1. To Kill a Mockingbird Background Webquest
ELA 8

2. INTRODUCTION You read the novel To Kill A Mockingbird.
Before you read, we discussed and explored the history surrounding the text. We discussed race relations and the social culture of Alabama in the 1930s.We looked at specific laws and legislation, as well as social norms. This is an opportunity to investigate how the history we discussed played a vital part of the story.

3. TASK
Your task for this Webquest is to visit various websites (provided for you) to research a specific bit of historical context and explain how it appeared in the text.
You will choose a theme from the next few slides and complete the work your teacher gives you.

4. Justice is what is morally right and fair being applied.
THEME #1 Justice
Justice is what is morally right and fair being applied.
1. Research a situation from American History in which an African American was treated unjustly.
2. Complete the following slides:
RESEARCH- Describe the situation you researched.
*Provide date, location and brief summary of what you read.
CONNECT- Describe how it relates to Tom Robinson’s situation in To Kill A Mockingbird.
DISCUSS- What message does Harper Lee hope to send about this theme? Reference the story in your explanation.

5. THEME #2 Femininity
Qualities or attributes thought of as characteristics of women. 1. Research and compile a list of feminine qualities. What does our society consider feminine? 2. Complete the following slides: RESEARCH- Report a list of feminine qualities. CONNECT- Scout doesn’t really have much interest in working on her feminine qualities. Aunt Alexandra is intent on turning Scout into a proper lady. Describe Scout’s character and how she encounters and deals with it in the story. DISCUSS- What message does Harper Lee hope to send about this theme? Reference the story in your explanation.

6. Theme #3 Courage
1. Research a situation from American History in which a person needed courage to overcome an obstacle.
2. Complete the following slides:
RESEARCH- Describe the situation you researched.
*Provide date, location and brief summary of what you read.
CONNECT- Describe how it Atticus’s storyline in To Kill A Mockingbird.
DISCUSS- What message does Harper Lee hope to send about this theme? Reference the story in your explanation.