Its All A Matter of Perspective

“Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee

Book Review

Pamela K Struss, PhD 

Go Set a Watchman is a historical fiction novel. It is brilliantly written and demonstrates the slow impervious evolution of attitudes toward race, privilege both race and social economy, and identity. Ms. Lee’s characters are complicated and unpredictable. She expands the characters of Scout, Atticus, Calpurnia, Alexandra and Dr. Finch. While you may think you know these characters, you will be surprised how they evolve and what motivates them. 

Scout is an amazing 26-year-old brave woman. Atticus sent her away for higher education and she gets a job and settles in New York. Life in New York enriches her life lens beyond her peers and family’s attitude toward race. Her virulent rejection of the Maycomb’s insolences, and particularly of Atticus, is a shock. Atticus once again demonstrates his love for Scout; and that of a confident parent’s wisdom needed to encourage them to become their own person. Atticus is human but not a super human as previously thought.

Moving away from the characters, this literary work is a description of structural violence. What? Structural violence is the way systems, processes, laws and norms are set to privilege one over another, for example- the white over the black populations. It is common for the privileged to not recognize they have designed a structurally violent society. They rationally justify their positions. As the suppressed society gains confidence, they protest and demand their humanity be respected and recognized.

Jean Louise-Scout rejects the white privilege of Maycomb while back home during a vacation and she disrespectfully screams at Atticus, ridicules her Aunt Alexandra and rages at her uncle Dr. Finch. What motivated Jean Louise’s rancor? Read the book.

In a few moments calmly Dr. Finch challenges her to change her perspective and desire to flee. He invites her to be a watchman. He suggests friends and family need you more when they are wrong. The story ends with Dr. Finches challenge and sets the stage for yet another installation of life in Macon and the Finch family.

This book will challenge those who do not see their privilege and validate the feelings of the suppressed. Open your mind, question your beliefs and behavior and join Scout’s rejection of anything that privileges or suppresses another human being.