Stichomythia
The
questioning of Tom by Atticus is an example of stichomythia, a dramatic dialogue, characterized by brief exchanges
between two characters, each of whom usually speaks in one line of verse during
a scene of intense emotion or strong argumentation.
Harper Lee’s skillfully employs this literary device to intensify the tense atmosphere of the courtroom, to create momentum within the scene, and provoke a sense of urgency and trepidation in the reader.
Harper Lee’s skillfully employs this literary device to intensify the tense atmosphere of the courtroom, to create momentum within the scene, and provoke a sense of urgency and trepidation in the reader.
