "Go Set a Watchman," Jean Louise Finch, now in her mid-20s, returns to her hometown of Maycomb, Alabama, from New York City. The story is set during the 1950s, a time of social and racial upheaval in the South. Jean Louise finds herself grappling with new, uncomfortable truths about her father, Atticus Finch, who is revealed to hold segregationist views—views that shock and disillusion Jean Louise, who had long idolized him.

The central conflict of the novel revolves around Jean Louise's personal journey, as she struggles to reconcile her love and respect for her father with his moral failings.

Character Analysis

Jean Louise (Scout) Finch:

In "Go Set a Watchman," we see a more mature, introspective Scout. Now called Jean Louise, she has grown up but remains fiercely independent. Her internal struggle throughout the novel centers on her quest for personal integrity while balancing the complexities of family loyalty and racial tensions.

Atticus Finch:

Atticus is no longer the untouchable hero he was in "To Kill a Mockingbird." In this novel, he is portrayed as a man of his time, with views that reflect the racial attitudes prevalent in the South during the 1950s. This revelation forces readers, and Jean Louise, to grapple with the reality that heroes can have flaws.

Supporting Characters:

Uncle Jack, Jean Louise's eccentric uncle, offers wisdom throughout the novel, helping guide Jean Louise through her emotional turmoil. Hank, Jean Louise’s childhood friend and potential love interest, represents the tension between her past and present.

Themes of the Novel

Racism and Morality:

The novel presents a stark look at how deeply ingrained racism was in Southern culture during the 1950s. It highlights the moral conflict that arises when someone revered for their goodness, like Atticus, holds beliefs that seem inherently unjust.

Family and Identity:

At its heart, "Go Set a Watchman" is a novel about family and how growing up often means seeing those closest to us in a new light. Jean Louise’s struggle with her father’s beliefs mirrors the challenges of personal identity and the often-painful process of realizing that those we love are not perfect.

Idealism vs. Reality:

Jean Louise's journey reflects the universal experience of disillusionment that often accompanies adulthood. Her challenge is to hold onto her ideals while accepting the complexities of reality.

Comparing "Go Set a Watchman" and "To Kill a Mockingbird"

The transformation of Atticus Finch is one of the most jarring differences between the two novels. In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Atticus is a beacon of morality and justice. However, in "Go Set a Watchman," we see a much more human, flawed version of him. This shift has led to much debate among readers and critics alike about whether "Go Set a Watchman" diminishes the power of Lee’s first novel.

Controversy Surrounding the Novel

Many readers were shocked by Atticus’s portrayal, leading to intense discussions about whether the novel should have been published at all. There were also questions about whether Harper Lee, who was in her late 80s and in poor health at the time of the novel’s discovery, truly wanted the book released.

Literary Style and Tone

Unlike the nostalgic and warm tone of "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Go Set a Watchman" has a more somber, reflective tone. Its prose is less polished, perhaps because it was an earlier draft of Lee’s work, and there is a greater focus on internal conflict rather than external action.

Conclusion

"Go Set a Watchman" may not carry the same universal acclaim as "To Kill a Mockingbird," but it offers a rich, complicated portrait of its characters, especially in terms of how they handle the moral ambiguities of their time. By challenging readers to confront the flaws in their heroes, the novel opens up discussions about the nature of morality, justice, and personal growth.

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