“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” -Atticus Finch, Chapter 3

By Harper Lee Published 1960

Maycomb, Alabama 1930’s Great Depression Prejudice and legal segregation Gender Inequality Widespread Ignorance

Stock Market crashed, October, 1929 Businesses failed, factories closed People were out of work Even people with money suffered because nothing was being produced for sale.

Race Gender Handicap Rich/Poor Age Religion

Poor, uneducated white people who lived on “relief “ lowest social class, BELOW poor African-Americans prejudiced against African-Americans felt the need to “put down” African-Americans in order to elevate themselves (ie. the Ewells)

Women were considered “weaker” Women were generally not educated for occupations outside the home In wealthy families, women were expected to oversee the servants and entertain guests Men not considered capable of nurturing children

Women given the vote in 1920 Juries were MALE and WHITE “Fair trial” did not include acceptance of a black man’s word against a white man’s

Good vs. Evil Human Dignity Prejudice Growing Up Courage

Atticus Finch - a morally strong attorney whose wife has died, leaving him to raise their two children: -Jem (Jeremy Atticus), 13-year-old boy -Scout (Jean Louise), 9-year-old girl

First person Story is told by Scout, a 9-year- old girl - Scout represents the author, Harper Lee, as a little girl, although the story is not strictly autobiographical

Setting is important –be aware of the “where” and “when” as you begin. Point of View – the novel is shaped by the voice of a young girl, Scout, who sees the story from a position of naïve acceptance

“The Way We Were,” Life Magazine, Google images To Kill a Mockingbird: Survival Guide YouTube: To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962