Sparring Partners

In “Homecoming,” as in many of John Grisham’s other works, the small town of Clanton, Mississippi, is a microcosm of the US, reflecting its values, conflicts, and aspirations. The proliferation of lawyers in the town’s square reflects Grisham’s belief in the importance and prestige of the legal system in American life. Clanton is also a family-centered town; Mack’s abandonment of his family is seen as a greater crime than stealing from his clients. The prominence of family life in Clanton suggests that the family unit is the center of Grisham’s conception of American life. Clanton’s universality also makes it a productive space to explore the conflict of justice and injustice. Grisham’s exploration of these themes in this setting echoes the larger struggle for fairness and equity in the United States. In “Homecoming,” the town of Clanton is a place where wealthy Americans can buy their way out of prison time. Finally, Clanton is a symbol of the wider nation’s aspirations. Mack’s desire to improve his circumstances financially and professionally is a reflection of the American dream, even if he achieves it via illegal means. The fact that the protagonist Jake actively supports Mack’s efforts further suggests that these impulses are a community standard.