Because this blog follows my teaching and learning of history, I find it appropriate to share my reaction to Harper Lee's newest release, Go Set a Watchman. When I initially heard that this book would finally be published, I was ecstatic. To Kill a Mockingbird is, without a doubt, my favorite book. I could literally reread it hundreds of times and not get tired of it.
However, when early reviews and teasers for the book came out, my high expectations for Watchman were quickly squandered. I read review after review hoping to find that it wouldn't actually illustrate one of my favorite characters ever, Atticus Finch, as a man fallen from grace and morality. I dreaded the book's arrival in the mail because I knew I'd have to read a book that would surely be a harrowing disappointment. The book arrived, and I deliberately took my time reading it. I didn't rush through a single page because I knew that at any moment I would be saddened to actually read that the beloved Atticus Finch was a racist.
It was difficult to read the book, its tone is so different from Mockingbird. Though both books follow Scout (Jean Louise) Finch as she learns about life, Go Set a Watchman is decidedly a more realistic portrayal of southern society in the 1950s, in my opinion. Racism runs rampant, as a way to protect society from the degradation that is allowing blacks to have rights and acceptance.
Characters have changed, and many have gone away, but Scout is still the same. She stands firm in her beliefs, and still acts far too boyish for her aunt's liking. But now she's an adult. She has experienced life outside of Maycomb and has refined her character and convictions, as any young adult who moves away from her hometown would.
Harper Lee's syntax is brilliant. Her gift to writing is truly special and the world is lucky that she's released even two books.
In closing, yes, I am disappointed with Go Set a Watchman, but only because we saw Atticus' fall from grace. The book still teaches lessons about life and human nature, and would make for an excellent unit taught with To Kill a Mockingbird in a blended English/History class.
