Ron Hansen's "Atticus"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the plot, character development and theme in Ron Hansen's novel "Atticus". The paper describes both the strengths of the novel and its weaknesses, explaining that while the plot is intriguing and well-developed, Hansen's attempt to create quality literature out of a story that is simply good escapist reading ultimately weakens the quality of the novel.

From the Paper:

"The story of the prodigal son is one of the oldest themes in literature. A son asks for his part of his future inheritance from his father, then proceeds to squander it, only to return home in shame. Upon the son's returning home, however, the father is so overjoyed to see him that he unquestionably accepts him back into the fold. The most famous occurrence of this story is to be found in the Bible. So much of Western literature is based on the Bible, and so it is no surprise that writers have adapted the story of the prodigal son to their places and times. One of these writers is Ron Hansen. In his novel Atticus, Hansen tells the story of a prodigal son, among other things. One of these other things is a mystery involving an unlikely suicide. Although Atticus at times is suspenseful reading, it is ultimately a murder mystery that is unfortunately burdened and flawed by Hansen's attempts to add symbolic and literary value to the story."

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