To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee NOVEL

To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee NOVEL OVERVIEW Created by Mrs. Erb

Goals of Unit Plot, Setting & Character Development What is PLOT? What is SETTING? What is CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT? The main events that make up the beginning, middle and end of a story. Understand WHAT HAPPENS in a story is crucial to figuring out WHY things happen. Essentially the setting is WHERE and WHEN the story takes place. To Kill A Mockingbird uses the setting of southern Alabama, the town of Maycomb and the courtroom to develop the story As the characters develop we see changes that are reflections of the plot. As things happen they learn things and move on, hopefully keeping the reader’s interest in the process.

Introduction to the Novel The Main Characters Jean-Louise “Scout” Finch Atticus Finch • Lawyer and prominent citizen • Family has been in Maycomb for generations • Father of “Scout” and Jem • Defends Tom Robinson • Strong morals • Female narrator of story • Often tells of her past, (so setting and timeline jumps a great deal) • Daughter of Atticus • Explores theme of “judgment” based on relationship with Boo Radley Arthur “Boo" Radley Charles “Dill” Harris • Boy who visits Maycomb each summer • Seven Years old • Befriends “Scout” and Jem • Very smart; enjoys reading and acting out stories • Thirty-three year old recluse next door • As a child committed a crime and was kept home by his father • Does not leave house later in his life except at night • Rescues children and befriends “Scout” Bob Ewell • Daughter accuses Tom Robinson of rape • Feels ashamed that a white man made accusations about his family • Terrorizes Finch family • Killed towards end of story Tom Robinson • Young black man accused of raping white girl • When in court, clear evidence defending him is ignored due to discrimination at time • Sentenced to death • Shot dead during escape attempt

Why Boo Radley? Plot Sequence The “Boo Radley” Plot Introduction to the characters including the Finch family history, “Scout” and Jem, “Dill” Harris and the interesting history of Arthur “Boo” Radley Development of the children’s antics in their pursuit of “Boo” Radley, which includes dares and games to get his attention. During this part Atticus Finch warns the children to not judge “Boo” – they need to live life in his shoes. Children trespass on Radley property and are shot at, causing Jem to lose his pants. This further develops “Boo’s” character as we witness his actions.

Plot Sequence The “Tom Robinson” Plot A white woman, Mayella Ewell, is raped. She accuses Tom Robinson, a black man. Atticus Finch agrees to defend Robinson, which angers and upsets Maycomb is furious about trial and collectively wants to lynch Robinson. Finch faces uphill battle based on black’s position in society. Trial becomes one-sided despite clear evidence in favour of Robinson was in relationship with Ewell according to factual evidence but nonetheless, Robinson found guilt and sentenced to death. Robinson, clearly innocent, tries to escape the jail and is shot to death NOW WHAT?

The Connection? Plot Sequence Connecting the Two Plots Over the course of the novel, Dill, “Scout” and Jem continue to build a relationship with “Boo” Radley, trying to get him to come out of the house during the day What now?

Exploring Themes Good vs. Evil Morals: Right and Wrong Social Inequality, Racism and Discrimination • Moral reasoning by Atticus Finch • Acts of “Boo” Radley • Loss of innocence • Acts of the Ewell family: deception, harassment, lies and violence • Perspective: Life in someone else’s shoes • Atticus Finch defending Tom Robinson • “Boo” Radley and his background • The treatment of Tom Robinson • Racial divide between blacks and whites during time period • Treatment of whites who defend blacks

Exploring Symbols OL: SYMB A word or object that represents another word or object …Be on the lookout for: Small-Town Life “Boo” Radley Mockingbirds / Birds What do these symbols represent!?

Introduction to the Novel Background Information To Kill A Mockingbird includes several references to historical events. Knowing some information about this events is important for understanding the novel.

Introduction to the Novel Background Information 25% of population had no job Hundreds of thousands lost homes, farms and possessions Even those with jobs were affected because nothing was being produced GREAT DEPRESSION A period of extreme drought, poverty and hardships during the 1930 s. Average family income dropped to 50% by 1935 Stock Market Crash caused people to lose billions. Entire banks were wiped out and by 1933 over 60% of population was considered poor The novel takes place during the mid-1930 s at a time when the government was attempting to stop the Great Depression. The President at the time, Franklin Roosevelt, famously said, “the only thing to fear is fear itself” as his government created programs to create jobs, house the homeless and feed the starving.

Background Information Racism and Social Classes Although slavery was abolished in the 1890 s 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 (1890 s – 1960 s) Scottsboro Trials (1931) Social Inequality (Forever)

What were the Jim Crow Laws

The “LAWS” -unlawful for a negro and white person to play together -marriages are void when one party is a white person and the other is possessed of one-eighth or more negro, Japanese, or Chinese blood -separate free schools shall be established for the education of children of African descent; and it shall be unlawful for any colored child to attend any white school -separate accommodations for the white and colored races, by providing two or more passenger cars for each passenger train -restrictive signs sprang up across the southern and western landscape. They were constant and humiliating reminders -contracts barred African Americans and sometimes other groups-including Jews, Asians, and Latinos-from many neighborhoods

Scottsboro Trials -nine black teenagers accused of rape in Alabama in 1931

Ruby Bates & Victoria Price in 1931

Background Information Social Inequality Wealthy The Finches White Town/Country People White folks of Maycomb & Maycomb County The Ewell Family “White Trash” Tom Robinson Black People Even the law was one-sided: Juries were always all-white and all-male. The word of a black man meant nothing against the word of a white man.

About the Author To Kill A Mockingbird is semi-autobiographical for a number of reasons: Lee grew up in Alabama, born in 1926 Father was prominent lawyer Experienced Great Depression, Scottsboro Trials “Scout” based on her life; “Dill” based on life of childhood friend Truman Capote

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NOW WHAT?