JOHN GRISHAM’S “THE STREET LAWYER”- THE CONFRONTATION BETWEEN THE INDIGENT AND THE PRIVILEGED MEMBERS OF SOCIETY

This article examines the artistic peculiarities of John Grisham’s novel The Street Lawyer, focusing on the conflict between criminals and justice, social inequality, and the moral responsibilities of legal professionals. As one of the prominent representatives of the legal thriller genre, Grisham explores significant social problems in contemporary American society, including homelessness, poverty, corruption, discrimination, and the unequal distribution of wealth. The article analyzes the transformation of the protagonist, Michael Brock, from a successful corporate lawyer into an advocate for homeless and socially disadvantaged people. Particular attention is paid to the events that challenge his professional ambitions and materialistic values, encouraging him to reconsider the meaning of justice and personal responsibility. The study also investigates the role of secondary characters, especially Mordecai Green and the homeless family, in shaping Michael’s moral awakening. Furthermore, the article discusses the literary techniques employed by the author, including dialogue, characterization, plot development, and the combination of thriller and didactic elements. Drawing on critical assessments by reviewers such as Tom De Haven and Michiko Kakutani, the article considers both the strengths and weaknesses of the novel. Although Grisham effectively raises awareness of pressing social issues, the rapid transformation of the protagonist, limited character development, and occasionally artificial dialogue may reduce the realism of the narrative. The article concludes that The Street Lawyer represents an important literary attempt to expose social injustice and question the ethical foundations of the legal system. Despite certain artistic limitations, the novel encourages readers to reflect on compassion, professional integrity, and the relationship between wealth, power, and justice in modern society.