1. Introduction
To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee

2. No, it is not a “how to” book

3. The Setting Maycomb, Alabama 1930s, during The Great Depression
Novel is set during the time of complete segregation

4. Harper Lee
To Kill A Mockingbird is semi-autobiographical for a number of reasons:
Lee grew up in Monroeville, Alabama
Father was prominent lawyer
Experienced Great Depression and Scottsboro Trials
Character of Scout based on her life; Dill based on childhood friend, Truman Capote (dedicated his novel In Cold Blood to her)

5. Racism and Social Class
Although slavery was abolished in the 1890s, racism and discrimination were alive and well during the time of the novel.
The novel is based on many historical facts that help to drive the story, (and allow the readers to explore a sad time in American history) including:
Jim Crow Laws (1890s-1960s)
Scottsboro Trials (1931)
Social Inequality (hopefully not forever): Juries were MALE and WHITE; Fair trial” did not include acceptance of a black man’s word against a white man’s
Gender Bias (also, hopefully not forever): Women were the weaker sex;education not important for women; wealthy women were expected to supervise staff; men were not seen as nurturing
Scottsboro Trials: 9 black men accused of raping two white women on board a train; only received lawyer day of the trial No physical evidence of a rape. Medical testimony said no rape.All white jury still convicted them. jury still convicted them.

6. Main Characters
Jean-Louise “Scout” Finch: female narrator of the story; daughter of Atticus; although now an adult, Scout looks back at her childhood and tells of the momentous events and influential people of those years; she is six when the story begins
Jeremy Atticus “Jem” Finch: Scout’s older brother
Atticus Finch: father of Scout and Jem; widower; lawyer; defends Tom Robinson
Dill: Friend who visits Maycomb in the summer; usually tells “big” stories
Arthur “Boo” Radley: thirty-three year old recluse next door; as a child committed a crime and was kept home by his father
Tom Robinson: young black man accused of raping white girl; married with three children; works on a farm belonging to Mr. Link Deas, a white man
Bob Ewell: daughter (Mayella) accuses Tom Robinson of rape

7. Characterization
The way writers create and describe a character for the reader.
Direct: the author TELLS us what type of character we are reading about by making direct statements about a character’s traits.
Indirect: the author SHOWS things that reveal a character’s traits through her or his actions and speech. Remember the STEAL method.

8. Characterization
The way writers create and describe a character for the reader.
Direct: the author TELLS us what type of character we are reading about by making direct statements about a character’s traits.
Indirect: the author SHOWS things that reveal a character’s traits through her or his actions and speech. Remember the STEAL method.

9. Mood
In literature, mood is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece. Mood is developed in a literary piece through setting, theme, tone, and diction.

10. Theme
Theme is the main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated or implied in the text. Overall, we look at the diction or word choice an author uses throughout the text to describe a character, the setting, or situations.
Lee illustrates in the novel:
it is a sin to destroy those who seek only to do good in the world.
it is a painful and difficult process growing up in this world.
we live in a world which is often unjust.

11. Symbolism
Symbolism is a technique used in literature when the author uses an object, person, situation, event, or action to add deeper meaning in context
can be subtle or obvious
author repeatedly use the same object to convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create an overarching mood or feeling
often used to support a literary theme
Be on the lookout for symbols, especially the mockingbird

12. To Do Now (due no later than Tuesday)
Go to Google Classroom:
Listen to the audio guide on Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird.
As you listen, take notes on what you learn about Harper Lee from her biographer, Charles J. Shields, and other contributors.
What are the 4-5 most important points on the Audio Guide? You will either submit these notes electronically on G.C. or hand write them and turn in.

13. Social Inequality The Finches
White Folks of Maycomb and Maycomb County
The Ewell Family
Tom Robinson