How is tension created and relieved?
In chapter 15 of To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee creates tension and relieves it through Scout and through the situation that Atticus is in. In other words, Scout relieves the tension created by Atticus.
“His face killed my joy. ”
This quote depicts that tension is being created or, at least, has been. Atticus has perpetually been represented as a happy figure, a figure that to Scout doesn’t kill joy. The terminology behind this proves it, using ‘ kill ‘ Harper Lee illustrates that Scout’s joy is – in other words – being destroyed or extinguish, furthermore, kill is a heavy word, Harper Lee could have used other words however, in this situation it represents to us the high concentration of tension.
For me, Jem’s antagonism towards Atticus at that moment relieves tension from the scenario. As Jem is defiant to Atticus by not taking Scout and Dill home, he forces Atticus to change from his flamboyant, two words, two syllables of ” Go home ” to his more affectionate nature of “Please Jem, take them home.” Changing from please to commands shows that Atticus has given up on attempting to force them out of harms way by almost pleading for them to leave, because he cares about them. I believe that Atticus wants them to see that he needs them to go for their safety in addition to his. Moreover, “… grabbed Jem roughly by the collar. He yanked Jem nearly off his feet. ” this narration by Scout amplifies the alleviation of tension. I think this because then afterwards Atticus pleads Jem to go home instantly, knowing that these ‘cold- hearted ‘ men will harm his children as well.
React!