Thomas C. Foster defines geography in literature as something that develops and advances the lives of characters in a story. This is not limited to the "traditional" geographic features that we learn about in geography class, but rather a fixture in a story that makes the story grow. "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee has many geographical aspects that enhance the plot. One of the main focuses of the story is a trial that is being held against a black man. Many people in the town are appalled that a white attorney would even consider taking on the case voluntarily. This was during more racist times, which is even more drastic because the story takes place in Alabama (one of the more southernmost states). If this story was written for the characters to live in the north, you would be reading an entirely different book.
Another example of geography is that the book takes place in a very small town. If it was in a large city, you would not get the "town gossip" that is a constant factor in the rural community. You get a more involved feel from all of the characters when there are less people to write about. You also get a more neighborly feel if there are less people. Ms. Dubose is the neighbor of the main character Scout. If she did not live next door, you would get no development in the personality of Scout's brother Jem. Because they lived so close, they were able to foster the growth of Jem into a more mature character. Another neighbor of Scout was the Radley house next door. The house is described as being run-down, covered in overgrown weeds and very ominous. This house created a sense of fear for young Scout and Jem. If the house was farther away, you would not get the interaction of the children with the owner of the house later in the story. The house does not sound like typical geography (like mountains, hills and rivers), but it does in fact give more development to the book that would not be present if the house was not there.
Another example of geography is that the book takes place in a very small town. If it was in a large city, you would not get the "town gossip" that is a constant factor in the rural community. You get a more involved feel from all of the characters when there are less people to write about. You also get a more neighborly feel if there are less people. Ms. Dubose is the neighbor of the main character Scout. If she did not live next door, you would get no development in the personality of Scout's brother Jem. Because they lived so close, they were able to foster the growth of Jem into a more mature character. Another neighbor of Scout was the Radley house next door. The house is described as being run-down, covered in overgrown weeds and very ominous. This house created a sense of fear for young Scout and Jem. If the house was farther away, you would not get the interaction of the children with the owner of the house later in the story. The house does not sound like typical geography (like mountains, hills and rivers), but it does in fact give more development to the book that would not be present if the house was not there.