To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Background

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Background Notes

Setting – Maycomb, Alabama (fictional city) – Set in the 1930’s – Racism is still a huge problem in the South in the 1930’s, and we will see its effects throughout the course of the novel.

Major Themes – The Individual vs. Society – The Importance of Morality and Ethics – The Coexistence of Good and Evil – How the journey to adulthood also bring important lessons on morality and compassion

Symbolism – The Mockingbird becomes an important symbol throughout the novel. – "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird. " – There are two characters in particular who symbolize the harmless and innocent nature of the mockingbird. Consider this symbol as we read.

Major Characters: Scout Finch – She is the story’s narrator. – She is six when the story begins, but is narrating the books as an adult looking back on her childhood. – Naturally curious and intellectual, though not what a “stereotypical Southern lady” should be like.

Jem Finch – Scout’s older brother – He idolizes his father and generally looks out for Scout, though he can act like a typical big brother at times. – Like Scout he is curious and intellectual.

Atticus Finch – Jem & Scout’s father – He is a widower and a well-respected lawyer in the town – He tries to instill a strong sense of morality in his children, who refer to him throughout the book as “Atticus”.

Boo Radley – Mysterious neighbor of Scout and Jem – He is a recluse who never comes out of his house and is almost never seen – Has a reputation of being a lunatic, although whether that is deserved remains to be seen.

Tom Robinson – Young, hardworking black man – He has a wife and a young family – He is accused of raping a white girl, leading to one of the central conflicts of the novel. – Atticus Finch takes on his defense.

Controversial Topics – The novel was written to take place in a Southern town in the 1950’s. This means that when African American characters like Tom Robinson are spoken to/about, there will be derogatory terms that the characters use. Harper Lee wrote like this to be a true reflection of the time in which the novel is set. – As mentioned before, Tom Robinson is accused of rape and is subsequently brought to trial. – There will be some other “swear words” & obscenities through the book.