A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy something already written; a secretary. In the context of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, this term is relevant because it touches upon the idea of recording events and narratives, which is central to the story’s unfolding. Scout Finch, in a way, serves as a sort of record-keeper, narrating the events and observations of her childhood, making her a narrative counterpart, though not a literal one, to the traditional definition.
Understanding this role is valuable when analyzing the narrative structure and perspective of To Kill a Mockingbird. The story’s power lies in its detailed account of the trial and the social dynamics of Maycomb, Alabama, as seen through the eyes of a child. A similar functionaccurately capturing information for posterityis also linked to the way Atticus Finch meticulously documents his legal strategies and observations.
