To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee NOVEL OVERVIEW MISS MANN

Plot, Setting & Character Development Goals of Unit Plot, Setting & 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. What is PLOT? 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 What is SETTING? 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. What is CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT?

Introduction to the Novel Atticus Finch Lawyer and prominent citizen Family has been in Maycomb for generations Father of “Scout” and Jem Defends Tom Robinson Strong morals Jean-Louise “Scout” Finch 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 Charles “Dill” Harris Boy who visits Maycomb each summer Seven Years old Befriends “Scout” and Jem Very smart; enjoys reading and acting out stories Arthur “Boo" Radley 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 Introduction to the Novel The Main Characters

Why Boo Radley? The “Boo Radley” Plot Plot Sequence 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.

The “Tom Robinson” Plot 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. 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. 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?

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

Exploring Symbols …Be on the lookout for: Small-Town Life “Boo” Radley A word or object that represents another word or object 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 Even those with jobs were affected because nothing was being produced Average family income dropped to 50% by 1935 25% of population had no job GREAT DEPRESSION Stock Market Crash caused people to lose billions. Entire banks were wiped out and by 1933 over 60% of population was considered poor Hundreds of thousands lost homes, farms and possessions A period of extreme drought, poverty and hardships during the 1930s. The novel takes place during the mid-1930s 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.

Racism and Social Classes Background Information 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: Racism and Social Classes Jim Crow Laws (1890s – 1960s) 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

Social Inequality White Town/Country People “White Trash” Black People Background Information Wealthy White Town/Country People “White Trash” Black People Social Inequality The Finches White folks of Maycomb & Maycomb County The Ewell Family Tom Robinson 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

Important Quotes “Remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.” That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it. “Your father's right,” she said. “Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.” “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” -Atticus Finch “Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don't pretend to understand… I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town. I hope they trust me enough…” -Atticus Finch

NOW WHAT?