Blog #3

The book Go Set a Watchman, receives its title from biblical verse Isaiah 21:6. The preacher in the novel says, “For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.” I believe Harper Lee chose this title because the watchmen symbolize all the people guiding and influencing Jean Louise’s life. The main influences are her father, Atticus, her boyfriend Hank, and her aunt Alexandra. After further analyzing the bible verse I came to the conclusion that the watchman Jean Louise is supposed to be setting is herself. Thought the book Jean Louise is being told how to act and who to be but instead she should become her own watchman and prevent others from changing who she is. This is emphasized when the bible states, “Let him declare what he seeth,” meaning let Jean decide what she wants. This segment could also be a reference to the book’s most shocking revelation, which is that Atticus is a racist. Jean is shocked to discover who her father has become and has to change her views toward him. In addition, her boyfriend Hank is also there, making her question the entire town of Maycomb. This is eye opening for Jean because it depletes the little childhood innocence that was still left in the town. She now is tasked with deciding if what she sees is real or fake.