Jean Louise, or Scout as she was known in her youth, creates suspense by subtly hinting at future developments throughout both novels. She does this through:
* Retrospective narration: By telling the story as an adult looking back on her childhood, Scout is aware of the tragic outcomes of events, which allows her to foreshadow future dangers and conflicts. She knows that Tom Robinson will be unjustly accused and that Boo Radley is a misunderstood figure.
* Observing adult interactions: As a child, Scout is often privy to conversations and events that she doesn't fully understand but that hint at the underlying tensions and prejudices of the adult world. This creates a sense of mystery and suspense, as the reader waits to see how these adult issues will impact Scout's life.
* Direct foreshadowing: Scout sometimes directly states things that foreshadow future events. For example, in *To Kill a Mockingbird*, she mentions that her father, Atticus, is "the same in his house as he is on the public streets," foreshadowing his moral courage in defending Tom Robinson.
* Using imagery and symbolism: Lee uses evocative language and symbols that create a sense of unease and anticipation. The "mockingbird" imagery throughout *To Kill a Mockingbird* foreshadows the innocence and vulnerability of those who are unjustly harmed.
Here are some specific examples of how Jean Louise creates suspense through hinting:
In To Kill a Mockingbird:
* The Radley house: The mysterious Radley house and Boo Radley himself are shrouded in mystery, creating suspense from the outset.
* Atticus taking the Robinson case: Scout mentions early on that her father is a lawyer, foreshadowing the challenging case he will eventually take on.
* The trial: The events leading up to the trial of Tom Robinson are described with a sense of foreboding, knowing that the outcome will be tragic.
In Go Set a Watchman:
* Jean Louise's return to Maycomb: Scout's return to her childhood home is filled with a sense of unease, hinting at the difficult truths she will face.
* Atticus's views on race: Jean Louise's encounters with her father's changing perspective on race and equality create a sense of tension and anticipation.
* The changing South: The novel explores the changing social and racial dynamics of the South, creating suspense as to how Jean Louise will reconcile with her past and present.
By subtly hinting at future developments, Jean Louise keeps the reader engaged and wondering what will happen next. This is a key element of suspense that makes both *To Kill a Mockingbird* and *Go Set a Watchman* compelling reads.