Negotiating Racial Boundaries: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Racism in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

Abstract

To explore racial discrimination in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird", we have utilized Wodak’s theoretical framework for CDA, complemented by his concentric circular model in our study. The CDA meticulously examines various textual elements, encompassing linguistic features, narrative structure, and character interactions, to discern recurrent discursive patterns perpetuating racism throughout the novel. Using Wodak’s framework highlighting context’s importance, the analysis explores the 1930s American South’s socio-political backdrop where the narrative unfolds. This contextual lens facilitates a nuanced comprehension of how language constructs and reinforces racial discrimination while illuminating the intricate dynamics of power and ideologies within the text. By delving into the social and historical backdrop, the analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex interrelationships among discourse, racism, and societal structures, yielding valuable insights and adding to the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination and its broader sociocultural implications.