What advantages and disadvantages are there for having the author so young in “to kill a mockingbird”

The decision to have a young protagonist, Scout Finch, in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee comes with several advantages and disadvantages that are fundamental to the narrative and its impact.

Advantages:

1. Innocence Perspective: A young narrator brings an innocent perspective to racial and social prejudices depicted in the story. Children are often more honest and open in their observations, and Scout's innocence allows for a more poignant critique of the unfairness she perceives.

2. Growth and Development: Scout's youth allows readers to witness her growth and development. As she experiences and learns from the events around her, her character evolves continuously, providing a dynamic view of the story's moral and ethical lessons.

3. Identifiable Narration for Younger Readers: Young readers might find Scout's point of view more relatable, which can engage them with complex social issues in a more accessible manner.

4. Unfiltered Commentary: Young children often say what adults may not, either because they don’t understand the full ramifications of their words or aren't as conditioned by societal norms. This allows the author to deliver powerful messages without the constraints that an adult narrator might have.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Cognition and Understanding: A child's lack of sophisticated cognition and social understanding may lead to an oversimplified representation of complex issues. Some nuances and subtleties regarding social dynamics and human behavior could be lost.

2. Credibility: While Scout's innocence and sincerity are compelling, her young age may sometimes challenge the credibility of her interpretations and the depth of her insights into situations and people around her.

3. Emotional Depth: A young child might not fully comprehend or may not be able to articulate the emotional complexity of some situations or relationships in the story, potentially resulting in a less nuanced emotional portrayal.

4. Historical Context: Given the historical setting of the novel, a young protagonist might not effectively convey the full historical context to the reader, just by virtue of their limited experience and knowledge of the world.