A Foucauldian Analysis Of To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was awarded Pulitzer Prize 1960 once it was published. Set on the background of Great Depression, the novel describes a typical southern America town and residents from different aspects. Researches about the novel have been numerous since its publication, but most of them focus on racialism,narrative point of view, and the growth process.While some researches touch the topic of Boo being a symbol of the mockingbird, hardly has any paid attention to Arthur Boo Radley’s life experience, who is a young man full of enthusiasm for life but is considered as a mad man at last. In fact, Boo is a victim of power in Maycomb. This thesis is aimed to prove that Arthur Boo Radley is a victim of power in Maycomb from Foucault’s power theory.The thesis is divided into three parts. Part one is introduction, in which the literature review, research method and Foucault’s power theory are explained. Chapter two to chapter four is the body part. Chapter two proves that Maycomb is a symbol of power, chapter three then discusses that Boo becomes of a mad man because of his rebellious behaviors which go against power expectation. And the fourth chapter talks about the punishment of discipline Boo has suffered. The last part is conclusion.Arthur Boo Radley is a representative of the group who are full of challenging spirit. However, at that time in southern America, conservatism and racialism play a dominate role. Such people as Boo who challenges the tradition are not accepted by others. They make every effort to punish and discipline Boo. Therefore, a study of Boo by Foucault’s power theory can help readers understand southern America society further and add a new interpretation to the novel.