„To Kill A Mockingbird“ by Harper Lee
born in Monroeville, Alabama,
the setting of „ , on th,
- youngest of four children of Amasa Coleman Lee and Frances Finch Lee
L „To Kil
Mockingbird“
attended local public schools
- from -49 afterwards attended for one year
- In the 1950s before she started writing, she lived and worked in New York in the
still lives there her father's sudden illness forced her to divide her time between New
- In 1960 To Kill a Mockingbird“ , her only published book.
-
literary and library awards
J : one of two persons named by President Johnson to the National Council of
- furthermore two honorary degrees and various other literary and library awards
however, special prizes
- e.g. 1997 she was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters at Spring Hill
Its professor
"lyrical elegance, her portrayal of human strength, and wisdom." à Still, Harper Lee did
not speak to the cheering and applauding audience.
- Most of what has been published on the doings of Harper Lee in the last many years is
speculation.
- Apparently she still plays golf, and there are various stories of her writing her memoirs.
- Furthermore her chief interests are nineteenth-century literature and eighteenth-century
music, watching politicians and cats, travelling and being alone.
Summary of the plot
The story is about a little girl called Scout Finch, her brother Jem and their father Atticus. They live in Maycomb which is a little town in Alabama. When the story begins in the summer of 1933 Scout is almost six years old and Jem is nearly ten years old. They make friends with Dill who is almost the same age as Scout. Dill is staying with his aunt Rachel and living next door to the Finch family.
Further down the road there is the Radley Place. Arthur Radley never comes out of his house, because his family is ashamed of him since he got into trouble when he was a teenager and they do not let him go outside. The children make up stories about him and try to make him come out. They call him Boo Radley and are -on the one hand fascinated- but also afraid of him. Every summer when Dill comes to stay the children play the game of trying to make Boo Radley come out.
Atticus Finch is a lawyer in Maycomb. In the summer of 1935 he has to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, who has been accused of raping a white woman. Tom is a good, hard working Negro. The white woman accusing him, Mayella Ewell, and her father Bob Ewell have a bad reputation and are not respected by the citizens of Maycomb. Although nobody believes their story Tom Robinson is found guilty. He tries to escape from prison and is shot. Atticus annoys Bob Ewell at the trial by accusing him of lying. He supposes Ewell has beaten attacks them in the dark with a knife. They are rescued by Boo Radley who kills Ewell in the struggle.
people and important insights into many aspects of human experience. The events they witness help them to see aspects of life in a Scout is a very lively and imaginative girl whose imagination was influenced by reading. She is a good observer but does not always understand the significance of certain incidents and events. Although being stubborn from time to time sh she loves very much. She loves him that much that she is ready to defend his honour and reputation even by fighting ( e.g. Struugle at school when a classmate calls Atticus pset that she tries to beat him up .
After he has saved Jem and Scout, the girl accompanies him to his home as if it was the most natural thing on earth.
ng of the title
The title has a very little literal connection to the plot, but its symbolic weight in the book is essential. In this story of innocent characters who are destroyed by evil, the mockingbird symbol appears to represent the idea of innocence.
Most important Miss Maudie explains to Jem: `` Mockingbirds don’t do one their hearts out for us. That’s why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.``
Evaluation of the novel
-
first part: introduction, instruction, the reader gets to know the main chara circumstances they live in
-➔ first
part seems to be long-
➔ result: novel could be more interesting if guided interpretation and indept coverage was given,
-entert
Frequently asked questions
What is "To Kill A Mockingbird" about?
„To Kill A Mockingbird“ is a novel by Harper Lee, set in Maycomb, Alabama. It tells the story of Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, a lawyer who defends a black man, Tom Robinson, against false accusations. The story explores themes of prejudice, justice, and childhood innocence.
Who is Harper Lee?
Harper Lee was born in Monroeville, Alabama, the setting of the novel. She attended local public schools and briefly attended the University of Alabama. She worked in New York before writing "To Kill a Mockingbird." She received literary and library awards for her work.
What is the plot summary of "To Kill A Mockingbird"?
The story revolves around Scout, Jem, and Dill's experiences in Maycomb. They become fascinated with their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley. Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Despite evidence of Tom's innocence, he is found guilty. Bob Ewell, Mayella's father, seeks revenge and attacks Jem and Scout, but Boo Radley saves them, killing Ewell in the process.
What is the significance of the title "To Kill A Mockingbird"?
The title symbolizes innocence. Miss Maudie explains that mockingbirds do nothing but sing beautifully, making it a sin to kill them. The mockingbird represents innocent characters who are harmed by evil.
What are some of the key themes in "To Kill A Mockingbird"?
Key themes include prejudice, justice, childhood innocence, courage, and the importance of empathy.
Who are the main characters in "To Kill A Mockingbird"?
The main characters are Scout Finch, Jem Finch, Atticus Finch, Dill, Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, and Bob Ewell.
Where does the story take place?
The story takes place in Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s.
What is the relationship between Scout and Atticus?
Scout loves and admires her father, Atticus. She respects his integrity and is willing to defend his honor, even physically.
What is the importance of Boo Radley in the story?
Boo Radley is a mysterious and reclusive figure who initially frightens the children but ultimately saves their lives, revealing his own innocence and humanity.
How is Tom Robinson's trial handled in the novel?
The trial highlights the racial prejudice prevalent in Maycomb. Despite the evidence of Tom Robinson's innocence, the jury finds him guilty due to his race and the prevailing social biases.
- Quote paper
- Sabrina Niemeyer (Author), 2001, Lee, Harper - To Kill A Mockingbird - Presentation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/105031
